Polizei.AT

Polizei.AT is Austria's official police app. In addition to the latest news, prevention tips and emergency numbers, the app offers helpful information from the police sector. The app is compatible with all common operating systems (ios, android and windows) and can be downloaded free of charge from the app stores:  http://www.bmi.gv.at/cms/bmi/sicherheitsapp/

The virtual companion- Komm Gut Heim app

Let friends and family accompany you in real time. Ensure greater safety and react quickly in an emergency. Your location is only shared with selected contacts. They will be notified by push message when you set off and as soon as you arrive safely. Available free of charge for your smartphone:  http://www.kommgutheim.eu/  

Ever newer developments and the associated even more convenient usage options make the mobile phone a sought-after prey for thieves.

Suggestions:  

• Secure your mobile phone with a PIN code! This should be a matter of course and is a good way for every mobile phone owner to protect themselves from harm.
• Do not write down the PIN or PUK codes on the mobile phone or SIM card.
• Do not leave mobile phones openly on tables, benches or counters in restaurants.
• Do not leave mobile phones in jackets, coats or rucksacks when visiting a pub and then leave them unattended in the cloakroom.
• If you have a prepaid mobile phone, register it with your network operator!

In case of theft:

Report it to the police immediately! The 15-digit device number (IMEI number - International Mobile Equipment Identity) is important when making a report. This number can be used to identify a mobile phone. Make a note of the IMEI number and keep it separate from the mobile phone!

Where and how can I find the IMEI number?

• on the original packaging
• on the mobile phone bill
• on the device (usually under the battery compartment)
• by pressing the key combination *#06#

Have registered mobile phones blocked immediately by the network operator.

A1: +43-800-664-100
Drei: +43-660-30 30 30
T-Mobile: +43-676-2000

A ‘stalker’ in Austria is a person who persistently and continuously pursues a person over a longer period of time in a manner that is likely to unreasonably impair their lifestyle, in particular by seeking out their physical proximity (e.g. stalking), contacting them by means of telecommunications or other means of communication or via third parties (e.g. by text message or email), ordering goods or services for them using their personal data (e.g. from mail order companies) or using their personal data to induce third parties to contact them (e.g. through personal adverts).

What should you do if you become a victim of stalking?

• Make it clear to the stalker, if possible in the presence of a witness, in no uncertain terms and only once, that you no longer want any further contact with them. Then consistently ignore the person!
• Document everything the stalker does. Every contact, communication and save evidence such as letters, text messages, emails, etc. This is important in the event of legal action.
• Inform your private and professional environment that you are being ‘stalked’ so that contacting the stalker via your circle of acquaintances (new telephone number, address) does not lead to success.
• If you are followed by car, drive directly to the nearest police station.
• In specific threatening situations, always alert the police by dialling 133.

• A conscious ‘environment check’ helps in advance. This means: LIGHT - look out for well-lit places at night, even if this means taking a diversion.
• In an emergency, draw attention to yourself by making NOISE and approach PERSONS directly for assistance.
• Be aware in advance which ‘safety islands’ are on the (recurring) route.

• If possible, withdraw money during the day and in the foyer of the bank.
• Pay attention to the surroundings when lifting
• Do not obviously count money for others
• Always stow everything well and securely before leaving the vending machine

• Know the timetable - avoid unnecessary waiting times
• Get your ticket at the ticket counter if possible, otherwise have small change in your hand
• Orientate yourself as to where the nearest entrances/exits are
• Waiting where people are already standing
• Watching waiting passengers
• Wait outside the bus shelter in the dark
• Choose your train compartment wisely
• If possible, choose one-person seats or aisle seats + close to the bus driver

• Take particular care in crowded places (mass events, shopping centres, amusement parks, Christmas markets, etc.)
• Store the wallet in the front trouser pockets or inside pockets
• If possible, carry your handbag tucked under your arm. Use a shoulder strap if necessary. Also be careful with your rucksack, offenders can also steal from it unnoticed!
• When using (public) toilets, open the door fully when entering so that the entire cubicle can be seen. Make sure that the door is properly locked. Also be careful when leaving toilets - be prepared for someone to be standing outside.
• For your own protection, a ‘pocket alarm’ is recommended, which - when activated - triggers a loud siren that helps to alert other people to the situation.
• NEVER let strangers into your apartment/house.

• A firm ‘NO’, an energetic dismissal of an uninvited visitor or a loud cry for help can prevent a criminal offence!
• Never address the perpetrator as ‘you’, otherwise witnesses will think that the victim and the perpetrator know each other and will not help. Therefore, in such cases, always address the perpetrator as ‘you’ so that everyone knows that this is not a friendship or acquaintance relationship.
• In the event of ‘harassment’ on public transport (verbal abuse, physical assault, theft, sexual harassment, discrimination through words/actions, etc.), shout loudly for help, ask other passengers for help and even pull the ‘emergency brake’ on the vehicle. Of course, the police emergency number ‘133’ can also be dialled at any time.
• If you have the feeling that you are being followed in an underground car park, quickly dial the emergency number ‘133’. If there is no reception, activate the fire alarm: There are red metal boxes measuring 10 x 10 centimetres hanging on the walls. Break the thin glass pane and press the button.
• If someone is the victim of sexual assault, even if they feel very ashamed, immediately call the emergency services on 144 and/or the police on 133. It is important to know that women are only questioned by women at the police station. Victims can also take a trusted person, for example a friend, with them!