\u201cWe cannot allow bad elements to take advantage of our senior citizens,\u201d said Theunis Kotze, general manager of ADT inland region, in recognition of International Older Persons Day, which was celebrated on October 1.<\/p>\n
Criminals often prey on older members of society because they are seen as vulnerable, soft targets.<\/p>
Kotze said that for this reason their safety must be highlighted and addressed year round.<\/p>\n
\u201cSafety begins in the home, regardless of whether you live by yourself, with your partner or in a retirement village,” he added.<\/p>
\u201cEnsure that the locks you have fitted on windows and doors are of a good quality and will not break easily.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso keep a list of important contact numbers near the telephone, so that no time is wasted in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s a knock at the door and you do not have a peephole, call out to the person and ask them to identify them self.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it is a service or delivery person, do not simply open the door to them, but insist on seeing their identification.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso contact their employer to confirm this, you have the right to refuse them entry into your home until you have done so and are happy that they are who they say they are.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kotze added that safety must also be a priority when seniors are out and about.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you plan to go out, even if it is just for a short walk, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.<\/p>\n
\u201cInviting someone along is always a good idea, as is not walking in quiet, isolated areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are going to the shops, never hold your handbag dangling at the straps; keep it tucked tightly under your arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are only taking along your purse or wallet, either carry it in the front pocket of your trousers or in an inside jacket pocket.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile shopping, never leave your handbag or anything of value, like a cellphone, unattended or in the trolley,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
It is an unfortunate reality that the elderly are often victims of con-artists.<\/p>\n
Kotze said offers that sound too good to be true should set the alarm bells ringing.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe suspicious of anyone who tries to rush you into signing any kind of contractual agreement.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell them that you want some time to read through the paperwork; go through it very carefully or ask for the assistance of a trusted family member, friend or advisor,\u201d Kotze said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNever freely give your personal details \u2013 including your credit card, identity or banking information – to anyone who randomly calls and asks for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you want reassurance, ask them for their details and verify those for yourself.<\/p>\n
\u201cCall them only once you are happy that the initial request was legitimate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kotze said that while senior citizens can arm themselves with these precautions, the younger generations do have a role to play.<\/p>\n
\u201cRegularly visit or call elderly relatives or neighbours and offer to help them with chores or maintenance around the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey may not be as confident as they once were when it comes to tasks like climbing onto ladders to change light bulbs or carrying home the grocery shopping.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, knowing that you are around to help may ease some of the related stress and anxiety and possibly prevent them from becoming a victim of crime,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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