U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

CRIME - SENIOR ALERT

NCJ Number
56058
Author(s)
L L FLOETHE
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM FOR SENIOR ADULTS DEPICTS A VARIETY OF CRIME PREVENTION AND PROTECTION MEASURES THAT CAN REDUCE THE ELDERLY'S VULNERABILITY TO VICTIMIZATION AND INCREASE THEIR CHANCES OF STAYING UNHARMED IF ATTACKED.
Abstract
USING A SERIES OF VIGNETTES, THE FILM DEMONSTRATES WAYS TO PROTECT ONE'S HOME, VALUABLES, AND PERSON WHILE IN THE HOME, OUT ON THE STREET, OR RIDING IN THE CAR. SENIOR ADULTS WHO ARE LEAVING THEIR HOUSES FOR A VACATION SHOULD STOP DELIVERY OF THE PAPER, CONTACT NEIGHBORS AND ASK THEM TO CHECK THE HOUSE OCCASIONALLY, LOCK THEIR DOORS AND WINDOWS, AND USE ELECTRIC TIMERS FOR THE LIGHTS WHILE THEY ARE AWAY. AT HOME, SENIOR CITIZENS SHOULD NOT OPEN DOORS TO STRANGERS AND SHOULD ALWAYS KEEP DOORS LOCKED. THEY SHOULD KEEP THEIR CARS FULL OF GAS AND IN GOOD RUNNING CONDITION, PARK IN WELL-LIGHTED AREAS, KEEP THE CAR DOORS LOCKED BOTH WHILE RIDING IN THE CAR AND WHILE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, CHECK THE BACKSEAT BEFORE ENTERING THE CAR, KEEP KEYS IN HAND WHILE APPROACHING THEIR VEHICLE, AND IN CASE OF CAR TROUBLE, STAY INSIDE THEIR LOCKED CAR AND WAIT FOR A POLICE CAR OR ASK A PASSER-BY TO CALL THE POLICE FOR THEM. EMPTY STAIRWELLS, LAUNDROMATS, AND OTHER HIGH RISK AREAS SHOULD BE AVOIDED IF ALONE. IN CASE OF ATTACK, SENIOR ADULTS SHOULD STAY COMPOSED, AVOID ARGUING WITH AN ATTACKER, AND CALL POLICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. (DAG)