Senior Safety

Becoming a senior does not necessarily increase your chances of becoming a victim of crime. However, seniors can be targeted for specific types of crime which are usually of a fraudulent nature or involve theft of property.

Federal law enforcement agencies report that victimization of the elderly is the cornerstone of illegal telemarketing, and the AARP found that 56 percent of the names on mooch lists (telemarketer call their list of likely victims a mooch list) were aged 50 or older.

What To Do:

Education and awareness of preventive techniques can help you recognize a potential crime situation and allow positive action to be taken that will reduce or remove the risk.

Stay informed about the latest scams in your community by reading the newspaper and watching television. Be skeptical about any proposal that sounds too good to be true or has to be kept a secret.

Don't rush into anything.

Check it out first and get as much information as possible.

If you have any concerns, contact a family member, a trusted friend, your banker, the police department or the Office of Consumer Affairs.

Become involved in your community and the police. Increase your sense of security and awareness.

Other Safety Tips...

When you go out:

• If you must carry a purse hold it close to your body. Better yet, use a hip-hugger or fanny pack.
• Put wallets in an inside pocket.
• Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Whenever possible travel with friends.
• Avoid darkened deserted routes, even if they are the shortest.
• When walking, don't overburden yourself with packages that obstruct your view and make it hard to react.
• Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home.
• When you drive, keep doors locked and windows up. Park in well lighted, busy areas.

When you are home:

• Use dead bolt locks on all exterior doors.
• Keep your doors locked at all times even when you are inside or working outdoors.
• Protect windows and sliding glass doors with good locks and other security devices.
• Make you home appear occupies when you go out by using a timer to turn on lights and a radio.
• Never let strangers in your home without checking their identification.
• Install and use a door peephole.
• If you live alone, don't advertise it.
• Be sure your house number is clearly visible from the street.
• Engrave valuables with your driver's license number.

Many of these Safety Tips may seem obvious, but they are only effective if they become second nature.

Please continue to visit our site and watch for more safety tips and crime prevention advice. We will also be adding numerous links and changing our themes on a seasonal, or as required basis.