NCJ Number
110489
Date Published
1985
Length
32 pages
Annotation
National surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration indicate that senior citizens are actually less victimized than any other age group.
Abstract
Finds also show that older adults usually are the victims of property crimes, consumer fraud, and con games rather than crimes against individuals. This booklet offers measures to help older persons avoid being victims of such crimes. Hearing loss, poor eyesight, chronic and debilitating physical condition, and isolation are listed as factors which make older persons vulnerable to crimes. Ways to ensure personal safety in the street, on public transportation, at home, and on the telephone are described. Protecting the home covers keys, locks, doors, windows, exterior lighting and shrubs, money and valuables, what to do when planning a trip, and special tips for apartment dwellers. Confidence games, including the pigeon drop and the bank examiner, are described and protective measures to avoid both these schemes and con artists are offered. Other crimes discussed involve home repair and improvement, medical quackery, hearing aid scams, insurance and mail fraud, and funeral practices. Illustrations and 4 references.