Senior safety. Preventing crime

Crime Prevention Tips For Seniors
At Home

Never open your door automatically. Install and use
a peephole. Lock your doors and windows. Vary your
daily routine. Use "Neighbor Watch" to keep an eye on
your neighborhood. Don't leave notes on the door when
going out. Leave lights on when going out at night; use a
timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an
extended period. Notify neighbors and the police when
going away on a trip When you are away remember to
cancel deliveries such as newspapers and arrange for
someone - a neighbor's child, perhaps - to mow the lawn
if need be. Arrange for your mail to be held by the Post
Office, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.

Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your
home. Deal only with reputable businesses. Keep an
inventory with serial numbers and photographs of resaleable
appliances, antiques and furniture. Leave
copies in a safe place.

Don't hesitate to report crime or suspicious
activities.

Install deadbolt locks on all your doors.
Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out; keep
curtains closed.

Ask for proper identification from delivery persons
or strangers. If a stranger asks to use your telephone,
offer to place the call for him other yourself.
Never let a stranger into your home.

Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone.
Do not hide your keys under the mat or in other
conspicuous places.

Never give out information over the phone
indicating you are alone or that you won't be home at a
certain time.

If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be
inside, DON'T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report
the crime.

Walking
If you are attacked on the street, make as much
noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle.
Do not pursue your attacker. Call 911 and report the
crime as soon as possible.

Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend
accompany you in high risk areas . . . even during the
daytime.

Avoid carrying weapons . . . they may be used
against you.

Always plan your route and stay alert to your
surroundings. Walk confidently. Have a companion
accompany you. Stay away from buildings and
doorways; walk in well-lighted areas.

Have your key ready when approaching your front
door. Don't dangle your purse away from your body.
(Twelve percent of all crimes against the elderly are
purse snatchings and street robberies.)

Don't carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only
what you need. Better yet, sew a small pocket inside
your jacket or coat. If you don't have a purse, no one will
try to snatch it.

Shopping
Carry your purse very close to you . . . don't dangle it
from your arm. Never leave your purse in a shopping
cart. Never leave your purse unattended.

Don't carry any more cash than is necessary. Many
grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller
cards instead of cash.Don't display large sums of cash.

In Your Car
Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are
in or out of your car.

Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly
maintained to avoid breakdowns. If your car breaks
down, pull over to the right as far as possible, raise
the hood, and wait INSIDE the car for help. Avoid
getting out of the car and making yourself a target
before police arrive.

At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear
Travel well-lit and busy streets. Plan your route.
Don't leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on
the floor, where it is more difficult for someone to grab
it. Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting
packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to
break in to steal them.

When returning to your car, check the front and
back seat before entering.

Never pick up hitchhikers.

Banking
Many criminals know exactly when government
checks arrive each month, and may pick that day to
attack. Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which
sends your money directly from the government to the
bank of your choice. And, at many banks, free checking
accounts are available to senior citizens. Your bank has
all the information.

Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for
anyone except YOURSELF.

Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that
probably are too-good-to-be- true.

You should store valuables in a Safe Deposit Box.
Never give your money to someone who calls on you,
identifying himself as a bank official. A bank will never
ask you to remove your money

If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to
your local police or Prosecuting Attorney's office.