NHW1 - Safety and Security for Senior Citizens Program



NHW1 - Safety and Security for Senior Citizens ProgramThe Real Crime Situation in our CommunityPrepared by Neighbourhood WatchIntroductionFrom time to time you will see on the TV news or learn from other news media of a serious crime. In many cases the people involved are known to each other and there is some history between them.For some people, these media reports can leave them feeling concerned.It must be stressed that in Manningham, we live in a safe community. Victoria Police crime statistics regularly support this fact with Manningham normally trending below that of neighbouring areas across all types of crime.Crime in Manningham Over Recent YearsAnecdotal evidence and advice provided by the local Police suggests that some senior citizens feel unsafe in Manningham and yet the statistics would indicate that the perception is incorrect.ABS data for Manningham indicates that the 55+ age group represents about a third of the population of our municipality. Therefore, it could be expected that our age group would be victims in about a third of the crimes in Manningham. Combining statistics for both the State and Manningham suggests that the victims in about 2% of the crimes against the person, such as assaults, in our municipality are 55 years of age or older.In total, there were 448 "crimes against the person” in the Manningham 2013/14. So it is estimated that there were about 10 crimes against people 55 years old or over in the year which is less than one per month. Doing the same calculation for crimes against property eg burglaries, we find that the victims in just over 8% of these incidents were in the 55+ age group in Manningham.There were 2,776 "crimes against property" in Manningham in 2013/14. So it is estimated that there were about 236 crimes against the property of senior citizens in Manningham in the year so we should do all we can to reduce these crimes as much as possible.The key thing is to be careful not fearfulThat is why we are here to talk with you today.Current Crime Trends in ManninghamRecent reports from Manningham Police suggest thefts from motor vehicles are still occurring too frequently. Lock your vehicle and remove valuables when you park your car. We will come back to that in a moment.Notes to the PresenterBroad Crime Rates (not for presentation but for possible questions)Statewide, about 7% of the victims of "crimes against the person", such as assaults, were 55 years of age or older. About 17% of the victims of "crimes against property" were in this age group. These percentages would be expected to also apply in Manningham. 48006003771265Time 4 mins 00Time 4 mins 171450998855KEY POINTS The news media often sensationalises crimes but few of the reported crimes affect senior citizens.Crime statistics show that the level of crime in Manningham is well below the State average. Although about one third of the residents in Manningham are 55 years old or more, they are victims in a lot less than a third of the crimes that occur in Manningham.Be careful not fearful.00KEY POINTS The news media often sensationalises crimes but few of the reported crimes affect senior citizens.Crime statistics show that the level of crime in Manningham is well below the State average. Although about one third of the residents in Manningham are 55 years old or more, they are victims in a lot less than a third of the crimes that occur in Manningham.Be careful not fearful.Crimes against the person in Manningham are about one third of the State average and crimes against property are about half the average for the State.Reminder at the End of the PresentationWe hope you have found this presentation worthwhile.Just to quickly go back to where we started…..Remember, despite what you hear on the news about violent crimes occurring in other parts of Melbourne and Australia, Manningham is a very safe place to live. As we said before, the crime statistics from the Police indicate that the crime rate in Manningham is well below the Melbourne average, particularly for seniors.In particular, there is less than one crime a month against a person (such as assaults) in our age group so you can see that we live in a very safe area.So be careful but not fearful.NHW2 – Safety and Security for Senior Citizens ProgramPrepared by Manningham Neighbourhood WatchHome and Vehicle SecurityHome SecurityYour home is where you should always feel safe and secure. There are some simple ways to reduce the chance of crime at your home.House and HomeLock all windows and doors before leaving the house.Lock your house while outside gardening.All external doors should be fitted with deadlocks and have peep-holes to identify visitors.Install a security screen door and always have it lockedIt is desirable for windows to lock with a key or have security grillesFences and GardensMake sure fences do not provide a hiding place for burglars. Trim trees and shrubs around windows as well.Maintain your garden so your house looks lived-in.Make sure all side gates