With rising urbanization and shrinking of joint families crimes against senior citizens are increasing at rapid pace. Among the crimes against senior citizens, murder, robbery, cheating and causing grievous injuries were most frequent. In cities many elderly people are living independently. It has been observed most of the crimes against seniors have been done by the domestic help and in few people related to them. For chain snatchers the primary target is senior citizens who don’t have the strength to fight back. In 60% cases chain snatching victims are elderly women. Looking at the increase in crime scenario Mumbai police have initiated a concept of SOCIETY COPS. In this the police stations adopt few societies from their jurisdiction. The police were required to keep in touch with the society officers and keep a tab on new servants, security guards and other helpers who were hired and their details. The cop is put in charge of his adopted societies and any crime reported there is his responsibility. At the police stations senior citizens details are registered along with their servants details. The project is working successfully. However there are some seniors who refuse to give details about their servants. In some cases senior citizens are unaware how to protect themselves from such situations. Here are the few important guidelines to follow:
- Make sure the CCTV camera in your society is working if not call the technician and repair it.
- Collect and submit the details of your domestic help to the nearest police station along with your details.
- Check the door locks whether its functioning properly or not. Before opening the door see through peephole or safety door.
- Check your phone line, are they working? and whether the mobile phone is charged and in range or not.
- Keep your loved ones informed where you are going and if you are alone at home who are the visitors and day to day activities.
- Never talk to strangers or divulge any family details as it can be very dangerous if the person turns out to be a burglar.
- Never mention to anyone that you are alone at home.
- Never trust anyone blindly. Always be alert .
- If any plumber or any helper visits at odd hours, request your neighbor or your security guard to be present with you during the entire process.
- Always keep valuables in bank lockers. Never open cupboard lockers or count cash in front of servants.
- Senior ladies avoid wearing gold Jewellery as much as possible and if at all you wear make sure your chain is covered with saree or dupatta.
Last but not the least if any emergencies call police 100 REMEMBER GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES.
