Crime and the Elderly

Course overview

Crime and the Elderly OBJECTIVES 1. Identify the three most common causes of crime that affect the elderly. 2. Explain two ways in which the elderly can protect themselves from crime. 3. List seven ways in which the elderly can prevent crime in their home. 4. List seven ways in which the elderly can prevent becoming a crime victim on the street. 5. Identify four “purse” strategies in order to prevent the crime of purse snatching. 6. List four guidelines that your client should follow in case of a robbery. 7. Describe three ways in which a crime victim’s life is “affected.” INTRODUCTION One of the largest worries shared by older people is that they might become victims of crime. The impact of crime is greatest on the elderly because they often have limited budgets, frequently live in the inner city neighborhoods where crime is more common, and may be injured easier in the course of the crime. Physical disabilities, such as vision, hearing loss, and diminished strength make older people less able to defend themselves or escape from threatening situations. CRIME AND THE ELDERLY The incidence of crime against the elderly is not higher than the general population, but the impact of the crime is usually greater because the elderly are more vulnerable to serious consequences. The rate of the most serious crimes; murder, rape, and assault are low among the elderly. The most common crimes that affect the elderly include: - purse snatching, - fraud, especially from the very caregivers who are paid to protect them. - theft of checks from the mail, because many elderly people want to get their social security checks, not just have them direct deposited in their banks. - vandalism and harassment, especially by teenagers. The elderly person’s best defense against crime is to be informed and to follow strategies for crime prevention. Fear of crime can be useful if it encourages appropriate protection. Fear over a long period of time can be harmful to physical and mental health, as stress and restricted activity eventually take their toll. When crime does occur, it should be reported to the police. Police estimate that more than half of crimes against the elderly go unreported. Victims should not be embarrassed or frightened about calling the police. Reporting crime can let police know where problems exist in the neighborhood and can encourage better protection in the future. PREVENTION OF CRIME IN THE HOME Encourage clients to: 1. Lock doors and windows with good security equipment. Almost one-half of all home and apartment burglaries occur because someone did not “lock up.” 2. Install and utilize a peephole. Do not unlock the door to admit strangers without identification. Have the stranger slide his/her credentials under the door. Check with companies to determine if a person’s credentials or identifications are valid. 3. Avoid opening the door a few inches even with the chain lock in place. Do not depend on the lock to protect you from intruders. 4. Keep shrubbery trimmed so a burglar is unable to hide near windows and doors. 5. Use only your last name and first initial on the mailbox and telephone listing if you live alone. 6. Take the number and make the call yourself if some stranger requests to use your telephone to call for help. 7. Mark valuable property by engraving it with a driver’s license or state identification number from the Motor Vehicle Administration. 8. Keep photographs of hard-to-engrave items. 9. Store small, seldom used valuables such as jewelry in a safe deposit box when possible. 10. Make a list of valuables in the home and keep it in the safe deposit box at the bank. ON THE STREET Encourage the client to prevent crime by: 1. Remaining alert at all times when in the neighborhood. 2. Walking with a friend whenever possible upon leaving the house. 3. Remaining cautious in crowded places. 4. Planning a route and remaining alert to the surr