Community safety

The City uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras throughout Mandurah. The City provides CCTV cameras in buildings, facilities and public areas. The installation of public area CCTV has been supported through a number of grants sourced through both the State and Federal Government.

The aim is to protect assets, and to stop offences happening to people and property, footage may also be used to provide evidence of events or incidents. The City utilises CCTV to cover ‘hot spots’ high traffic pedestrian areas within the CBD and entertainment precinct with the cameras having the ability to serve as a ‘capable guardian’ to deter anti-social behaviour and crime.

The City and WA Police have confirmed their commitment to a safer Mandurah through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement formalises the two agencies working partnership, providing the WA Police with CCTV equipment and footage to assist in their investigations.

Crime prevention through environmental design is using the built environment to lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime. Here are some tips that you can implement around your home to achieve sufficient crime prevention.

• Natural surveillance - Place lighting to allow people to be seen from 25 metres away, not directly in their line of sight to allow full vision of other passer-by’s. A white coloured light allows better vision of others. While leaving a few front window coverings open gives the idea that you are watching the street and will see any crime that occurs.

• Access control – Have a clearly defined line between public space and your property by using low lying bushes, garden beds or low fences at the front of your property to clearly show ownership.

• Clear path – Having a clear path to your front door makes anyone approaching your property not on this path easily identifiable.

• Hiding places - Make sure that shrubs are no higher than 36 inches from the ground and trees up 7 feet from the ground so there are no places to easily hide. Also consider removing any fences from the front of your property to enable a clear line of vision but do consider something to distinguish your property from the road, such as a line of flowers.

• Maintenance – Keeping your home maintained and well-kept sends the message that your property is occupied and cared for so you will notice and report any crime.

• Presence – Keep vehicles in the garage to show you are home, also gives the idea that the vehicle is cared for will be reported if stolen. Only putting your bins on the street when it is bin day and bringing them back in that same day shows you are not away for an extended period. Removing your mail daily also indicates your house is lived in.

• Windows – Keep all windows locked or have security screens on the outside rather than fly wire. If you do not have a security screen make sure door locks are at least 40 inches from windows, this prevents thieves being able to smash a window and reach around to the door lock.

• Neighbours – Be friendly with your neighbours and always let them know when you are going away so they can take in your mail and watch over your property.

How the City of Mandurah is addressing anti-social behaviour

• Graffiti issues
• Reckless driving or Hooning