are locked with a strong padlock.Install sensor lights to illuminate the grounds around your house and your front door step.Garages and ShedsLock your garage and shed to prevent the theft of tools, which could be used to break into your house.Padlock larger items, such as ladders, to a solid objectKeep a spare key with a trusted neighbour, not hidden somewhere near the house.Going on HolidaysHave the post office to hold your mail for the duration of your holiday. Cancel any newspaper deliveries. Ask a friend or neighbour to clear junk mail from your letter box.If you are going for an extended period of time, have a trusted friend or neighbour mow your lawns and take your bin out and back in again.Install a timer to turn on lamps, radio or a television, to make it seem someone is home.Close all curtains so no one can see into your house.Lodge an Absence from Residence form with your local Police Station.47504353674110Time 4 mins 00Time 4 mins left758190KEY POINTS Lock all entry points to your house, garage and sheds to make it harder for burglars to break in.Do all you can to make your home look occupied whether you are there or not.Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in and around your neighbours’ houses and ask them to do the same for you.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. Do not intervene.00KEY POINTS Lock all entry points to your house, garage and sheds to make it harder for burglars to break in.Do all you can to make your home look occupied whether you are there or not.Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in and around your neighbours’ houses and ask them to do the same for you.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. Do not intervene.Vehicle SecurityTheft from CarsMost thieves break into cars because they see something they want inside. Thieves will break windows and damage locks in a matter of seconds in order to steal your valuables or even just for the spare change in the console.Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving your car unattended.Never leave valuable items on view in your vehicle. Remove GPS and cradle, mobile phones, iPods, laptops, CD’s, money, sunglasses, bags and sporting equipment.Do not place items in your boot, console or under your front seat; you never know who is watching. If it’s valuable, take it with you.Remove the suction mark left by your GPS cradle on the windscreen. Thieves will often break into a vehicle looking for a GPS unit hidden in the vehicle.Do not leave loose change within view; thieves will do hundreds of dollars damage to steal small amounts of money.Power cables from cigarette lighter sockets are signs of a valuable item probably hidden in the vehicle. Remove these from view. Fit your number plates with theft-resistant one-way screwsTheft of CarsLock your car – always physically check it is locked even when parking at home or just leaving your car for a momentClose all windows - including the sunroofPark your car in a locked garage if possible Park off the street in your driveway if you don’t have a garagePark in a well-lit area to increase the chance that others will detect thieves Install an engine immobiliser and car alarm if they are not already fitted Consider using a steering wheel lock particularly for older vehicles Install a GPS tracking device for rare and expensive carsParking Your Car When Away from HomeUse a well-lit easily visible spot close to a busy area where other people will be around when you collect your car.Try and use a car park staffed 24 hours a day and park as close to the exit as possible.Always lock your car even if you will only be away from it for a short time, even at petrol stations.Never leave valuables or change on view in your car.Avoid onlookers when putting things in the boot.Returning to Your CarAsk someone who you know to walk you to your car if you are concerned or it is at night.Have your keys handy for quick entry to your car.171450490220KEY POINTS Close the windows and lock the car every time you leave it even if you will only be away for a short time.Park the car in a prominent and busy area particularly if you are returning to it after dark.Remove all valuables from view in the car before you park car and leave it.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. Do not intervene.00KEY POINTS Close the windows and lock the car every time you leave it even if you will only be away for a short time.Park the car in a prominent and busy area particularly if you are returning to it after dark.Remove all valuables from view in the car before you park car and leave it.