People aged 60 and over are less likely to become victims of crime than those in other age groups according to most research; however, one can lower their risk of attack or burglary even further by following some simple steps.

 

Webster Sheriff Gary Sexton and the Webster Parish Police Jury partnered several years ago to bring senior citizens the CARS program, the Community Assistance Response System. CARS assists Webster Parish citizens 65 years and older, or those who are seriously ill, and who live alone. This system provides a daily call to program participants from the Webster Parish 911 system to ensure their safety and wellbeing. If the daily scheduled call is unanswered, or if the individual indicates the need for assistance, the Sheriff’s Department responds quickly and contacts the designated party.

 

Many seniors are not in need of a program such as CARS; but the Sheriff urges even them to educate themselves and follow the tips below to ensure better personal safety.

 

            Most burglars are opportunistic and will look for unlocked doors or opened windows to get in. One can reduce their risk of burglary and make themselves feel safer by implementing a variety of things to make their home more secure:

·         Always lock outside doors and close the windows even if you are just going out for a short time.   When you lock up while you are inside, keep your keys nearby so you can get out easily in case of an emergency.

·         Draw the curtains in the evening, when the room is lit.

·         Don’t give keys to people you do not know. Make a spare and give it to a trusted friend or neighbor.

·         Change the locks if you think somebody who should not have access to your home might have another copy of your keys.

·         Don’t leave your spare keys in obvious places such as under a doormat or flower pot.

·         Look through the “spy hole” and use your door chain before opening for a visitor.

·         Only open the door for people whose identity you are sure of.

·         Keep your garden tools and ladders locked away.

·         Don’t leave your lawn equipment alone, even for a short while.

·         Keep your valuable items out of plain view to visitors or windows.

·         If you think your house has been broken into, do not go inside. Call 911 immediately and wait for officers to arrive.

 

·         Consider marking your property and belongings. If it is lost or stolen, this mark may make it more likely for your property to be recovered. Marketing your property or belongings may also deter burglars because it makes it harder for them to be sold. Items should be permanently and visibly marked with your name, number or other significant label.

·         Take pictures or video of your valuable belongings and write down serial numbers of your electronic and power equipment. This will help law enforcement identify them if the items are sold.

 

·         Do not keep large sums of money in the house.

·         Put spare cash in a bank.

·         Keep a list of your credit cards and the companies’ emergency phone numbers so that you may notify them immediately of a lost or stolen card.

 

·         Visible alarms will deter opportunistic burglars and increase the security of your home.

·         Seek the advice of specialists before investing in an alarm system.

·         Contact your insurance company. They may be able to recommend a suitable system.

 

·         Cancel any deliveries.

·         Make sure your insurance is up to date—just in case.

·         Keep valuable items out of sight through windows and doors.

·         Get a neighbor to collect your mail, mow your lawn and/or turn on and off your lights.

·         Consider automatic timers for your lights or television.

 

·         Keep your back door locked. Sometimes thieves may work together; and while one may occupy you at the front door posed as a salesman, for example, the other may enter through the unlocked backdoor. 

·         Ask suspicious or strange visitors for identification before you let them in. If you are in doubt of their intentions, shut and lock the door and call 911 immediately.

·         Before giving money to a door-to-door salesman, ensure you have the purchased goods in your possession. If purchasing a service from a salesman at your door, do not pay until all services are rendered. Many local people have been fooled by services sold at the door. If the provider demands money up front, be cautious of their intentions. If in doubt, call the Sheriff’s Department to see if such schemes have been recently reported before conducting business.

·         Don’t be fooled by suspicious phone calls. Talk only to those people you know, or to those who represent companies or organizations you are familiar with.

·         Be wary of unsolicited prize drawings, lotteries, checks or winnings that arrive in the mail. There are many, many schemes in the public today; and with the advanced technology of the times these schemes can seem very authentic. Before accepting unsolicited or “too good to be true” offers or checks, contact the Sheriff’s Department to see if they are familiar with such schemes or offers. Even familiar bank logos have been criminally printed on checks and fooled many people. Verify any unsolicited checks that are sent to you by calling the issuing company.

·         If the source of any promotion or offer you receive is overseas, be extremely cautious. Get the opinion of a trusted friend or relative, or call the Sheriff’s Department for information, before accepting such an offer.

 

The Sheriff’s Department is here for you; and your Police Jury invests its time and money in programs such as CARS for your protection and safety. If at any time you or someone you know is in need of safety information, a welfare call, or other services to address their wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance at 318-377-1515.

 

For more information on the CARS program, visit www.webstersheriff.org and select “Special Services.” There you may view and print information and an application for participation.