Safety for Seniors from the Baltimore Police Department
As many people grow older, their chances of being victims of crime decrease dramatiacally. But a lifetime of experience, coupled with the physical problems associated with aging, often make older Americans fearful. Though they're on the look-out constantly for physical attack and burglary, they're not as alert to frauds and con games—in reality, the greatest crime threat to seniors' well-being and trust.
Want to conquer fear and prevent crime? Take these common-sense precautions.
Be Alert When Out and About
Go with friends or family, not alone.
Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
Don't carry credit cards you don't need or large amounts of cash.
Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks.
Whether you're a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train or subway.
If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
Make Your Home Safe and Secure
Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don't hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend.
Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well- lighted so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire and medical emergencies.
Watch Out for Con Artists
Don't fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free vacation, sweepstakes, prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, a low risk high- yield investment scheme.
Never give your credi card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone. It's illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.
Don't let anyone rush you into signing anything- an insurance policy, a sales agreement, a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
If you're suspicous, check it out with the police, the Better Business Bureau, or your local consumer protection office. Call the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 800- 876-7060.
Get Involved in the Community
Report any crime or suspicous activities to law enforcement.
Join a Neighborhood Watch to look out for each other and help the police.
Work to change conditions that hurt your neighborhood. Volunteer as a citizen patroller, tutor for children, office aide in the police or fire department, mentor for teens, escort for individuals with disabilites.
Does your community have a Triad program? It's sponsored on a national level by the American Association of Retired Persons, (AARP) the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriffs' offices' Association (NSA). Traid promotes partnerships between senior citizens and the law enforcement community, both to prevent crime against the elderly and to help law enforcement benefit from the talents of older people. If you're interested, contact your chief of police, sheriff , or AARP chapter or call Triad at NSA, 703-836-7827.
Take a Bite Out of CRIME
Crime prevention tips from:
National Crime Prevention Council
1000 Connecticut Ave. NW, 13th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036
and MCCPI:
Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute
(410) 750-6593
(800) 303-8802
The National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign, sponsored by the Crime Prevention Coalition of America, is substanially funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Department of Justice.
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