Senior Citizens and Crime Prevention

Just because you're a senior doesn't mean you can't take an active part in preventing crime, not only to your person, but also to your property. Knowledge of some basic safety and crime prevention strategies will stand you in good stead in not only protecting yourself, but your property as well, no matter what your age.

Crime is a frightening problem for seniors who may be worried about:

· Burglary

· Fraud

· Mugging

· Purse snatching

· Home Invasion

· Carjacking

Still, you don't have to live in fear just because you're not as strong as you used to be or you can't run away, or even fight back. Armed with knowledge, you can strike back and make a difference. Criminals look for easy opportunities and that goes for everyone. Making the perpetration of crime more difficult will help protect not only your person, but also your property, from becoming an easy target.

At Home:

You don't necessarily need fancy and expensive security systems, but you DO need to always be alert and cautious when out in public and at home. To insure safety in your own home, follow these simple guidelines:

· Keep your doors locked, with deadbolts if possible.

· Don't attach identification to your key ring.

· If you lose your key or move into a new home, install new locks.

· Always keep garage and basement doors locked.

· Lock windows at night, as well as close your curtains.

· If possible install a peephole into your front door.

· If allowed, keep a dog. Even a small, barking dog will deter most burglars.

When You Go Out:

When banking, don't flash money or checks around. Never, ever give financial information to anyone over the phone, and be especially wary of phone scams promising anything, especially if you have to pay any sort of a fee ahead of time.

Arrange to have your Social Security or other checks deposited directly into your bank account to avoid thieves watching your mailbox or following you to the bank on regular days every month. For that matter, don't be accustomed to always following the same patterns for banking, shopping and errands. Keep people guessing and don't allow anyone to identify patterns of behavior.

If possible, try to avoid going out alone to run errands, or do laundry or go shopping. When you do go out, and if you expect to arrive back home after dark, leave a light on so that you can see your front door and surrounding area. Many people leave a television or radio on, or lights. Don't turn on the same light all the time, but switch them around.

Always let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return, and if possible, don't carry large amounts of cash in a purse or wallet.

Traveling:

If you regularly travel by bus, try to find a seat near the driver whenever possible, though not too close to the front door, which will deter purse snatchers who are looking for an easy getaway. When sitting on the subway or train, don't linger off by yourself, but instead wait near the ticket booth or in a crowded area if possible while waiting for your train. If you see a subway car empty, don't get on... wait for others.

When driving, always park in well lighted areas and watch your car for several moments before climbing in to make sure no one in lingering nearby, waiting for you to open the door. Something we have all been taught is to always check the back seat and floor, but unfortunately, many people forget to do that. If your car breaks down on the highway, stay inside and keep your door locked. If you have a cell phone, call a friend or family member for help, or call the Highway Patrol and give them your approximate location. If someone stops and offers you a ride, politely decline and state that the Highway Patrol has been notified and is on the way.

If You Are Attacked!

We all hope that our diligence will protect us, but sometimes, we can't avoid trouble. If you are attacked, try to avoid injury and don't fight for money or belongings that can be replaced. If someone accosts you, try to sit down so that they can't push you down and cause possible injury. You alone must determine whether to fight back, to yell or to scream for help. Sometimes, doing so will frighten your attacker away, but other times, it will anger your attacker. Only you will be able to determine what you're going to do at the moment.

If you do become a victim of any crime, try not to destroy potential evidence and call police from a neighbor's house, if possible. Try not to resist, and hand over what is being demanded. Try to remember what your attacker looks like, and the type of clothing he or she is wearing, as well as general age, if possible.

The Best Protection is Prevention

No matter where you are, there are a few basic things that seniors can do to help protect themselves and their community.

· Be aware and alert

· Become involved in Community Affairs and if possible, join Community Watch Groups or anti-crime groups or Neighborhood Watch Groups.

· Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood and don't be embarrassed. There may be a logical explanation for something that sets your internal alarms off, but then again, there may not.

Just because you're a senior citizen doesn't mean you have to become easy prey to bullies, thieves or others bent on mischief. Take control over your environment as much as possible, always watch what's going on around you and above all, trust your gut instincts.