Newark Division of Police

1. “Crimes against Elderly” Newark Division of Police

2. Population of elderly increase each year. • 65+ in 1990 comprised of 12 ½ percent of population • 65+ in 2050 will be about 20 ½ percent of population • Those 85+ represent 2% of our population and is the largest growing segment of the entire population.

3. Crime’s Impact on the Elderly • People 65+ have the lowest crime victim rate of most crimes compared to other age groups. • Fear of crime is a CRITICIAL ISSUE for many elderly • Elderly are less capable of bouncing back from financial loss and/or physical injury than any other age group. (form of imprisonment)

4. Elderly Abuse • Nursing Home Events are minimal • More are committed by caregivers known to the Victim • Types of abuses Include; • Physical • Mental • Financial

5. Crimes committed against elderly • Due to their trusting nature, seniors become more susceptible to FRAUD and other Financial Crimes • Pigeon Drops • Home improvement scams • Tree Trimming scams • Telemarketing • Fraudulent telemarketing actually direct 56-80% of their calls to older Americans

6. Crime Prevention Techniques • Don’t keep large amounts of cash in the house or purse • Don’t open door to strangers • Have a peephole fitted in your door so that you can see who is outside • Don’t engage in personal conversation on telephone with someone you don’t know • Never give out credit card information • Have good exterior lighting on your home • Let city know when street lights are out

7. Bogus guests • Most people are genuine, however, people will show up unannounced with the intention of tricking their way into your home to steal your valuables and money. • Common scenario; person request to use you phone to call for a ride, they distract you and when you not looking they steal your belongings. • Stating they are with a utility company is the most common scam. Most utility companies will set up appointments. Call the company and verify prior to opening the door NOTE: IF THERE IS A REAL GAS OR WATER EMERGENY THE POLICE OR FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL NORMALLY COME TO YOUR DOOR.

8. Internet Fraud • Internet fraud is on the fasting growing areas of illegal activity, if purchasing online, take a few steps to ensure that your personal information is protected. • Don’t be a victim • Make sure your web-browser is set to highest security level • Use recent version of web-browser, better security • Look for padlock symbol at the bottom of page and ‘https’ at the beginning of the web address, if not there DO NOT PUT CREDIT CARD INFORMATION • If you have concerns call the company and ask about encryptions • Print out electronic receipts and keep in safe location • Check bank & credit card statement to ensure it matches purchase • Never disclose PIN #’s, even if they say they are from you bank • REMEMBER YOUR BANK WILL NEVER ASK YOU TO REENTER ACCOUNT INFO OR REQUEST TO EMAIL YOU PIN NUMBER

9. Phone scams • Are designed to convince you to turn over your credit card information • If you are contacted and told you won a prize, think; did you enter a contest? • JUST HANG UP • If you will something, normally you are not asked to send money to claim prize • Many people have lost entire life saving on phone scams • Never give personnel information • Always ask for more information • Know who you are talking to • Keep bank account information safe

10. Self Protection; Travel with companion Be alert when walking Don’t carry large amounts of money Use direct deposit Drive with car doors locked Don’t resist muggings or purse snatching Be Creative Create neighborhood watch groups Encourage children & elderly interaction Check on elderly neighbors

11. Check personnel credit periodically • Annual Credit Report .com 1-877-322-8228 Sources: Bill Taylor & Associates LLC www.billtassoc.com 614-271-8270 Crime & Victims, Home Office http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/how-you-can-prevent-crime/staying-safe-if-elderly/

12. Tips on protecting your home! • Organize neighborhood cleanup days to send the message that your community is closed to thieves, vandals, and loiterers. • Ask the police to increase patrols of your neighborhood. • Sponsor a Neighborhood Watch. • Be sure the outside doors of your home or business have strong deadbolt locks.

13. Keep spare keys with a trusted neighbor or nearby shopkeeper, not under a doormat or planter, on a ledge, or in the mailbox. • Lock gates, garage doors, and shed doors after every use. • Illuminate or eliminate places an intruder might hide: the spaces between trees or shrubbery, stairwells, alleys, hallways, and entryways.

14. Set timers on lights when you’re away from home or your business is closed so it appears to be occupied. • Keep your bike and sports equipment inside the house when they’re not in use. • Avoid confrontations with burglars. • Close your window shades/blinds. • Don’t keep purses and jewelry out in the open, place them in closets, or draws

15. Create a safe room in you home, or hide in the closet. (try to keep phone with you) • Have a cell phone handy, if you can’t afford the cost, utilize a friend’s old phone. Even if there is no service you can still call 911. • National Crime Prevention Council http://www.ncpc.org/topics/home-and-neighborhood-safety