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Older Adult Safety
Be aware of your surroundings
When
you are going out, go with friends. Form a Buddy System, schedule
grocery shopping or mall trips with a friend or group. There is
safety in numbers.
When
carrying a purse, hold it firmly and carry it close to your body,
and not dangling by the straps. If your purse is snatched let it
go your safety is worth more than material things.
Carry your wallet in your inside coat pocket or front pant
pocket.
Never
carry large sums of money/cash. If you receive Social Security,
retirement, etc. get direct deposit for your checks, if you don’t
already have it. Criminals know when people receive their social
security and government assistance.
While
out driving keep your doors locked.
When
parking, park in a well lit area, and be alert. Take notice of
your surroundings. Pay attention to other people in the area.
Be Confident
While out
walking, shopping, etc. hold your head up, display confidence.
Look at people, make eye contact.
Criminals are
less likely to comment crimes if they fear they have been seen and
they and be identified.
Home Safety
Home safety is
a very important part in the fight to prevent crime. Criminals
look for the quickest and easiest routes to take when committing
crimes. They don’t want to be seen, heard or have to work too
hard to commit a crime. The harder you make it for the criminal
the less likely they’ll bother your property.
Here are some
preventive steps you can take.
Install and use good locks on all exterior doors. . On exterior
doors use a 1inch deep dead bolt; remember to keep your doors
locked at all times even when you’re at home.
Use
locks on windows and sliding glass doors. You can add protection
using both factory and commercial locks and by also placing an old
broom handle or wooden rod in the track of a sliding glass door or
window.
Install a wide-angle peephole in your exterior doors, to be able
to view whoever is on the other side. Remember: If you do
not recognize the person on the other side of the door don’t open
it. If they want to use your phone tell them no or ask them to
give you the number and you will call, but don’t open the door.
DO
NOT leave an extra key under a door mat, in the mailbox, or any
other hiding place around or near the entrance of your home.
If
your house keys are stolen or lost for an extended amount of time
replace door locks.
If
you come home and your door is open or been tampered with Do
Not enter the house. Go to a trusted neighbor and notify your
local law enforcement.
If
you’re awaken at night by an intruder in your home try not to
panic. Lie still and at first opportunity call law enforcement.
When
you’re gone for more than a day get a neighbor or friend to pick
up your mail and paper deliveries.
When
away make your home make it look occupied by arranging to have
lawn maintenance done, and setting lights on timers to come on and
go off periodically.
Con Artist
Con artists are
smart, extremely persuasive, and aggressive. Being coned by a con
artist has nothing to do with your intelligence, it could happen
to anyone. Just beware and follow some of these preventive tips.
Don’t
be taken by investment schemes, funeral scams, home improvement
scams, discount medicines, etc. Beware of the sweepstakes winner announcements, free vacation
awards, and any other promotions that seem to good to be true.
Be
wary of telephone solicitors trying to sale products over the
phone. If someone is trying to find out personal information
about you over the telephone hang up.
Never
give personal information such as count numbers, social security
numbers, credit card number, etc.
Never
let anyone rush you into signing anything such as contracts, sales
agreements, insurance policies, etc. Contact someone you trust
and have them read the document as well. Contact an attorney to
read documents that you are unsure of or do not trust.
If
you feel uneasy about a making a decision don’t do it follow your
instinct.
Contact your local law enforcement or Crime Prevention Officer if
you think that a CON ARTIST is targeting you…
REMEMBER: If it seems too good to be true it probably is… Follow
your instinct and don’t sign a document until someone else has an
opportunity to read it. Don’ t be rushed into making any deals…
Criminals are
opportunists. They look for opportunities when they think they
won’t be recognized or seen. Let’s not give them that
opportunity. Stay on your watch.
Abuse/Neglect
If you, or an elderly or disabled person that you know is being
abused, neglected or exploited, report it to your local law
enforcement agency.
For additional information call:
Pitt County Sheriff’s Office
Crime Prevention Unit
252-902-2727
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