__________________________________________Ask the DA
 

I saw on the news a security video of a senior who was viciously mugged.  I am scared because my mom is getting on in years, and she insists on living alone.  Despite her slow walk, she still goes out shopping on her own during the week.  What tips do you have to help keep seniors safe? 

While the cowardly act that we all witnessed on video was horrible, here are some tips that can minimize the risks of danger to seniors: 

• Make sure to have deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
• Have a wide angle peephole installed on the front door and use it.
• Strangers should never be let in without identification.  If in doubt, do not open the door.
• House keys should be left with a trusted family member or neighbor, NOT under the mat.
• Doors should be locked even when leaving momentarily to take out garbage or pick up mail.
• I encourage all seniors to devise a buddy system with a friend or neighbor (possibly another senior) and to check on each other at frequent intervals.
• If possible, shop with a friend or family member and not alone.
• If you must go out alone, do not flash money or expensive jewelry, and keep valuables in your purse or wallet to a minimum.
• Men should keep their wallets in their front pants pockets or inside coat pockets – back pockets are a pickpocket’s dream. Women should hold their purses tightly under their arms and not by long, dangling straps.

If you are mugged, give up your property without resistance – it’s better to be safe than to fight a potentially dangerous fiend for property that can be replaced.  Keep information at home so that you can cancel credit cards and alert your bank of the theft.   If keys are stolen, the police and my office can help arrange to have locks changed. 

Try to get a gook look at your attacker.  The police will need a good description in order to apprehend the perpetrator.  Notify the police as soon as possible, and cooperate with their investigation.  Most crimes are not caught on video.  I encourage all apartment building owners to utilize them. 

Following these common-sense safety measures can go a long way towards ensuring your mother’s safety and your peace of mind.

Further information is also available on my office’s Web site at www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org.