General Information » Essential Info » Crime & Safety

Sydney is safer than many big cities. However, common sense should still apply. Keep alert when travelling on public transport after dark. Make use of Nightsafe areas on train platforms and choose a carriage near the guard’s van (the one with a blue light). It’s a good idea to keep photocopies of valuable documents in a separate place. Don’t leave bags visible in a parked car. Avoid dark, deserted areas, especially if your instincts warn you against them. Keep handbags closed and firmly attached to you.

Headline crime rates in greater Sydney have remained stable recently, with only gun crime rising notably. There were 538 robberies with a firearm in the 12 months to June 2006, up from 406 in the previous 12 months. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) has a useful website (www.rta.nsw.gov.au) with lots of information for drivers, including the location of fixed speed cameras. Speed is a major factor in most road fatalities.