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. Do not intervene.Check your back seat before you get in.4749800203835Time 4.5 mins 00Time 4.5 mins NHW3 – Safety and Security for Senior Citizens ProgramPreventing and Reporting CrimeBased on Material Prepared by Manningham Crime Prevention Officer – Leading Senior Constable Debbie DaySuspicious or Unusual ActivitiesIf you take nothing else away from today’s presentation it is that you should ring Triple Zero (000) if you see any suspicious activity or behaviour.As a member of the local community, you have a very good idea of what is normal in your area. For example, the next door neighbour would probably have told you if they were expecting somebody to call to remove the furniture while they were away on holiday. So when you see a van in next door’s drive and men removing electrical goods from the house, this is suspicious. Ring Triple Zero (000) immediately.The important thing about ringing Triple Zero (000) is that you are only reporting what you have seen. You are not trained to make an assessment of whether what is happening is illegal. We leave that to the experts.From the information that you provide, the Police will decide the priority that they give to the incident and the action that they will take. The local Police might be dealing with a critical incident and it may take them a while to get there. Do not ring the local Police Station if you see suspicious activity. The person taking your call at the Police Station will then have to ring Triple Zero (000), wasting valuable time and losing the benefit of getting the information about the incident from the person who observed it.UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INTERVENE IN THE INCIDENT. You are not trained and could make the situation worse! Report what you see and leave it to the experts.This section is optional (could be used to answer a question)So that you know what to expect when you ring Triple Zero (000), this is what happens.The person who answers the phone will ask whether you need Police, Ambulance or the Fire Brigade. When you say Police, you will be switched to another operator who will ask for details of the situation.Explain exactly what you have seen and possibly why you think it is suspicious eg the neighbours are away on holidays and they did not say furniture was to be collected while they were gone.You will be asked for an address where the incident is occurring.You might be asked for the nearest cross-street particularly if the street is fairly long.You will be asked for your name and whether you want the Police to report back to you on the outcome of the incident.It is a common feeling in the community (especially amongst people of our age) that they don’t want to “waste the time of the Police”. It must be emphasised that any information, no matter how small, could in fact be assisting police solve crime and there is no penalty or cost if the matter amounts to nothing. If the suspicious activity is not occurring at the time eg an unknown car parked for several weeks outside your house, ring the Local Police Station or Crime Stoppers (Tel: 1800 333 000).Once again, report what you have seen and leave it to the experts to decide on the action that should be taken. In the example of the car in the street, the Police will certainly check whether it is stolen. By the way, if a vehicle is abandoned in the street, it becomes a Council issue and you should contact Customer Services at Manningham Council.114300989330KEY POINTS Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your area.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. Do not intervene.00KEY POINTS Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your area.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. Do not intervene.If you ring the Doncaster Police Station to report something you would normally be expected to give your name. If you contact Crime Stoppers, (Tel: 1800 333 000), you can remain anonymous.-2505075816610Time 3 mins (+ 0.5 mins for 000)00Time 3 mins (+ 0.5 mins for 000)Vulnerable TargetsSenior citizens are often viewed by offenders as vulnerable or easy targets. We are generally less nimble on our feet and our reflexes are not as quick as we were 20 years ago. Some of us are not as quick-witted as we were and we take a little longer to process information.There are a number of ways that we can improve our safety when moving about in the community.Travel in pairsBe vigilant at ATM’s (try to use machines inside buildings or supermarkets)Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at ATM’sTake extra care of handbags, wallets and purses particularly in supermarkets. Carry handbags close to your bodyBe wary of letting tradesmen into home when aloneAvoid challenging potential offenders themselves; call Triple Zero (000)Be mindful of distractions (offenders often work in pairs)48006002120900Time 2 min 00Time 2 min 19050133350KEY POINTS Take a moment to think through what you want to do and then you can take more notice of what is going on around you.Where possible, go out and about with somebody else.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. 