Ellen Teitelbaum: Suburban Special – November 26, 1996
Whether they are at the bank or walking down the street alone, senior citizens are often easy prey for thieves and pick-pockets. Prevention is as simple as increasing awareness of one’s surroundings and using « street smarts » in our daily routines.
The CLSC Rene-Cassin’s University Institute of Social Gerontology of Quebec held a conference last week focusing on how senior citizens can change habits and behaviours to better protect themselves in their day-to-day interactions.
Banks have become a popular place for moneyhungry criminals to find their victims. Debra Hadley Beaudet, manager of Cavendish Mall’s Toronto Dominion Bank, said because of the friendly atmosphere at her bank, many of her older clients tend to let their guard down.
« They often withdraw large sums of money, » she said, « and they speak loudly with the teller so that others can hear. » Ms. Beaudet stressed the fact that you can never know who is overhearing your conversation or watching you make withdrawals, « even a few twenties can attract the attention of a criminal who needs fast cash. » She suggested taking some withdrawal slips home and filling them out before arriving at the bank so that mentioning dollar amounts to the teller will not be necessary.
Seniors must be careful when giving someone « power of attorney » over their finances, said Ms. Beaudet. « You must realize you are giving this person full control; the bank does not question that. »
Const. Christine Lafreniere and safety expert George Manoli gave tips on how senior citizens can better protect themselves physically as well as protect their personal belongings.
She focused on women first, « Everything is in your purse: your wallet, your money, your keys, and your medication. They shouldn’t be. »
« It’s not difficult for a thief to unzip your bag or just pull it off your shoulder. » Constable Lafreniere suggested to keep vital credit cards, identification cards and money in an outside coat pocket or to buy a money pouch that is worn around the waist. If you do wear a purse, it is important to wear the snap facing the body.
Since most men keep their wallet in their back pant pockets, which gives thieves easy access to them, it was suggested that wallets ‘ be put in front pockets or in the inside pockets of jackets
or coats.
Mr. Manoli, an expert in assault prevention, suggested that increased awareness of surroundings is vital in preventing theft or assault. « Thieves have a master’s degree in victimology; they have submarine-like radar. Take a second or two to observe where you are going and who is around you. »