Why
Advice just for Senior Citizens ?
The reason that the Police
have developed this special set of guidelines is
because they feel that older people may experience
different kinds of problems. This may be because
they live alone, or just because they are less
active than they were in earlier times. Because of
this, senior citizens may feel more vulnerable and
experience a greater fear of crime.
Is
there Greater Cause for Concern ?
The fact is that elderly
people are less often the victims of crime than many
of their younger neighbours. Cases of assault are
very infrequent, although we would all be much
happier if they never happened at all. Senior
citizens are, however, subjected to burglary and
thefts as often as the rest of the population. There
is need to take care. By taking the following steps,
you are making a good start to improving your
personal safety.
Be
Careful with Cash
Remember that thieves want
property, and particularly cash. Therefore, only
have as much money in your possession as you require
for your immediate needs. There are lots of ways of
paying bills without using cash. Advice on money
matters is freely available from Banks, Building
Societies, Credit Unions, Post Offices, etc.
Thieves often grab handbags thinking they contain
valuables. Leave your handbag at home! When out
shopping, carry sufficient money and any keys in an
inside pocket.
Mind
your Property
The Police can advise you
on how to mark property with your own property number. This
makes it less attractive to thieves, and also easier
for them to return it to the rightful owner when it
is recovered.
Check
on Callers to your Door
Fit a door viewer. Then you
can safely see who any caller is, without having to
open the door. A door limiter enables you to open
the door partly, and still maintain some control
over entry. If you think any caller looks
suspicious, DON'T LET THEM IN! You can tell them
that you are busy, and get them to call back when
someone else is at home with you. Remember, if the
person is genuine, they will appreciate your fears
and will not mind calling back, or proving who they
are.
Official callers should
have identification cards. Always ask to see one.
Even if the person is dressed as a Garda, you can
still ask to see such a card. Treat door-to-door
callers (who are not known to you) with caution.
Be
a Good Neighbour
We recognise that one of
the best aids to crime prevention is a good
neighbour. This is someone who will keep an eye on
your house when you are away, and who will call to
make sure that everything is well. Good neighbours
are part of Neighbourhood Watch - join if you can.
Lock
Up
There is no need to turn
your home into a fortress. However, it is important
to have good locks fitted to your windows and all
external doors. Lock them every time you leave the
house. If you make an effort to do this regularly,
it should develop into a habit, and that way it will
be less likely that you will forget. Advice is
available from your Local Crime Prevention Officer.
Just contact your local Police Station and they will
put you in touch with him. |
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