00KEY POINTS Take a moment to think through what you want to do and then you can take more notice of what is going on around you.Where possible, go out and about with somebody else.Immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. ScamsSenior citizens are particularly vulnerable as victim of scams and dodgy door-to-door sales. We were brought up in an era in which we were taught to be polite so it “goes against the grain” to tell somebody to go away. If somebody approaches you at home, in the street or in a shopping centre offering you some product or service, your first response should be to say “NO”. If they have a brochure that might be of interest to you, by all means take it and tell them that you will contact them if you wish to take the matter further.Don’t be influenced by comments such as “the special price won’t last”. If you were not on the look-out for the product or service in the first place, what does it matter?If you are investigating a product or a service and somebody calls at your house, there are a few actions that you can take:Ask for identification and write the details downDon’t sign a contract without a relative, friend or legal adviser reading it to ensure that you have not overlooked a critical point. Again don’t be influenced by statements about a “special price that won’t last”.Take down registration numbers of the vehicles used by the workmen providing the service19050748665KEY POINTS If a deal seems too good to be true then it is probably a scam.Don’t be rushed into making a decision. Ask a friend, family member or legal adviser to review a contract or other information about a product or service.As soon as possible, ring Triple Zero (000) if a tradesman or sales-person raises your suspicions in the way that they “sell” their services.00KEY POINTS If a deal seems too good to be true then it is probably a scam.Don’t be rushed into making a decision. Ask a friend, family member or legal adviser to review a contract or other information about a product or service.As soon as possible, ring Triple Zero (000) if a tradesman or sales-person raises your suspicions in the way that they “sell” their services.Don’t pay for the work until it has been completed to a satisfactory standard.46577252809240Time 2.5 mins 00Time 2.5 mins NHW4 – Safety and Security for Senior Citizens ProgramManningham Community Health Services Ltd.Getting Out and AboutPlan and prepare for going out and about Pace yourself – if you have bigger outings planned, consider where you can take a break to restAre you going to an area you are familiar with?Are you able to go out together with someone? – If you need assistance with shopping, the Council is able to arrange for someone to do the shopping with you on a regular basis. -7620019240500Personal Risk FactorsParticular health conditions can increase the risk of falls both inside and outside the home by impacting on mobility, endurance, strength, balance and co-ordination.Hints:Use supportive footwear that fits well and with a sole that provides grip Carry a mobile phone to use in emergencies – You can program your phone with quick contacts eg Triple Zero (000) and family if you need to call quicklyIf you are driving, consider what time of day it is and how tired you are. Think about the return journey. Will it be dark when you need to drive home? Or will you be more tired?If you have questions or are concerned about driving, talk to your doctor. Specialist Occupational Therapists can also complete driving assessments and give you recommendations about your driving and licence. Occupational Therapists can also suggest modifications to cars to enable you to keep driving or enable access to your car if you use a wheelchair for mobilityAccessible parking permits and ? price taxi cards can assist with community accessA physiotherapist can also provide recommendations to assist you to maintain or increase your mobility and can recommend aids and equipment to help. Occupational Therapists can assist you with mobility equipment such as wheelchairs (manual and powered) and scooters.-133350-10477500Environmental FactorsWhen out and about there are common hazards such as poorly formed steps and curbs, slippery/wet floors and uneven surfaces. If you see a hazard you can report it to your local council. HintsWhen crossing the road use the pedestrian crossings. If the road is divided, cross half way and push the button for the lights again rather than trying to rush to cross road in one go. Find out what parking options are available to you, or which is the nearest bus stop before you go-14287521145500Access: Public Transport, Shopping Centres and the CityYou can borrow wheelchairs and scooters inside larger shopping centres (eg Westfield Doncaster).When taking public transport (buses or trams) get on at the front door and ask the driver to wait while you sit down.Travellers Aid (Melbourne City) is a service that can loan mobility equipment when you are in the city. They also can provide space to charge your powered mobility device. They also have a medical companion service which provides someone to accompany you from the station to medical appointments in the city.If you need someone to travel with you in the community at all times, you can access a “companion card” which enables access for a companion to events/transport.There is a phone app (perhaps a family