CRIMEHURTS.ORG

Some simple steps to safer living
The increasing number of crimes committed against senior citizens makes the information in this brochure particularly relevant.

Senior citizens, like everyone else, have the right to feel safe at all times.
Research shows that those who appear confident and take security precautions are less likely to be victims of crime.

What to do at home
There are many ways to improve your physical security at home without your home becoming a fortress. Much of it is common sense. The installation and use of proper locks, doors and grilles make your first line of defence much stronger.

• Your home should also be clearly visible to the street, neighbours and passers-by.
• Prune back bushes and trees that obstruct windows or doors and provide cover for intruders.
• A good quality security door (which complies with Australian Standard 2803) helps with ventilation and is a barrier against unwelcome callers.
• Ideally, external doors should be of solid core construction and fitted with deadlocks. Certain deadlocks can be locked in such a way that they can only be unlocked with a key on both sides. This prevents your property being taken out the door.
• The other sort of deadlock is one that needs a key to open it from the outside, but from the inside it can be opened with a lever or knob.
• Another excellent home safety feature is a door viewer or peephole. It gives you a wide angle view of the person on the other side of the door.

Never open the door to a Stranger no matter how urgent it sounds
Check first and ask for identification before opening the door. If someone is seeking help, leave them outside while you make the emergency call for them.
You should have quality keyed locks on all windows. And all locks should be 'keyed alike' so that one key will open all doors and one key will open all windows.

Any windows and doors you want to leave open for ventilation should have security grilles.

Do not hide spare keys under door mats or flower pots. (That's the first place a burglar will look.) Similarly, do not give keys to anyone you do not know - including tradespersons.

Identify your property by marking it with an engraver, lent free of charge to you through the Neighbourhood Watch Operation Identification scheme. This not only makes your property less appealing to intruders and thieves, it also means if your property is stolen you have a greater chance of it being recovered.

If you're going out, even for a short period, make your home appear to be 'lived in' by having the radio or lights on. There are some very effective security products on the market, and you may be surprised how relatively inexpensive they can be.

If you are having extra security installed, smoke detectors can be fitted at the same time for very little additional cost.

The point to emphasise with security is that once a security product has been purchased or installed, you should use it and continue to do so until it becomes a habit.

Lock it or lose it.

The danger of your phone
Your phone is probably your most important means of communication. But there are many criminals out there who can use it to their advantage.

Be careful about information you divulge to strangers on the phone or answering machines. For example, don't disclose:

• That you live alone
• That you will be away
• Private family or financial information

If you receive an obscene phone call or have a persistent nuisance caller, HANG UP. Contact Telstra if calls persist.

If you own a touch phone, key into the memory the phone numbers of:

• A close friend, relative or neighbour, and
• 000 (Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue)

That way, in an emergency, the numbers can be dialled in a hurry by pressing just one button. If possible, have the telephone extension in your bedroom similarly prepared.

How to use public transport safely
If you're travelling at night, wait in a well lit area and near other commuters if possible. To minimise waiting, it's advisable to have a timetable.

When travelling on buses or trains, don't sit alone. Make sure you can be seen by the driver or other passengers.

Be careful when you're shopping
Many attacks occur before shopping, as criminals are always looking for cash.

• Never carry large amounts of money on you. Wherever possible use EFTPOS or a credit card.
• Don't carry signed withdrawal forms with your bank book or in your bag.
• Never leave handbags or personal items in your shopping trolley.

Carry your money and credit cards separately from your bag. (Use a pocket or money belt.)

Consider the type of bag you use and how you carry it. This can make it harder for the thief to take it from you. A small hand-held bag with a zip is excellent as you can hold it close to and in front of you.