Lock car doors while you are on the
way to the bank, and don't make any stops.
Keeping your handbag safe
Handbag snatching doesn't often occur in
New Zealand.
However, if left unattended, they can be a popular target for thieves.
The following information outlines how
you can reduce the risk of your handbag being snatched.
Use this safety advice when carrying briefcases and laptops as well.
Out and about
Hold your handbag firmly at all times.
Carry it so it can't be snatched from behind or grabbed by a person in a passing
vehicle.
You should only carry enough cash with
you for what you need to buy that day.
It is not a good idea to carry large amounts of cash or jewellery or
other valuables in your handbag.
Act confidently and be aware of people
around you. Keep away from isolated areas. Walk with a friend if you don't feel
secure by yourself.
If you think someone is following or
watching you and you feel uncomfortable, walk faster and head in a safe
direction.
When you withdraw money from a money
machine, stand where you can see people, hide your PIN number and put your money
away promptly.
When using a public telephone, face the
people passing to prevent a thief approaching unnoticed.
In a vehicle
Keep your car doors locked and your
handbag out of sight. Handbags left on car seats can attract attention.
If possible, park where there are lots
of people around. Take your handbag with you when you leave the car.
Have your keys ready to quickly unlock
the doors when returning to your car.
Shopping
Supermarkets and shopping carparks can
be target areas for handbag thieves.
Keep your handbag with you at all times.
Never leave it unattended in the trolley while shopping or loading shopping into
your car. Take your bag with you when you return your shopping trolley.
Public transport
Hold on to your handbag at all times.
Don't put it on or under a seat, or in a luggage rack.
Be alert at all times at bus and ferry
terminals, railway stations and airports, and don't leave your handbag
unattended. Carry your handbag securely to prevent someone opening a zip or
clasp and removing a purse.
At work
Keep your handbag where you can see it,
locked in a safe place, or in a secure location.
Away from home
Leaving a handbag in a locked hotel or
motel room doesn't guarantee security.
Put your valuables in a room safe if
possible, or a safe at reception. If these aren't available, carry your
valuables with you.
Keep windows secured, especially those
on the ground floor or accessible via a balcony.
Bars, restaurants and clubs
Never leave your handbag unattended.
In a public toilet put your handbag away
from the door or on a hook. Thieves can reach under cubicle doors to snatch
handbags.
Don't put your handbag anywhere you
can't see it, such as under a seat. This also applies at other venues, such as
concerts, sports events and cinemas.
At home
Follow basic safety rules when you are
at home. (See factsheet Reducing the burglar's opportunities for further
information.)
Responding to theft
If you think someone is going to grab
your handbag, act confidently. Talk loudly and assertively. Use words like 'go
away', 'I'll call the Police'.
It's natural to want to protect your
property. However, if your handbag is snatched and you resist, you could be
injured during a struggle.
If your handbag is stolen:
Yell out 'stop thief!' or something
similar, to attract attention.
Contact Police immediately. It's useful
if you can provide a description of the thief, the direction of travel and
details of any vehicle used, particularly the registration number.
If your Eftpos or credit cards are
stolen, notify the bank or credit card company as soon as possible. Never keep a
written record of your PIN numbers with your cards or in your handbag.
You could receive a call from a person
claiming to be from your bank, credit card company or Police, requesting your
PIN Number. Don't give out your PIN number under any circumstances. These
agencies would not contact you to ask for your PIN number.
Personal Safety
Plan ahead
Make a list of the phone numbers of people you can call in an emergency. Keep a phone by your bed.
Arrange with a neighbour to look out for you. For example, arrange for a neighbour to collect your mail when you are away on holiday.
Consider getting a personal alarm you can activate in an emergency.
Consider installing a monitored security alarm in your home.
Don't be tricked
If a stranger comes to your home and asks to use your phone, offer to make the phone call yourself. They don't need to come into your home and you don't need to open the door.
Don't do business with strangers who come to the door or call you by phone.
Don't discuss your finances with strangers or give out details of your bank or credit cards over the phone.
Get several quotes before you employ tradespeople or ask a friend for a recommendation.
If you think someone is trying to cheat you, contact the Police.
General safety tips
Don't keep large amounts of cash/jewelery at home.
Never admit to being home alone.
Install a wide-angle peephole in your door.
Install security chains on the inside of external doors.
If you receive a wrong number phone call, never give out your name and address.
Ask for a security checklist from your Neighbourhood Support contact.
Top
Driving in New Zealand
Everyone who drives on the road in New Zealand must have a valid
driver licence.
In New Zealand people drive on the left hand side of the road.
The speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour on most city/urban roads
and 100 kilometers per hour on most other roads.
Road side sign posts are used to indicate when the speed limit changes.
You can be fined or have your driver licence taken off you for
exceeding the speed limit.
If you have a current overseas driver licence or international
driving permit you can drive for one year after you first arrive in New
Zealand.
If you do not have an overseas driver licence or an international
driving permit you cannot drive. You must
apply for a New Zealand driver
licence.
