NCJ Number
97911
Date Published
1985
Length
153 pages
Annotation
Crime-specific prevention measures are covered in this guide for older Americans. The effective and inexpensive techniques are suggested as ways to sharply reduce or eliminate the chances of becoming a victim of all types of crime from burglary to fraud.
Abstract
The guide details burglary prevention measures, such as giving the home a lived-in look, using effective locks and alarms, and taking property inventories. Ways to avoid being robbed, or minimize loss and injury if victimized by street criminals, are outlined. The guide suggests techniques to prevent car theft and then devotes considerable attention to the many fraud and confidence games that target the elderly. These common swindles are addressed: the pigeon drop; the false bank examiner; the home repair fraud; medical charlatans who offer cures for chronic or fatal diseases, low-cost hearing aids, and miracle diets; work-at-home offers; real estate deals; and bogus health insurance schemes. The guide also describes common frauds in finance, retailing, and contracts. It gives tips on rape prevention and travel safety. Each chapter covers what an individual should do if victimized and includes a summary list of do's and don'ts. Finally, the guide explores effective community crime prevention programs, the importance of reporting crime to the police, and the witness's role. Security checklists and an index are supplied.