Page 224 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sydney

222  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health In an Emergency
For all emergencies – police,
Street crime in Sydney is less prevalent than in many other fire and ambulance – call 000. If
large cities, but it does exist, particularly late at night in some you witness suspicious activity,
popular entertainment areas. You can minimize any risks by report it to the National Security
exercising reasonable caution and following the advice given Hot Line on1800 123400.
below. Members of Sydney’s police patrol the city’s streets and
public transport system, on foot, bicycle and motorbike, in cars, Lost and Stolen Property
and even on horseback during major events. A police presence If you lose anything on public
is usually visible at crowded tourist areas and during public transport or in a taxi you should
events. Nature presents other safety considerations, at surf report it immediately, providing
the transport route you were
beaches and in the bushland. The following information offers travelling on. NSW Trains and
some practical advice for coping with environmental hazards. Sydney Trains have one number.
Sydney Ferries has a separate
number, while bus passengers
beaches, markets, sporting should call the individual Sydney
venues and on public transport. Buses depots. For anything left
Never carry your wallet in an in a taxi, call the taxi company.
outside pocket and do wear If your passport is stolen, report
shoul der bags and cameras it to your embassy or consulate
with the strap across your body (see p221). Lost or stolen credit
and the bag or camera in front. or debit cards should also be
Park cars in well- lit, reasonably reported to the card provider so
busy streets, and don’t leave any that the account can be blocked.
valuables visible inside the car.
Leaving your vehicle unlocked Hospitals and
is an offence.
Police officers patrolling the streets of Sydney has no definite off- Pharmacies
Sydney on motorbikes limit areas during the day, but Sydney has excellent medical
try to avoid the more unsav oury services. If you are in need of
Police side streets and lanes of areas urgent medical attention, dial
Sydney has a strong police such as Kings Cross. At night, 000 for an ambulance or go to
force with hundreds of officers stay clear of deserted, poorly lit the emergency department
stationed in the city centre, The streets and toilets in parks. of the nearest main public
Rocks and Kings Cross. To report When travelling by
emergencies, major crimes and train at night, travel
fires call 000 from any phone. in the carriage
Victims of non-life-threatening near the guard’s
crimes such as personal theft, com part ment, which
car theft, breaking and entering, is marked with a
and malicious damage should blue light. Nightsafe
call the Police Assistance Line on buses run from major
131 444. There are 24-hour police train stations to the Police car
stations at The Rocks, Kings suburbs when trains
Cross and Day Street, Sydney. stop running from
midnight to dawn.
Taxis are prob ably
What to Be Aware of
the safest means
Leave valuables and important of travel at night,
documents in your hotel safe, espe cially for shorter
and don’t carry large sums of journeys or for
cash. Try to avoid carrying all of women on their own. Fire engine
your credit and debit cards with Secure, signposted
you. Leave one of your cards in taxi ranks in the city
the hotel safe as a back up if your centre are manned
wallet is stolen. It is also worth by security guards
photocopying vital documents on Friday and
in case of loss or theft. Saturday nights.
Be on guard against purse See www.transport
snatchers and pickpockets in big nsw.info for late-
crowds. Prime places for theft are night bus routes and
tourist areas, shopping centres, departure points. Intensive care ambulance

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