New Zealand has a reputation for being a safe society. Compared with many countries this is true. But you should use your common sense. We do have crime in New Zealand and you need to be careful. Here are some tips for keeping yourself safe:

• if you’re out late at night walk with a friend, especially if you’re a woman
• stay away from unlit areas and streets where there are few people
• protect your home by always locking your door when you go out
• make sure you have good locks on your doors
• if you go away on holiday tell your neighbours and ask them to take your mail inside. Don’t pull all the curtains because your house will look as though you’re away
• if you get a newspaper delivered, cancel it while you’re on holiday
• always lock your car, especially if it’s parked in an area where there aren’t many people around.