Keep Seniors Safe

23/12/2009 10:36:47

With an increase of over 25%* in burglaries throughout the country and recent assaults against the elderly, Home Instead Senior Care encourages Ireland's seniors to stay safe this Christmas and make their home more secure.

Three men recently broke into the home of an elderly couple in Co Longford by kicking the front door down before demanding money and physically assaulting the retired pensioners. A few months earlier the grandfather of well-known magician Keith Barry was left unconscious following a break-in in his home in Waterford city and died one week later.

"These incidents are appalling and highlight the importance of ensuring the safety of older people. The majority of older people wish to maintain their independence and live in their own home for as long as possible, so it is important that we come together as a community and take particular care to look out for older people and take security measures to help people stay safe this Christmas", said Ed Murphy, Chief Executive of Home Instead Senior Care.

Burglaries are also expected to increase during the holiday season- homes are more frequently left empty as many people, old and young, are out shopping for Christmas presents or spending time with family and friends. Presents and treats are also more visible this time of year as people leave gifts out under the Christmas tree, which is usually placed near a window or they leave empty boxes outside the home so temptation really increases for burglars this time of year.  

To help keep Ireland's seniors safe and avoid being a victim of Christmas crime, Home Instead Senior Care encourages older people to take the following steps and make their home more secure:

·       Keep front and back doors locked at all times, even if you are at home. Windows should also be locked.

·       Do not open the door to strangers. If a repair or sales person arrives to the home do not let them in without calling their company to verify their identity.

·       Keep your house lit at night. This shows signs of life and activity, a darkened home night after night gives burglars the illusion that the house is vacant.

·       Keep Christmas presents hidden and secure. Do not leave presents under the tree in full view of burglars who may be peering through windows, keep presents hidden and secure until Christmas day.

·       Do not leave a spare key outdoors.  Do not hide your key outside under a doormat, a flowerpot or any place that may be easily uncovered by a burglar.

·       Call the police if you come home and find a door or window opened. Do not enter the house if there are signs of forced entry.

For further information on senior safety please contact Home Instead Senior Care on 1890 930 013 or log on to www.homeinstead.ie.

*CSO Recorded Crime Quarter 3 publication