Crime - Crime
It is fairly true to say many older people worry about crime and are anxious about being victims of crime. This is understandable as more of us are living on our own and we are perhaps becoming frailer physically. The message from the Home Office is that actually we are at no more risk of being victims of crime than any other part of the population. That still doesn’t stop you worrying about it, however.
It is sensible to protect yourself to make yourself feel secure.
To help with this anxiety Home Office guidelines suggest things like not opening the door to strangers, not keeping large amounts of cash in the house, have a peep-hole fitted so that you can view who is outside, don’t give out credit card information to strangers over the phone or to people who come to the door and have a good outside light on your front door. Tell the council if the streetlights are not working. All useful suggestions.
If you are worried about people breaking into your house see how it can be made more secure. Fit strong locks on to your doors and windows and keep them locked. Keep the keys out of sight and in a safe place. Fit five lever mortise deadlocks on to all the external doors and make sure the window and doorframes are in good condition. Put a door chain or bar and use them every time someone calls and never leave a key under the flowerpot. Thieves know the places to look.
When somebody turns up on you doorstep asking for money or help, they are often not who they say they are. They knock on your door, they say their car has broken down, they need money for the phone or for a bit of petrol and they will pay you back. Don’ believe them. It’s a scam. The problem is they are sometimes so plausible and likeable and it is easy to get caught. Look at them and remember they are only after your money. The more dangerous scams are the ones where they get into your house. They very often work in pairs, one to distract you and the other to go searching around. If a stranger rings your bell, put the chain on and ask for identification. Don’t let them in unless you are expecting them. If you need your glasses on to read the identification card, shut the door. You can always chat through the door. Make sure the back door is locked before you open the front door. Again they can work in pairs, one at the front door and one at the back.
Keep these protection ideas at the back of your mind. It’s another way of looking after yourself.
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Note: 4 Elderly health provides this site for information purposes only and insists that you should consult a doctor before engaging in anything mentioned here.