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with
Crime Prevention
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Senior citizens
are generally more frail than most people and cannot easily
defend themselves well. They have been victims of crime because
of their more trusting and believing nature and concern for
their loved ones. This makes them easy targets for criminals.
Therefore, having awareness of the preventive techniques can
help you to recognise a potential crime situation and allow
positive action to be taken that will reduce or remove the risk.
Staying
indoors
 When alone
at home, keep your grille gates and doors locked at all times
to prevent unwelcome visitors from entering the house.
Never
open doors to strangers. Use the door-viewer to identify a
visitor. Keep chain-latch of the door fastened when talking
to the visitor.
Do not
keep large amounts of money in your home. Keep valuables in
a safety deposit box at your bank.
Check
the identity of anyone who claims to be maintenance officer
or repairman or government official. Ask for their credentials
and check with the government department concerned or with
your family members of any such appointment. Call the police
if in doubt.
Never
open the door to strangers who claim to be relatives or friends
of your children. Do not give strangers money when they ask
for payments of hospital bills or goods.
Away From
Home
Notify
your family members of your whereabouts if you intend to go
for a trip.
Secure
all windows and doors before you leave.
Discontinue
mail and newspaper deliveries. Otherwise, arrange to have
someone pick up any newspapers or mail that are left on your
step.
Let your
neighbours know you are going to be away, for how long and
how you can be contacted if necessary.
Staying
Outdoors
Walk
in pairs or group and only in well-lit areas.
Always
sling your handbag infront of you or hold it under your arm
and walk facing oncoming traffic to prevent it being snatched.
Carrying
a personal alarm for extra protection.
Be aware
of your surroundings and avoid areas that increase your chances
of being assaulted.
Never
flaunt your wealth such as watches and jewellery in public
as this might draw attention to theft. Keep valuable especially
jewellery out of sight.
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Scams and Conmen
Do
not fall for anything that sounds too good to be true such
as fortune telling, magical talismans or objects like 'magic
stone' that can cure illnesses, or any introduction to get-rich-quick
schemes. If you are suspicious, check it out with the police
by noting the descriptions of the culprit, e.g. their appearance,
complexion, clothing, mannerism, movements and other physical
details. This will help the police to identify the culprit
later.
Never
give personal numbers like credit card, NRIC, bank account
number to anyone over the phone.
Do not
let anyone rush you into buying anything-insurance policy,
contract, sales agreement. Read it carefully and have someone
you trust to check it over.
Never
buy 'winning' 4-D tickets from strangers, as these tickets
are likely to be forged or tampered with.
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Conclusion
However if crime appears uninvited on you, it is vital that
you should not fight back as you can easily sustain serious
injuries, even death, in resisting. Remain calm and try to
memorise the assailant's appearance. Call the police immediately
once you are safe to do so.
For assistance, call the Police at 999 or the nearest Neighbourhood Police Post/Centre.
Family members can play a key role by constantly updating their elders on the latest crime trend and their modus operandi, so that these confidence tricksters do not take them in so easily.
Explain the crime prevention measures to elderly members in your family, as they could be victims of tricksters and criminals. Help them to be aware so that they can protect themselves and continue to live their golden years in happiness.
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