If you are caught by Police driving without
a valid licence, you will be ordered to pay a fine and you will not be able to
drive anymore until you get a proper licence.
You cannot get a Driver’s licence from the Police. To apply for a New
Zealand Driver’s licence, you can phone the Land Transport New Zealand on 0800 822422 or contact your nearest
driver
licensing agent.
See also: Driving
information for visitors and new residents from Land Transport
New Zealand.
Top
If you are a victim of crime or a road crash
New Zealand Police are responsible for investigating crime and
road crashes, and for keeping people safe.
If you see a crime or road crash happening, or if you are a
victim of crime, then please telephone the Police to report it and ask
for help. It is important to tell the police as soon as possible.
In an emergency,
telephone the police by dialling 111.
In many situations, Police will want to visit the place where the
crime happened (the crime scene).
In non-emergency
situations, police may ask you to
go to a police station to make an official report.
Police may want to talk to you about the crime and get
information and evidence to help catch the offenders and, if
appropriate, arrest them.
New Zealand Police are very good at catching criminals and
solving crime.
If you saw a person committing a crime or causing a road crash,
you can help Police by telling them what the person looked like. This is
called giving a good
description.
Victim Support is
another organisation that works very closely with Police to help and
support you after a road crash or crime has been committed.
Victim Support can help you with any questions or concerns you
may have about being a victim or witness.
If the person who caused the crime or road crash is arrested, he
or she may have to go to Court.
You may also have to go to Court to give evidence and explain
what that person did to you. Court
Victim Advisers can help you with information about the court
process.
In New Zealand all victims have rights, which include being
treated with courtesy and compassion. The Victims’
Rights Act 2002 sets out what your rights are as a victim.
Top
Domestic/family violence
In New Zealand, domestic violence (also known as family violence)
is a crime. Police take it very seriously.
It is against the law for anyone to physically, sexually or
psychologically abuse another person.
Examples of domestic violence include punching or kicking a
family member; damaging property as a way of hurting someone; trying to
control someone's life by constantly humiliating them; bullying, sexual
mistreatment; controlling someone's money, time, car or contact with
friends as a way of having power over them.
The most common types of domestic violence reported to Police
involves violence against women and children. About 85% of victims
reporting to Police are women.
Police recognise the serious harm domestic violence does to
children who see or hear domestic violence. Police will also do their
best to keep children safe from harm.
If you or a family member is in immediate danger from domestic
violence then telephone the police on 111.
If domestic violence is happening in your home, you should tell
someone you trust about this. Call a friend, family member or one of the
groups listed below. If you don’t know who to talk to, call the
Police.
People suffering domestic violence can apply to get a protection order. You should seek
advice from a lawyer or one of the support groups listed below.
Protection orders are issued in the Family Court and give legal
protection against domestic violence for the person who applies for it
and their children.
A protection order names the person who is committing the abuse
and clearly explains what they can and cannot do. For example, a
protection order may state that the person must not damage or threaten
to damage property.
In normal circumstances, a temporary protection order can be
granted on the same day or within a few days after you apply for it.
A protection order may also help protect your home and
property.
If the person does not obey the protection order then police can
arrest them. The person will go to the District Court and could be
ordered to pay a fine (money) or may go to prison.
Find out more about protection orders and the Domestic Violence Act
In New Zealand, there are strict domestic violence laws. For more
information about these laws, start by reading the Domestic Violence Act 1995, or refer to the Family Court website.
Other agencies that can help you include the
Top
Looking after your children in New Zealand
New Zealand law states all children and young people have the
right to be safe and cared for.
It is important you look after your children so they are safe and
don’t become victims of crime or get involved in crime.
In New Zealand, young children under the age of 14 have to be
supervised at all times for their safety. Never leave a child under the
age of 14 at home or in a car by themselves.
When in a car, children under the age of five must be fastened
into a special safety
seat suitable for their age, size and weight.
If you are going out, ask a family member or friend –
someone you trust – to look after your children. If you have
someone looking after your children while you are at work or away from
home, that person must be 14 years old or older.
Make sure your children are able to contact you or a trusted
person at all times. For example, make sure they know your work or
mobile phone telephone numbers.
If you think your child is a victim of crime or is involved in
crime then you should talk to the police.
There are special police officers called ‘Youth Aid
Officers’ who deal with young people involved in crime. They can
help you consider the best ways to keep your children safe.
New Zealand Police also have special Youth Education Service
Officers who work with teachers in schools to help teach young people
about keeping safe.
You can talk to your school about what they teach to keep
children safe.
During school holidays, try and involve your children in sport or
other activities. Many community groups have holiday programmes to keep
young people busy and entertained during school holidays.
Young people who are busy with sport or other positive activities
are less likely to become involved in crime.
Top
Trespassing
Trespassing is entering someone’s private property or place
of work without permission.
Trespassing is a crime.
If someone is trespassing, they can be asked to leave or they can
be given a trespass
notice.
Anyone can be given a trespass notice, including children. For
example, if someone has stolen something from a shop, the shop owner can
give that person a trespass notice.
