What is 'Community Safety'?

    Community Safety refers to the actual or perceived safety concerns that may affect our quality of life, wellbeing and the ability to live ‘free from fear’. Safe communities are those that are connected, liveable and secure.

    What role does local government play in Community Safety?

    Local government enforces many state regulations and is responsible for the ‘peace, order and good government’ of their municipal districts. 

    This includes delivering and advocating for services that support a safer and inclusive community.

    How do members of the community contribute to Community Safety?

    The community can bring about positive change and solutions to local community safety issues at a grassroots level, by initiating small changes such as, creating networks with local neighbours, actively contributing to the wider community and sharing information and reports with relevant agencies.

    • Get to know your neighbours - your neighbours are your biggest security asset. They can keep an eye on your property and can report suspicious behaviour. 
    • Get reporting - if you witness a crime or see something suspicious, take the time to report it. 
    • Get informed - the City has a number of resources to help you improve safety and security within the home, business and community.
    • Get busy - the look and feel of an area can impact our perceptions of safety. Report public maintenance issues such as graffiti and faulty lighting. Keep your own property well maintained.

    What is the difference between the 'Safe Canning Strategy' and the 'Safe Canning Strategy: Implementation Action Plan (IAP) 2021-2022'?

    The Safe Canning Strategy (The Strategy) is an overarching framework that supports the implementation of initiatives and programs that enhance community safety.  It outlines the City's strategic vision, context and background of the work the City has done and will do to deliver community safety outcomes. 

    The Strategy will be an ongoing document, with changes only made via Council resolution, such as, an adjustment to the Strategy's Core Focus Areas.

    The Safe Canning Strategy: Implementation Action Plan (IAP) 2021-2022 is a document directly informed by community safety priorities, as identified through stakeholder consultation along with analysis of local crime trends and demographic data. The IAP assigns the priorities to one or more of the three (3) Core Focus Areas (People, Place and Partnerships), and details the actions to be delivered to achieve the desired success outcomes. 

    The City recognises that community safety and crime priorities are ever-changing, and requires a fluid and adaptable approach to ensure these are addressed in a timely manner. 

    The IAP will remain 'live' through regular reporting of community safety outcomes and successes to our stakeholders and broader community. This will be followed by an annual consultation and review period to inform the next IAP, and so on. 

    What are the three (3) core focus areas and how do they contribute to Community Safety?

    As part of the Strategy, the various elements of community safety have been captured within three (3) core focus areas, namely PeoplePlace and Partnerships. These areas are explained in more detail below:

    PEOPLE

    • Build a community where crime is reduced and people feel safe and included. 

    • Provide education and awareness that empowers our residents to actively contribute to the community.

    PLACE

    • Create safe places and spaces that enhance perceptions of safety.

    • Improve community confidence and use of public areas and reduce opportunistic crime.

    PARTNERSHIPS

    • Foster and maintain partnerships both formal and informal.

    • Work together to deliver community safety outcomes.

    I have a specific issue or concern relating to anti-social or criminal activity. What should I do?

    For emergency or life threatening situations, contact 000

    For Police assistance or attendance in no-urgent situations, contact 131 444.

    To report suspicious or criminal behaviour anonymously, contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online report at crimestopperswa.com.au.

    Whilst City officers do not have the power to intervene criminal activity, the City's Ranger and Community Safety Service (RCSS) conduct patrols of the area 24/7 to provide peace of mind to the community. You can contact the RCSS team on 1300 422 664 to arrange additional patrols of a particular area, to deter anti-social behaviour and provide an added layer of surveillance.