Pages 1--11 Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors 1 Crime prevention is everyone's responsibility, not just a job for law enforcement. Seniors can learn how to protect themselves from crime by following these simple, common-sense suggestions. Share these tips with your neighbors and friends, too, and make it tough for criminals to work in your neighborhood. 2 Athome... Ask for proper identification from delivery persons or strangers. Don't be afraid of asking . . . if they are legitimate they won't mind. If a stranger asks to use your telephone, offer to place the call for him or her yourself. Never let a stranger into your home. Do not leave notes on your door when you are gone, and do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous places. 3 While you're out . . . Carry your purse very close to you and keep it closed. Don't dangle it from your arm. Also, never leave your purse in a shopping cart Don't carry any more cash than is necessary. Many grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller cards instead of cash. Avoid walking alone at night. Try to have a friend accompany you in high risk areas . . . even during the daytime. 4 In your car... Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns. Always lock your car doors, even when you're inside and keep your windows rolled up. Driving with the windows closed also improves gas mileage. Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk. Do not leave them on the back seat or on the floor of the car where potential thieves can see them. 5 If you are a victim at home. . . If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, DON'T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report the crime. If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle. Do not pursue your attacker. Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible. If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to your local police or the Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Justice, (302) 577-8600. Con artists count on their victim's reluctance to admit they've been duped, but if you delay you help them get away. Remember, if you never report the crime, they are free to cheat others again and again and you have no chance of ever 'getting your money back. 6 In your car . . . When you return to your car, always check the front and back seat before you get in. Never pick up hitchhikers. If your car breaks down, pull over to the right as far as possible the hood, and wait INSIDE the car for help. Do not get out of the car or unroll the window until the police arrive. 7 While you're out... Do not carry weapons . . . they may only be used against you. Have your paychecks or government checks sent directly to your bank account . . . many banks have senior citizen discounts. Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that probably are too-good-to-be-true! 8 Athome... Never give out information over the phone indicating you are that you won't be home at a certain time. When you are gone for more than a day, make sure your home looks and sounds occupied . . . use an automatic timer to turn on lights and a radio or TV. 9 Athome... Always keep your doors and windows locked. Install deadbolt locks on all your doors. Keep your home well lit at night, inside and and keep your curtains closed at night. Install a peephole in your front door so you can see callers without opening the door. 0 Q 10 New Castle County University Office Plaza 256 Chapman Road Suite 200 Newark, DE 19702 (302) 453-3820 (800) 223-9074 Fax (302) 453-3836 Kent/ Sussex Counties Milford State Service Center 18 North Walnut Street 1 st Floor Milford, DE 19963 (302) 422-1386 (800) 223-9074 Fax (302) 422-1346 DELAWARE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION OF SERVICES FOR AGING AND ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES TDD Statewide (302) 453-3837 (800) 964-0303 Visit our Website for information about our statewide services and programs. www.DSAAPD.com 11