For Seniors

Safety is generally a matter of common sense. Making yourself feel less vulnerable is sometimes more difficult. The best way to be, and feel safe, is by educating yourself as much as possible and being aware of your surroundings.

Home Safety

Make sure that you have good locks on all doors and on your windows. And ensure that your home is well lit. If you are concerned about the security of your home, and you live in the Greater Vernon area, you are welcome to call the RCMP Safe Communities unit at 250-550-7840 or 250-550-7844 and book a Safety Audit.

A safer communities officer will come to your home and thoroughly evaluate your home using the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CEPTED) method. www.cpted-watch.com. You will then be given advice as to how to make your home more secure and a less desirable target to an opportunistic criminal.

Most people feel very safe in their own homes. That can be shattered when you are broken into or find yourself in a situation with an unwanted caller or visitor. There are several ways to make yourself less vulnerable.

Valuables

Have all of your valuables marked for identification. Things like your TV, stereo, walker, cane and motorized scooter can be engraved to deter theft. You can borrow an engraver from the Community Policing Office or stop into the office and we will do the engraving for you. We also are available to go into senior centres and adult living communities to put on “Operation Identification” workshops.

Write down the makes, models, and serial numbers of any valuable equipment and put it away for safe keeping. A Valuable Property Record brochure is available at the Community Policing Office to help you list all of you valuables.

At the Door

Never open the door before you know who is on the other side. Have a peephole installed in the door so that you can see who the caller is. A peephole is inexpensive and easily installed.

Legitimate canvassers will have identification. If the person at the door refuses to show ID or they can not find it, do not open the door. If they refuse to leave, call the police. If a stranger comes to the door needing to use the phone, dial the number for them and speak on their behalf. You do not have to open the door. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it. Don't leave strangers alone in your residence, ask them to wait outside and lock them outside.

On the Telephone

You are always in control of a phone conversation. If a stranger calls, and asks you who they are speaking to, ask them who it is they are looking for. Don’t let callers take over. Do not volunteer personal information. Do not give out your name and address to complete strangers. If the caller states they are from a company or organization, ask for their business, name and number and tell them you will call them back.

If you are having a problem with obscene calls or frequent hang ups or wrong numbers call the telephone company. There are a variety of options available including getting a new phone number. Register for the " Do Not Call List @ 1-866-580-3625 or https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/ to keep unwanted telemarketors from calling you.

Safety on The Street

Be aware of your surroundings and plan the route you are going to take. If you are going into an area that you are uncomfortable with, ask yourself if there is an alternate route and take it. If you are walking on the side walk, walk in the middle. This makes it tougher for a criminal to grab a purse or a bag. Avoid poorly lit areas.

Don’t:

  • Carry large sums of money or
  • Flash your money around
  • Carry so much that you do not have one free hand!

Safety in Your Vehicle

There are some simple guidelines to vehicle safety:

  • Keep your vehicle in good working order.
  • Never let your gas drop below ¼ of a tank.
  • Make sure you lock your vehicle, even when you are in it.
  • Never leave valuables visible.
  • Make sure that you have your car keys ready when you go to your car and
  • Be sure to check the front and back seats before you get in.
  • Keep a flashlight handy.
  • Never put your name, address or driver’s license number on your key ring.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your trunk. In it have a blanket, candle, matches/lighter, a granola or energy bar and water. (You may never need it, but there’s comfort in having it available if you should break down.)

If you break down:

  • Put on your four way flashers, put your hood up and stay in your car until help arrives.
  • If a stranger stops to help, speak through a partially opened window. If you are uncomfortable, or you don’t trust the stranger, tell them police are already on their way. If that does not work, sound your horn.

If The Worst Happens...

If you are being robbed, give up whatever the item being demanded of you. Do not risk yourself over any item. You are more important! Try to get details about your attacker, note the hair colour, height, age, eye colour, any scars or physical features that stand out.

If you have to defend yourself, for whatever reason, remember, there are no rules! It is good practice to carry a whistle. If you are in a situation, the best way to attract attention is to make a loud noise. Yelling works, but it takes a lot of energy and voices can fail. A whistle is very loud and takes much less energy. Report the details to the police immediately.

Frauds Cons and Scams

Be aware that there are many con artists that want your money. The key is to be aware. There are mail and email frauds, con games and sweet-talk crimes. Keep these guidelines and you should be able to detect a con. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Don't pay any money up front. Do not pay any fees or "good faith" money.
  • Do not sign any contract without having it examined.
  • Check the credentials of any salesperson or business.
  • Don’t make hasty decisions where your money or property is concerned.

For further information on scams:

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