Although crime affects all members of society, it becomes even more alarming when vulnerable elderly citizens become victims of crime.
Pretoria Moot CPF chairperson Elsabe van Staden said the elderly are increasingly targeted by criminals.
She said since January, five elderly residents in The Moot precinct had been attacked.
“We, as the CPF, want to try and put the elderly residents on a database or have neighbours help to monitor them,” she said.
“This way, we could at least once a day make sure that they are safe.”
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Van Staden said the CPF and the police would also visit the old age homes in the area to warn them about this dangerous new trend.
She added that elderly residents also increasingly fell victim to fraud.
“Fraudsters and petty criminals are increasingly preying on vulnerable senior citizens, who are seen as soft targets,” she said.
Van Staden provided the following safety tips:
– Keep your ATM PIN confidential. Never write it down; memorise it and never share it with anyone, even family members or friends.
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– Ensure that you have proper locks on windows and doors at your residence.
– Do not hide your keys under a doormat, a potted plant or in the mailbox. It is safer to leave a spare key with a trustworthy neighbour or relative.
– Identify service providers by requesting their identity and check with their company if they are indeed who they say they are.
– Should you decide to install an alarm system, choose one that is monitored frequently for medical emergencies, fire and burglary.
– If you live in an old-age home, communicate with the guard at the main gate.
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– Be alert when you go out. Have friend or relative accompany you, rather than walking or driving alone.
– Avoid carrying a large amount of cash or wearing expensive valuables.
– Always have a cellphone with you that you can use in emergencies. Set up an emergency number on your cellphone.
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