Want to conquer fear and prevent crime? The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office offers these common-sense precautions. As many people grow older, their chances of being victims of crime decrease dramatically. But a lifetime of experience, coupled with the physical problems associated with aging, often make older Americans fearful. Though theyre on the look-out constantly for physical attack and burglary, theyre not as alert to frauds and con games—in reality, the greatest crime threat to seniors well-being and trust. MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE AND SECURE • Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Dont hide keys in mailboxes and planters or under doormats. Instead, leave an extra set of keys with a neighbor or friend. • Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify. • Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly. • Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire and medical emergencies. BE ALERT WHEN OUT AND ABOUT • Go with friends or family, not alone. • Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. • Dont carry credit cards you dont need or large amounts of cash. • Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks. • Whether youre a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park in a well-lit area near an entrance. • If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave. WATCH OUT FOR CON ARTISTS •Beware of anyone saying they are from the IRS or Jury Duty. Law enforcement, the courts and federal agencies will never call you and demand money. • Dont fall for anything that sounds too good to be true - a free vacation, sweepstakes, prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, a low risk high- yield investment scheme. • Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone. Its illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift. • Dont let anyone rush you into signing anything- an insurance policy, a sales agreement, a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over. • Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee. • Don’t be fooled by someone pretending to be a long-lost family member or representing a family member in need of money. • If youre suspicious, check it out with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office or your local police department, the Better Business Bureau, or your local consumer protection office. GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY • Report any crime or suspicious activities to law enforcement. • Join a Neighborhood Watch group, get to know your neighbors to look out for each other. • Work to change conditions to better your neighborhood. Volunteer in your community, tutor children, mentor teens, or escort individuals with disabilities. Doing good deeds helps everyone. Being safe is important at any age. The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office encourages everyone to look out for one another across generational lines.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:57:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015