Harry Dolan was Chief of Police in Grand Rapids, MI, before his appointment as Chief of Police in Raleigh in 2007.
As people grow older, their chances of being victims of crime decrease dramatically. But a lifetime of experience, coupled with the physical problems associated with aging, often make older Americans fearful. Although they’re on the lookout constantly for physical attack and burglary, they’re not as alert to frauds and con games – in reality, the greatest crime threat to seniors’ well-being and trust.
Be Alert when Out and About
Go with friends or family, not alone.
Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
Don’t carry credit cards you don’t need or large amounts of cash.
Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks.
Whether you’re a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
Make Your Home Safe and Secure
Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don’t hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend.
Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well lighted so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
Consider an alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.
Watch out for Con Artists
Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to be true – a free vacation, sweepstakes prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, a low-risk, high yield investment scheme.
Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security or bank account number to anyone over the phone. It’s illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verity a prize or gift.
Get Involved in the Community
Report any crime or suspicious activities to law enforcement.
Join a Neighborhood Watch to look out for each other.
Work to change conditions that hurt your neighborhood. Volunteer as a citizen patroller, tutor for children, aide in the police or fire department, mentor for teens, or escort for individuals with disabilities.
Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
If you’re suspicious, check it out with the police, the Better Business Bureau, or your local consumer protection office. You can also call the National Consumers League Fraud Information Center at 800-876-7060.
For More Information…
A link to information about the Raleigh Police Department’s districts:
http://www.raleighnc.gov/home/content/Police/Articles/PoliceDistricts.html
Seniors are invited to contact the department with any questions. The district crime prevention officers will be glad to perform home security checks or make presentations to senior groups and at senior residential areas.