SENIOR citizens represent a growing segment of the population and they often live in isolation.
They may live in the inner city or neighbourhoods that may have high crime rates and owing to their age, frailty and other factors, they become vulnerable to criminal activities.
It is the police’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, including the vulnerable groups.
The community is, therefore, warned to take heed and apply the following safety hints:
• Do not open the door when someone knocks at your door, unless you know who it is
• Have a door peephole viewer installed on each exterior door
• If people claim to be company representatives or service providers, ask for some form of identification or credentials be slipped under the door or through the mail slot.
Call the employer to verify his/her name and the name of the business. Refuse to deal with anyone who will not comply with this request
•Someone may knock at your door and ask to use your telephone to make an emergency call, never open your door. Rather take the message and make the call for him/her
•If someone enters your premises that you do not trust or who you believe might be dangerous, call your local police immediately
•When you return home and find your door ajar or if you hear unfamiliar sounds inside, DO NOT GO IN! Go to the nearest telephone and call your local police or get assistance from neighbours
•If an intruder is in your home and is armed, obey instructions, do not resist or fight. Observe your intruder closely to get a description. When the intruder leaves, call your local police immediately or dial 10111
•Never carry identification tags on your key rings
•Do not leave keys under the doormat, in the mailbox or in a flowerpot
•Your exterior doors and windows must be fitted with burglar bars. A security alarm system linked to a control room is also highly recommended
•All exterior entrances, doorways, garages and even alleys should be well lit
•Avoid keeping large amounts of cash in the home and keep valuables, such as jewellery, in a safe
•When you are driving in your car, always lock your car doors and keep locked when stationary or parking.
Always remember the telephone number of your nearest police station or the Police Emergency number 10111 or to call 112 on all cellular phone networks in case of an emergency.
When you have information about suspected criminal activities, you can contact the Crime Stop number anonymously
