Senior Safety Awareness

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Senior Safety Awareness

• Presented by
• Sgt. Debra Newsome
• Canton Police

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Who Am I ??

• Community Relations
• Coordinator Position
• Crime prevention education
• Seminars, public service announcements,
  residential business security surveys
  
• Crime and data Analysis

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Holiday Safety Tips

• The holiday season is a very special time of
  year.
  
• A time for rejoicing and sharing special moments
  with family and friends.
  
• A time for catching up on old times.
• A time for giving and remembering those we love.
• BUT

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YES, THERE IS ALWAYS A BUT!!

• It is also a time when busy people become
  careless and vulnerable to theft and other
  holiday crime (s).
  
• We can never be overly prepared, too careful, or
  too aware.
  
• I ask you to please share this information with
  your family and friends as well.

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Carrying your personal items

• Avoid carrying a purse if possible. Perhaps a
  zippered fanny pack would be a better option.
  
• Carry your wallet or cash in a front pants pocket
  to deter pick-pocket thieves.
  
• Use only ATM machines in a very public place,
  preferably indoors. Most shopping malls have
  ATMs located inside.
  
• Pay attention to your surroundings.

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Before you even leave your house

• Carry only those items that you need.
• Take only the credit cards you intend to use.
• Take only the cash you need, not your entire
  stockpile.
  

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PARKING

• Pay attention and remember where you parked.
• This will reduce the time you are vulnerable in a
  parking lot setting.
  
• Have your keys out and ready to gain entry into
  your vehicle.
  
• Park as close to where you are shopping as
  possible.
  
• Stay away from bushes and places where someone
  could hide and plan a surprise attack on you.
  
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Suspicious vehicles or persons
• Do not park next to panel vans or vehicles in
  which people may conceal themselves.
  
• If you see suspicious activity when returning to
  your car, trust your instincts and return to the
  shopping mall. Notify security or the police.

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SHOPPING TIPS

• Do not carry more than you can handle.
• Do not shop until you drop (worn out).
• Both of these make you easy prey for potential
  criminals.
  
• Shop during day light hours whenever possible.
• If traveling from store to store, place purchased
  items in the trunk of your vehicle out of sight
  from potential thieves.

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SHOPPING TIPS

• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not display cash.
• Pay for items with a check or credit card
  whenever possible.
  
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your
  credit card is lost or stolen.
  

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SHOPPING TIPS

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers
  in a safe place at home.
  
• Enter and exit the store with other shoppers,
  whenever possible.
  
• If you carry a purse, NEVER leave it unattended
  in a shopping cart.
  
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any
  reason. Con-artists may try various methods of
  distracting you with the intention of taking your
  money or belongings.

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STRANGERS AT YOUR DOOR

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as
  couriers delivering gifts.
  
• Do NOT allow people to walk into your building
  without first knowing that they have a purpose
  for being there. Check Credentials.
  
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take
  advantage of the generosity of people during the
  holiday season by soliciting donations
  door-to-door for charitable causes although no
  charity is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how
  the donated funds will be used. If you are not
  satisfied, do not donate.
  
• Donate to recognized charitable organizations,
  ONLY.
  

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Safety While Driving
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Safety in Your Car

• Keep your gas tank at least ½ full and the
  vehicle well maintained to avoid breakdowns.
  
• Keep your doors locked and windows up at all
  times.
  
• Lock packages and other valuables in the trunk,
  whenever possible.
  
• When returning to the car check the front and
  back seat before getting in.
  
• Never pick up hitchhikers!!

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Safety in Your Car

• If your car breaks down, pull to the right as far
  as possible. Call for help on your cell phone
  and wait inside your vehicle until help arrives.
  
• Always. Did I say Always? Carry a cell phone.
• Dont leave your keys in the car while
  unattended, even for a moment.

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Safety in Your Car

• When stopped at a light, leave enough space
  between you and the car in front of you in order
  to pull away quickly if necessary
  
• Be leery of anyone approaching your car (For
  directions, with fliers, etc)
  
• If you want to help a stranded motorist, call the
  police. Dont stop by yourself, you dont know
  who they are or what they might have just done.
  

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Safety in Your Car

• If your car is bumped by another vehicle drive to
  a safe well lit area with other people around,
  keep your doors locked and windows up.
  
• Be leery of the Bump and Rob criminals. They
  sometimes stage a minor accident and then rob you
  when you pull over.
  
• If you get a flat tire, drive on the rim slowly
  to a safe area.

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Safety in Your Car

• Anytime you are suspicious stay in your car with
  the windows up and doors locked and wait for the
  police
  
• Dont stop to help other motorists, if you want
  to help call the police from your cell or nearby
  telephone
  
• No Hitchhikers!

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PROTECTING YOURSELVES

• People often ask us, what is your best advice on
  how to protect ourselves?
  
• My answer is always the same!
• The best way to protect yourself is to prevent
  the crime from happening in the first place!
  
• YEAH RIGHT, YOU SAY. How do we accomplish this
  ??
  

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PREVENTIVE PROTECTION

• 1st. Realize that it CAN happen to you and take
  steps to avoid it. Dont live in a bubble.
  Times are different today.
  
• 2nd. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  Constantly scan your environment. Walk with
  awareness and confidence. Make eye contact with
  potential scoundrels. Let them know you know
  that they are there.
• 3rd. Avoid potential dangerous situations, use
  your common sense and use the buddy system
  whenever practical.
  
• 4th. Report all suspicious activity to the
  proper authorities, do not ignore it or turn your
  back. Trust your instincts.
  
• 5TH. Do not allow yourself to be a victim.

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FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE

• We were all born with the fight or flight
  instinct (caveman response).
  
• If something looks potentially dangerous, tingles
  your 6th senses and makes the hair on the back
  of your neck stand up.
  
• THE SITUATION IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS !!!

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HOLIDAY CRIME STATS
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

• QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE