Personal Security Advice for Senior Citizens
How Elderly People Can Avoid Being Victims of Crime
Dec 7, 2008
A survey of 4,000 elderly people by charity Age Concern found that "Almost half of those aged over 75 were too afraid to leave their homes after dark because they believed they would be subject to verbal abuse or mugging."
It is surprising to discover that elderly people are statistically no more likely to be a victim of crime than anyone else. In fact, according to a Home Office "British Crime Survey", "People aged over 60 are less likely to become victims of crime than those in other age groups."
The best way to avoid becoming one of the victims of crime is to take sensible precautions to prevent it from happening in the first place. Personal security can be improved greatly by heeding the following advice:
Ensuring Personal Security – Avoiding Con Artists and Scammers
- Walk down busy, well-lit streets. Walking or shopping in busy areas means that it is less likely that personal security will be compromised.
- Carry a purse or handbag close to the body. It makes it considerably harder for a robber to snatch valuable possessions when they are held closely.
- Don't leave a purse resting on top of a shopping bag. This would make it very easy for a passing thief to grab. Perhaps consider wearing a money belt around the waist.
- Don't carry unnecessary cash. Carrying excess money will tempt robbers. Try to arrange for any money to be sent directly to a personal account via bank transfer rather than physically carrying it there.
- Avoid short cuts. Although it may be quicker taking a short cut, it may also be less safe. Stick to tried-and-tested routes.
- Buy a mobile phone in case of emergency. Store names of friends on the phone so that they can be accessed quickly in the event of an emergency situation.
- Be careful who the door is answered to. Get a spy hole and ask the caller to identify himself if not someone already known. A chain guard is also a useful addition so that any ID can be presented.
- Credit and debit card information. Giving credit or debit card details to any company that isn't known is not advisable.
- Carry a panic alarm. Keep a panic alarm close by in case confronted by an attacker. Attackers don't like loud noises as it draws attention and many will simply run away when activated.
The Utility Inspector Scam
Con artists prey on elderly people by posing as a utility inspector. They claim to be conducting a routine inspection. They subsequently inform the person that a number of regulations are being breached. A subsequent offer is made to get the work done cheaply, but there was never a regulatory breach in the first place.
Don't let anyone into the home until full photo ID is provided. If there remains any doubts regarding the validity of the utility inspector, ask for the supervisor's telephone number and call. If still not happy, don't let them in and call the utility company directly for advice.
Home Repairs by Passing Tradesman
Beware of passing tradesman who call round to inform the occupant that work needs to be done on the family home. It just so happens that the tradesman has some spare material so it can all be done cheaply. Sadly, the materials are of very poor quality or stolen.
These con artists will perform shoddy workmanship, won't complete the work and will usually vanish with the money given prior to completion. Only use friends and trusted local workmen to perform home repairs.
Medical Scams
An article in a magazine will advertise a miracle cure for an ailment for £19.99. The miracle cure doesn't work and the only beneficiary is the person cashing all the £19.99 payments that have been sent. Seek the assistance of only qualified medical practitioners as miracle cures don't exist.
Don't live in fear of con men as elderly people are no more at risk than anyone else. Take simple personal security precautions to protect against con artists, robbers and scammers. Most people will never have to deal with these people, but being aware that they exist is important.
Other Articles Of Interest to Seniors
Reducing Utility Bills and Preventing Fuel Poverty
Getting Pet Pnsurance and Ensuring Animal Safety
Identifying Cheap Children's Christmas Gifts
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