Tips To Keep The Elderly Safe From Crime

Older people and their families worry about crime. Though older people are less likely to be victims of crime than teenagers and young adults, the number of crimes against older people is hard to ignore. If criminals target older people, it is usually for home repair scams, car theft, and robbery. Unfortunately, older people are more prone to face their attacker than younger people. Older people tend to get more hurt during crimes than younger people.

However, fear of possible crime should not stop you from living a full life.

Just pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of people around you without being paranoid.

Here are some “do’s and don’ts” that can help you fight crime and stay safe.

Be Safe at Home:

Make sure your locks are good and strong. A good alarm system can help.

Keep your windows and doors locked, both when you are at home and when you are out.

List anything you own that you think might be valuable. If possible, take a few photos of those items. Store these papers in a safe place.

Do ask your local police department about marking your valuable property with an I.D. number.

Do not open your door for strangers. Take a good look through a window or a peephole. Ask any stranger for proof of identity before opening the door. Remember, you don’t have to open the door if you feel uneasy.

Don’t keep much cash in the house.

Make an effort to know your neighbors. If your community has a community watch program, inquire about joining in.

Think ahead:

Be cautious. Walk in company. Stay away from unsafe places like dark parking lots or alleys.

Keep the doors of your car locked.

Keep your car doors and windows closed and locked if a stranger approaches.

Try to park in lit areas if possible.

Keep your purse close to your body as much as you can, and if it has a strap, wrap it around your chest.

Do not confront a robber. If someone asks for it, hand out the cash as quickly as possible.

Be Safe with Your Money

Ask to have your pension and Social Security checks sent directly to your bank account. Try not to have a regular banking routine.

Don’t carry a lot of cash. Your wallet, money and credit cards should be kept safely in an inside pocket.

Don’t keep your check book and credit cards together. A thief who steals both could use the card to forge your signature on checks.

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