Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors
Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility, not just a job for law enforcement. Seniors can learn how to protect themselves from crime by following these simple, common-sense suggestions. Share these tips with your neighbours and friends, to, and make it tough for criminals to work in your neighbourhood.
At Home...
- Always keep your doors and windows locked. Install dead-bolt locks on all doors.
- Keep your home well lit at night, inside and out, and keep your curtains closed at night.
- Install a peephole in your front door so you can see callers without opening the door.
- Ask for proper identification from delivery men or strangers. Don't be afraid of asking - if they are legitimate they won't mind.
- If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him/her yourself. Never let a stranger into your home.
- Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone, and do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous places.
- Never give out information over the phone indicating your are alone or that you won't be home at a certain time.
- When you are gone for more than a day, make sure your home looks and sounds occupied - use automatic timers to turn on lights and a radio or television.
While you're out...
- Carry your purse very close to you - don't dangle it from your arm. Also, never leave your purse in a shopping cart.
- Don't carry more cash than is necessary. Many grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller cards instead of cash.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend accompany you in high risk areas - even during the daytime.
- Do not carry weapons - they may be used against you.
- Have your paychecks or government checks sent directly to your bank account - many banks have senior citizens discounts.
- Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that probably are too-goo-to-be-true.
In your car...
- Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns.
- Always lock your car doors, even when you're inside and keep your windows rolled up. Driving with the windows closed also improves gas mileage.
- Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk. Do not leave them on the back seat or on the floor of the car where potential thieves can see them.
