Anyone can be the victim of crime, but it is senior citizens who are most often victims, especially of certain types of crime. Firstly, criminals assume that the elderly are wealthier. Secondly, due a certain gullibility and sometimes a lack of precaution, seniors are particularly vulnerable targets.
Elderly people, especially women or those who live alone, often perceive crime as personal threat, even if they have not been a victim of an offence. This feeling of insecurity often leads to insularity and a withdrawal from social life, resulting in a loss of quality of life.
Des personnes âgées s’engagent pour des personnes âgées (Seniors helping seniors)
This is a Police prevention scheme that trains safety advisors. They can then provide advice to elderly people. This can be done through conversations with family members, friends or neighbours, but also via presentations and talks at retirement homes or seniors clubs.
Safety advisors also offer support when seniors are afraid to go to the Police on their own with their problem. In these cases, the advisors will go with them to the Police department.
Safety advisors are trained in the following areas:
- Seniors and traffic.
- Pickpocketing and theft by deception.
- Scams.
- Tricks and tactics used to gain access to seniors' homes.
- Beggars and door-to-door salesmen.
- Handling cash and credit cards.
- Behavioural protection measures in the event of an attack.
- Burglary prevention.
- Dangers of the internet.