While personal violent crimes are not as commonly committed
against the elderly as nonviolent crimes, when they are
committed, the criminals are usually motivated by economic
gain.
Crimes such as robbery and purse snatching can have a
serious impact. An elderly person’s increased physical
frailty makes him/her especially vulnerable to physical
injury during the commission of these crimes.
Robbery and Purse Snatching
Robbery is often considered to be a more serious crime
because it includes both theft and force. About 45% of
personal violent crimes committed against the elderly are
robberies.
When a purse is snatched or a pocket is picked, the direct
contact with the offender may be frightening even though
it usually results in no injury. Offenders view elderly
women as easier targets of this type of personal theft
than elderly men. They may believe that the elderly are
more likely to have large amounts of cash and are less
likely and able to resist than a younger victim.
Perpetrators specifically commit these crimes against
senior citizens immediately following disbursement of Social
Security checks. This type of crime may be particularly
devastating to a person who is living on a fixed income.
The loss of $50 can mean that an individual may go without
food or medication until their next Social Security check.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind
while you are out:
- Carry your purse very close to you -- do not dangle
it from your arm. Also, never leave your purse in a shopping
cart.
- Do not 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.
- 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 citizens
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.
- Try to keep your hands free. Do not load yourself
with packages, books or groceries.
- Always walk confidently. Look as if you know where
you are going, even if you do not. How you look is important;
a show of confidence may be enough to deter a potential
crime.
Carjacking
While carjacking is not a prevalent crime committed against
the elderly, it is certainly a crime that the elderly should
be aware of. Carjacking, the armed hijacking of a vehicle,
is now a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years
in prison. This is a violent crime that is on the increase.
Typically, armed hijacking is committed late at night
and occurs at red lights, stop signs, gas stations, parking
lots of shopping malls, and convenience stores. Carjackers
do not always limit themselves to this profile; therefore,
it is important for elderly drivers to be vigilant at all
times.
Armed auto theft is not just a big city problem. It can
happen anywhere.
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind
while you are out driving in your car:
- Be cautious where you stop. Choose well-lighted, well-traveled
facilities.
- When driving in a potentially risky area, use the
middle lane. Do not allow yourself to be pinned against
the curb at a light or stop sign. Leave enough space
between cars at a red light or stop sign to pull away
if necessary.
- Do not be distracted while driving since losing your
focus on the road and your surroundings could make you
an easy target.
- Plan your route in advance and know something about
the area you will be driving through.
- Be careful after a minor rear-end accident. If you
do not feel comfortable getting out of your car, motion
to the other driver and drive to the nearest police station,
24-hour store, hospital or fire station.
- Do not resist. If you are approached by a person with
a weapon who demands that you turn over your wallet,
purse or car keys, comply. The loss of these items is
not worth your life.
- Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained
to avoid breakdowns.
- Always lock your car doors, even when you are 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.
- When you return to your car, always check the front
and back seats before you get in.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- If your car breaks down, pull over to the right as
far as possible, raise the hood, and wait inside the
car for help. Do not get out of the car or roll down
the window. Ask the people who stop to help to call the
police.
