Common Sense Crime Prevention Tips For the Elderly

• Walking
  
  Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings. Walk confidently.
  
  Have a companion accompany you at all times.
  
  Stay away from buildings and doorways; walk in well-lighted areas.
  
  Have your key ready when approaching your front door.
  
  Don’t dangle your purse away from your body. (it will be an invitation for a robber to take it away from you.
  
  Don’t carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only what you need.
  
  
  
• In Stores
  
  Don't display large sums of cash.
  
  Never leave your purse unattended.
  
  Use checks or direct debit where possible.
  
  
  
• In Your Car
  
  Always keep your car doors locked whether your are in or out of your car.
  
  At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear.
  
  Travel well-lit and busy streets. Plan your route.
  
  Don’t leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on the floor , where it is more difficult for someone to grab it.
  
  Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in and steal them.
  
  When returning to your car, check the front seat, back seat, and floor before entering.
  
  Never pick up hitchhikers.
  
  If your car should break down, get far enough off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, raise the hood, get back into the car, lock the door, and wait for help to arrive.
  
  
  
• At Your Door/Home
  
  Never open your door automatically. Use an optical viewer.
  
  At night, draw your blinds or drapes.
  
  Always ,lock your doors and windows (most burglaries of senior’s homes occur via unlocked doors and windows)
  
  Vary your daily routine.
  
  Be part of “neighborhood watch” to keep an eye on your neighborhood. 
  
  Have a friend look out for you, and you for him/her.
  
  Don’t leave notes on the door when you are going out.
  
  Leave lights on when going out at night, use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period.
  
  Don’t place keys under mats, in mail boxes, or other receptacles outside your door.
  
  Notify neighbors and cancel deliveries such as newspapers, and ask neighbors to pick up unsolicited ones. Arrange to have your lawn mowed, and mail stopped, or have someone pick it up for you.
  Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home. Deal only with reputable businesses.