Australia 2020 Crime & Safety Report: Canberra This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report (as well as the Crime & Safety Reports for other posts across Australia) to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Australia. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Australia country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Travel Advisory The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Australia at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System. Overall Crime and Safety Situation Crime Threats The U.S. Department of State has assessed Canberra as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Property crimes, such as burglary, breaking and entering, and theft occur throughout Australia, and are among the crimes most likely for Australians and foreigners alike to encounter. Physical assaults are relatively uncommon, but occur with greater frequency in specific locales, predominantly outside of the city center. Crime in the central business district includes illegal recreational drug use and associated behavior, particularly after midnight. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey, 468,200 Australians (2.4%) experienced physical assault in the 2018-2019 reporting period; 600,900 (3.0%) experienced “threatened assault;” 231,000 households (2.4%) experienced a break-in; and 439,600 households (4.6%) experienced malicious property damage. Between 2008-09 and 2018-19 there was a decrease in the victimization rate for all selected household crimes, including Break-in (3.3% to 2.4%); Attempted break- in (3.1% to 1.9%); Motor vehicle theft (1.1% to 0.5%); Theft from a motor vehicle (4.5% to 2.5%); Malicious property damage (11.1% to 4.6%); and Other theft (4.4% to 2.1%). According to the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) experienced approximately 30,000 criminal offenses between January and September 2019. This marks a decline from the approximately 43,827 offenses recorded in 2018. (Note: the population of the ACT is approximately 415,000.) Offenses in 2019 included 2,050 assaults, 175 robberies, and 2,024 burglaries. Overall, 2019 witnessed a very slight increase in crimes against persons. Canberra recorded four homicides in 2019; six homicides occurred in 2018. The rate of vehicle thefts remained nearly unchanged from 2018. Most vehicles stolen in the ACT are not taken for financial advantage. With introduction of alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers, most stolen vehicles follow a home burglary (thanks to stolen keys). China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Australia has extremely restrictive firearms legislation. The purchase, licensing, and storage of firearms is very limited compared to U.S. standards. Firearms use in crimes is rare, though organized criminal elements (including so-called “Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs” and drug trafficking groups) sometimes use guns. Cybersecurity Issues Cyber criminals continue to gain access to networks primarily through targeted emails and spear phishing campaigns; this is the greatest threat to cyber security in the region. The chief motivation for cyber-attacks was financial gain. This aligns with the cyber threat of most concern to the private sector, which is theft or breach of confidential information or intellectual property (IP). Travelers should monitor the SCAM Watch website maintained by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for the latest information on how to recognize, avoid, and report scams. The Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network (ACORN) provides information on how to recognize and avoid common forms of cybercrime, including advice for victims. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband? Card skimming is relatively low compared to most countries; however, card skimming operations are discovered. Cover ATM keypads when entering their PINs. Taxi drivers and international organized crime groups have also been used card skimming machines, although the rate of incidence is low. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit. Transportation-Safety Situation Road Safety and Road Conditions Authorities enforce speed limits strictly via cameras and police traffic patrols. Holiday weekends typically see a rise in roadside fatalities, as many Australians drive long distances to popular beach destinations. Police frequently conduct roadside alcohol and illegal drug tests; these are not optional, according to Australian law. A driver is in violation of the law if driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .05% or greater. This level is lower than that of many U.S. states. Consume no alcohol before driving. In the event of a motor vehicle accident, stop and assist any injured persons. Each party must provide their name, address, and registration details to the other parties involved. This includes the owner of property damaged or injured person (or a person representing them). Report all motor vehicle accidents in the ACT to police within 24 hours, either in person at a police station, by phone at 131444 (Police Attendance Line), or online. Persons injured in a motor vehicle accident in some states of Australia may have coverage through compulsory third-party insurance as part of the standard motor vehicle registration. This insurance only covers compensation for injuries, and does not include damage to property or medical costs. In the event of an accident involving an unlicensed vehicle, the driver and owner may be financially liable for damages paid to the injured person. 2 China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan Traffic operates on the left side of the road, and all vehicles use right-hand drive. Seat belt use by drivers and all passengers is mandatory, and fines apply for not wearing them. Motorcyclists must wear helmets. Texting or holding your phone while driving is against the law in Australia, but you can use a hands-free system to communicate while driving. Roads and streets are frequently narrower and less graded than U.S. highways. Outside major metropolitan areas, most highways are two-lane roads with significant distances between destinations. If driving in rural areas, be alert to free-roaming animals, such as kangaroos, and "road-trains" (several semi-truck trailers connected together). Passing road-trains is dangerous; pull over to allow on-coming road-trains to pass to avoid being sideswiped. Exercise common- sense when driving in the outback. Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad. Public Transportation Conditions Buses, taxis, and car services are generally efficient and safe. Be mindful that many taxi services video record passengers during the trip. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Aviation/Airport Conditions Australian international and domestic airports meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The Australian Federal Police oversee security at all international airports. Australian international and domestic airports meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards. Canberra Airport (CBR) is a major commercial airport shared with the Royal Australian Air Force. The Australian Federal Police oversee security at all Australian international airports. Terrorism Threat The U.S. Department of State has assessed Canberra as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There have been seven terrorist attacks and at least 15 disrupted plots in Australia since 2014. ISIS leadership has repeatedly identified Australia as a desirable target. The potential return of dozens of Australian foreign fighters continues to pose a long- term risk, while homegrown extremists with basic, readily available weapons may be the greatest near- term threat. Active shooter incidents and vehicle attacks against mass gatherings continue to be of high concern to law enforcement. Most recent terrorism-related incidents have involved young, homegrown Australian extremists influenced and inspired online. In January 2019, several diplomatic missions in Australia received suspicious packages; some included threatening letters and material purported to be hazardous. Among the missions receiving these packages was the U.S. Consulate in Melbourne. Australian authorities promptly and effectively responded to this event, and soon thereafter arrested a man believed to be responsible. None of the items sent were hazardous to the health of the public. 3 China 2017 OSAC Crime & Safety Report: Wuhan In response to potential threats, Australian authorities have updated the National Terrorism Threat Advisory system to inform Australians about the likelihood of a terrorist attack, and to enable authorities, businesses, and individuals to take appropriate