It is very common for older people, and often their families as well, to worry about crime. Even if the rate of crimes against the elderly is much lower than acts of crime against young adults, it is impossible to remain unperturbed when any kind of criminal action affects an older person. If criminals target older people, it is usually for home repair scams, car theft, and robbery. Sadly, older folks are more likely to face off their attackers than younger people ever would. Older people tend to get more hurt during crimes than younger people.
However, fear of possible crime should not stop you from living a full life.
Keep your level of awareness of your surroundings on slight alert, but don’t worry excessively.
Here are some “do’s and don’ts” that can help you fight crime and stay safe.
Be safe when you are at home.
Do try to make sure that your locks, doors, and windows are strong and cannot be broken easily. A good alarm system can help.
Do check to be sure your doors and windows are locked both when you are in the house and when you’re away.
List anything you own that you think might be valuable. You might even take pictures of the most valuable items. Put both photos and list in a safe place.
Inquire with your local authorities about marking some of the most valuable items with an ID number.
Don’t open your door before you know who’s there. Look through the peephole or a safe window first. Ask strangers for ID before you open the door. Remember, you don’t have to open the door if you feel uneasy.
Don’t keep much cash in the house.
Meet your neighbors. If your community has a community watch program, inquire about joining in.
Use some common sense:
Do try to stay alert. Don’t walk alone. Steer clear of dark parking lots and alleys.
Keep the doors of your car locked.
Don’t open your car door or roll-down your window for strangers.
Do park in well-lit areas.
Do carry your purse close to your body with the strap over your shoulder and across your chest.
Don’t argue with a robber. If someone asks for it, hand out the cash as quickly as possible.
Do your best to safeguard your money.
Have your monthly pension and your checks from Social Security deposited directly into your bank account. Pick different days to go to the bank.
Avoid carrying a lot of cash. Your wallet, money and credit cards should be kept safely in an inside pocket.
If at all possible, you shouldn’t keep your checkbook and your credit cards in the same place. The person who steals them could forge your signature on the checks by using the signatures on the back of the credit cards.
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