The trespass notice is a formal request to stay away from the
property.
If a person ignores the trespass notice and tries to come onto
the property, then police can be called to come and remove the person.
Police can arrest someone for trespassing.
A person can be fined up to $1000 or sent to prison for up to
three months for trespassing.
A trespass notice can prevent someone from going onto the property for
as long as two years.
Top
Kidnapping and blackmail/extortion
Kidnapping, blackmail or attempts to kidnap or extort money are considered serious crimes in New Zealand.
Kidnapping is the unlawful detention of a person without their consent. Blackmail is the use of threats to extort property (including money) or to compel a victim to behave in a particular way
These are serious offences in New Zealand punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
More than 70 percent of Kidnappings or blackmail/extortion reported to Police in New Zealand result in offenders being prosecuted.
Top
Hate crime
New Zealand Police, and people in New Zealand generally, do not tolerate offences based on a person's race. These offences are also known as "hate" crime. Where such crimes are reported to
Police they are vigorously investigated.
Police work closely with representatives of ethnic communities and
organisations like the Human Rights Commission to protect the rights and freedoms of all
communities in New Zealand.
If you are aware of racially motivated abuse or violence against members of your family or community you should report it.
Top
Immigration fraud
It is your choice to use an immigration agent or representative and you are responsible for any documents provided to the Immigration Service by your agent or representative.
The supply of false visas, permits and other documentation is fraud and Police treat this matter seriously.
If you think someone has deliberately given you false immigration
information or advice and you have paid for their service, then you
should report this to the Police and the New Zealand Immigration
Service.
Top
Financial fraud
To avoid being tricked or cheated out of your money, Police advise dealing with well-known and respected financial institutions when borrowing or investing money.
Keep credit cards, cash machine cards and identity numbers in a safe place. Do not give these identification numbers (PINs) to anyone.
Always ask for identification from someone who wants to pay you for goods or services by cheque.
If you think a person or a financial company is trying to cheat you, contact the Police.
Read more on Cheque Fraud and Credit Card Fraud.
Top
What to do if...
If you are a victim of burglary:
If you come home and find you have been burgled and you think the
burglar may still be in your home, do not go into your home. Contact
police immediately by telephoning 111 from another phone. See How to
Report a Crime
If you think the burglar has left your home, then telephone or
visit the nearest police station to report the burglary.
When you go to the police station to report the burglary you
should receive written confirmation of your report. This is called a
‘Complaint Acknowledgement Form’. The form includes a file
number and the name of the police officer dealing with your complaint.
Do not touch or move anything in your home that the burglar may
have touched or moved because the police may need these things as
evidence. For example, police will want to look for any fingerprints
left by the burglar.
If you have home and contents insurance you should tell your
insurance company that you have been burgled.
You will need the police file number when making an insurance
claim after a burglary.
The following links provide good information about burglary in
New Zealand and how to help prevent it:
Top
If you are in a car crash:
If you are involved in a car crash, it is very important to try
and stay as calm as possible.
You must stop to see if anyone else is injured or if property is
damaged.
If people are hurt, telephone 111 and ask for police and
ambulance help. If you can’t telephone for help, then ask someone
to telephone for you. Police will find out who was responsible for
causing the crash.
Police may arrest a person if they caused a crash by breaking New
Zealand’s driving laws.
In some less serious car crashes where no one is hurt, police
will probably not come to the crash. But you must still report the crash
to police.
If you are in a car crash, then by law, you must tell police
about it within 24 hours of the crash.
If you have car insurance you should tell your insurance company
that you have been in a car crash.
You will need the police file number when making an insurance
claim after a car crash.
Give your name and address to the driver of any car that’s
been damaged and to the owner of any property that’s been damaged.
If other drivers are involved in the crash, try to find out whether they
have insurance and which company they have insurance with.
If you can’t drive your car after the crash then you should
protect it from any more loss or damage. For example, move the car to
the side of the road and lock it. Take personal things from the car away
with you.
Top
If you are driving:
New Zealand Police are responsible for making sure drivers obey
New Zealand’s driving laws.
If someone breaks these driving laws they may have their licence
or car taken off them. People may even go to prison.
You must be at least 15 years old and have a driving licence to
drive in New Zealand.
You need a special motorcycle
licence to ride a motorcycle.
Carry your driver licence
with you at all times when driving.
Your car must have a current warrant of fitness (WoF) and registration.
You should study the Road Code which
explains New Zealand’s driving rules.
When in a car, children under the age of five must be in an
approved safety
seat according to their age, size and weight.
In New Zealand, you must not drive after drinking
alcohol. You must not drive too fast and you must
always wear your safety belt.
Every person in a car must wear a safety belt. This includes
people in the back seats of a car.
Top
If you are threatened for money or property
If a person threatens or intimidates you for money or property or
forces you to behave in a particular way, then telephone police on
111.
If someone threatens or attempts to kidnap you, then telephone
police on 111.
Police treat this type of crime very seriously and have a very
good record of solving it.
