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Protecting Older Adults from Personal and Property Crimes
By Edward Hutchison, director of Triad and Traffic Safety, National Sheriffs' Association
Older adults are at an increased risk to both personal and property crimes during the holidays. Families can do their part to help their loved ones by shopping with them or providing companionship for shopping experiences, and by helping their friends and relatives take proper measures to protect themselves.
For instance, identity theft, robbery and check fraud are more prevalent during the holidays -- and older adults are often the targets of such crimes. Purse snatchers and pickpockets are on the prowl during this time, looking for distracted shoppers. Remind older adults to avoid carrying sensitive personal information in their purses or wallets when they're out. This sensitive information includes Social Security numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs) to bank and credit card accounts, and passwords. A thief can use these details to order checks or credit cards, apply for loans or otherwise commit fraud using the older adult's name. Women are encouraged to get small bags to tuck into their shirts that are not as visual as large purses. Carrying large amounts of cash also increases risk, so ATM cards are much safer.
At malls and shopping centers, older adults often are viewed as easy prey for robbery because of a perceived inability to fight off a perpetrator. Shoppers should park near busy entrances or exits, and try to shop in groups. Many malls have security that will escort individuals to their vehicles.
Triad also trains volunteers who wear designated vests as part of Senior Escort Partnerships. These escorts can ensure older adults are safe to and from their vehicles in a mall. Senior Safe Shopping is another Triad program where off-duty law enforcement escort older adults to and from shopping. That helps eliminate the vulnerability and the danger factors.
An individual's mail -- both incoming and outgoing -- can be vulnerable as well, especially during the holidays. It's a good practice to avoid giving personal information online, too, unless the older adult actually initiates the contact; has checked for the secured yellow "lock" at the bottom of the page; and identifies a "https://" in the online address bar located at the top of the page.
Older adults should also protect their property when they're away for the holidays since their homes are often targets of crime. Safety suggestions include setting a timer on the lights, putting a hold on their mail, and having a neighbor or friend collect newspapers and magazines.
By removing the potential risks, older adults and their families can ensure a more enjoyable and safe holiday.
Triad is a national community policing concept that partners law enforcement agencies with older adult volunteer groups and community services to educate older adults on crime and fraud, to reduce crime against older adults, and dissipate unwarranted fear of crime. For more information, log on to www.nationaltriad.org.