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.