Safety for seniors
Contrary to belief, seniors still only represent a very small percentage of crime victims.
Research has shown that those who appear confident and take security precautions are less likely to become victims of crime. By introducing a few common sense practises into your daily routine you can give yourself, your family, friends and neighbours a much greater peace of mind.
Safe & Found
Safe & Found WA is an initiative introduced by Western Australia Police Force (WA Police Force) and Australia Medic Alert Foundation.
Safe & Found supports people living with dementia or a cognitive impairment who might be at risk of becoming lost or reported as missing, by ensuring Police have immediate access to critical information to assist when undertaking search operations.
A detailed profile outlining your personal history and characteristics is completed ahead of time, and kept securely along with a recent photo, on the Safe & Found database for Police to access immediately if you go missing.
A Safe & Found ID bracelet is included with your membership to protect you when you're out in public. Your bracelet is engraved with the details needed to return you to safety should you appear lost or disoriented.
Read more on the Safe & Found website.
Safety tips
Home Security
- Ensure your house number is clearly visible.
- Never tell anyone that you are at home alone for example trades or delivery people.
- Trim trees and bushes to allow a clear view of your home (this will remove hiding places for possible offenders).
- Don't leave keys in obvious places, such as under pot plants or in the meter box.
- Make sure handbags and wallets are not left in sight for example on bench tops or cupboards.
- Install security screens and grilles.
- Fit deadlocks and key locks to doors and windows.
- Install motion sensor floodlights.
- Think about installing an alarm system.
- Get to know your neighbours, they can be your eyes and ears if you're not at home.
Using public transport
- Travel with a friend.
- Wait for transport in a well lit area close to other commuters.
- Keep a current timetable to minimise time spent waiting.
- Don't sit alone on buses or trains and be sure that you can be seen by the driver or other passengers.
- Consider carrying a personal alarm.
Using your telephone
The telephone is probably your most important means of communication, however there are some criminals in society that will use it to their advantage.
- Always hang up on unwelcome callers.
- Never give your name or address to unknown telephone callers.
- Don't disclose that you live alone or that you may be away from your home.
- Never disclose any personal or financial information.
- Invest in an answering machine.
- Consider changing your phone number to a silent or unlisted number.
Safer shopping
- Shop with friends whenever possible.
- If you carry a purse or bag, hold it close to your body, tucked under your arm.
- Always have a firm hold of your handbag or purse, don't leave it on shop counters or on the seat beside you on the bus or train.
- Never leave your handbag in the shopping trolley.
- Never carry large sums of money. Use EFTPOS or credit cards wherever possible.
- Use an ATM in shopping centres not external ATMs.
- Don't carry signed withdrawal forms with your bank book.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
