We pride ourselves on our high level of safety

With the highest average income and the lowest unemployment in Australia, our crime rates are low. This helps make us one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Policing is the community policing arm of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). ACT Policing is responsible for providing quality and effective policing services to the ACT. This is done in partnership with the community and the ACT Government.

Working together to keep us safe

ACT Policing works closely with partners and community organisations to keep us safe. They build strong relationships in the community.

The community also has a role to play in helping to protect each other.

• The Canberra Police Community Youth Club offers social services and recreational programs for young people and their families.
• Crime Stoppers lets people report crime anonymously online.
• Neighbourhood Watch means people who live near each other watch out for suspicious activity and report it. 
• Scamwatch helps us recognise, avoid and report scams.
• SupportLink refers people to service providers when they need support. 

Property crime prevention

We can take simple steps to keep our property safe. These include:

• locking your car and hiding valuables
• taking business security measures
• taking simple home security steps to deter intruders
• locking your bike
• being safe online

ACT Policing also works to protect us from other risks. This includes response to:

• family violence
• alcohol and illicit drugs
• children’s safety
• discrimination
• animal safety

Road safety

We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe. When driving, ensure you know the road rules, drive to the conditions and be courteous and respectful to other drivers.

• Speeding
• Seatbelts
• Driving to the conditions
• Alcohol and drug impaired driving
• Driver distraction
• Traffic controls

National safety measures

There are restrictions, laws and guidelines about the use and ownership of firearms in the ACT. And the National Terrorism Threat Level tells the public about the chance of an act of terrorism occurring in Australia.

Response to emergencies

The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) responds to many incidents around Canberra. It’s trusted to protect us and keep our community safe. The ESA works with us to encourage preparedness, prevention and recovery before, during and after an emergency.

The ESA is made up staff and volunteers. They work across operational and enabling services, including:

• ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS)
• ACT Fire & Rescue Service (ACTF&R)
• ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS)
• ACT State Emergency Services (ACTSES)

The ESA provides public information to keep the community informed and calm during emergencies. They manage risk, and provide spatial and digital services.

Types of emergencies Canberra faces

From time to time, the ACT may face weather events that threaten damage to property or lives. These can include:

• Bush and grass fires
• summer heatwaves
• strong winds, storm, hail or flooding

ESA is the single point of truth for emergency information in the ACT. It’s important to follow the advice from the ESA during an emergency, and do what you can to make sure you’re prepared.