NCJ Number
82172
Date Published
1980
Length
24 pages
Annotation
Factors contributing to the problem of the criminal victimization of the elderly in Canada are identified, and police activities that can help prevent this victimization are suggested.
Abstract
Canada's growth in senior population is increasing at a greater rate than the total population. Even though the elderly are the least victimized group in Canadian society when compared to the national crime rates, the increasing senior population will produce a greater number of senior crime victims. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to the crimes of purse snatching, frauds, and robbery. Further, the fragility of the elderly may cause them to suffer longer and more severely from the physical and psychological injuries of victimization. The fixed, low incomes of the elderly heighten the impact of financial losses from crime. The elderly's perceived vulnerability to crime has also caused them to restrict their lifestyles to reduce their exposure to possible victimization, such that the satisfactions of community involvement are significantly curtailed. Research indicates that the majority of crimes committed against the elderly are avoidable through education and awareness programs that help reduce the elderly's exposure to criminal opportunities. Police managers have access to the most current techniques of crime prevention, problem identification, and problemsolving, and the police have the organizational skills necessary to promote prevention strategies for vulnerable population groups. In the majority of Canada's cities and towns, senior groups provide social and recreational activities. Through these groups, the police could work directly with the elderly to help reduce their vulnerability to crimes prevalent among seniors. Tabular and graphic data, 13 references, and 6 footnotes are provided.