member can download it) which has been designed to help people living with disabilities access their local community. The App is called “Out & About – Accessing Your Community” (Villa Maria Society).KEY POINTS Use supportive footwear that fits well andthat has a sole that provides grip. Carry a mobile phone to use in emergencies and have it programmed with quick contacts eg Triple Zero (000) and family, if you need to call urgently.If you are driving, consider what time of day it is and how tired you are. Think about the return journey. Will it be dark when you need to drive home? Or will you be more tired?You can borrow wheelchairs and scooters inside larger shopping centres (eg Westfield Doncaster). When taking public transport (buses or trams) get on at the front door and ask the driver to wait while you sit down.If possible, travel with someone else who can help you if necessary.5467350131445Time 5 mins 00Time 5 mins NHW5 – Safety and Security for Senior Citizens ProgramManningham Community Health Services Ltd.Safety in the home There are many things that you can do to increase your safety at home and reduce the risk of falling. Occupational Therapists are health professionals who can visit you in your home and discuss various options to help you do the things you want to do at home, and to reduce the risk of falls.-3810073660000Booklet available from the Department of Health – “Don’t Fall for it”Personal Risk FactorsHealth conditions can increase the risk of falling in many ways. Talk to your doctor about your health, and to ensure any medical conditions can be managed as best as possible Medications can impact balance and alertness. Talk to your doctor if you feel that your medication is affecting your balance Supportive footwear can reduce the risk of falling in the home – if you need advice, a podiatrist can help you to find appropriate footwear.HintsIf you have been lying down, get up slowly, taking time to sit on the end of the bed before standing up. Likewise, if you are sitting, stand up slowly and make sure you are steady before starting to walk. Pace yourself - consider what you would like to do during the day. Give yourself breaks and spread “heavier tasks” over the week rather than doing everything at once.Vision and Lighting – Low lighting and reduced vision related to age and/or medical conditions, can place you at risk of tripping. An Occupational Therapist and services such as Vision Australia can provide recommendations. Have your eyes tested and use glasses when they are neededUse lights in the evenings and at night or in darker rooms. Use night lights or sensor lights to light the way to the toilet when it is darkPaint the edge of steps with a contrasting colour (white/yellow) to enable you to see them more easily or fit contrast strips which also improve slip resistanceReduce clutter in your home.-21907524193500Environmental Risk FactorsRemove mats throughout the home as these can create trip hazards (particularly if they move or curl at the edgesEnsure cords (eg phone/heater) are kept away from walkways. Where you can, run these along the wall or under furniture. Cordless phones are a good alternative and mean you can keep them with you.In the bathroom – try using rubber based mats to reduce slipping on tiles. Shower seats/stools are available and provide you with the option of a seated shower or to sit down for a break if needed. Grab rails in the shower/toilet or by any steps can provide a secure handhold (Suction cup rails are not recommended as they come loose often). Freestanding banister rails can also be fitted alongside steps. Consider which access to your home is the easiest for you to use. Modifications can be undertaken to make the access easier to use. An Occupational Therapist can help you to work out what changes to make at your home and also help you to access some funding if this is needed. Consider where you place frequently used items. If things are stored between hip and shoulder height they are much easier to reach (ie no bending or reaching up).Personal Alarms are pendants that can be worn as a necklace or a watch and give you the ability to alert someone if you have a fall or need urgent assistance. These are particularly useful if you live alone and there are many different alarm options, including government funded alarms for those who are eligible. KEY POINTS If you have been lying or sitting down, get up slowly. Make sure you are steady on your feet before starting to walk. Pace yourself and plan what you want to do in the coming days. Give yourself breaks and spread the “heavier tasks” out rather than attempting to do everything at once.Use lights in the evenings/nights or in darker rooms. Night lights/sensor lights help you to safely access the toilet when it is dark. Remove mats and electrical cords from all walkways to reduce tripping hazards.4972050201930Time 5 mins 00Time 5 mins NHW6 - Safety and Security for Senior Citizens ProgramSupporting NHWPrepared by Manningham Neighbourhood WatchWhat is Neighbourhood Watch?Neighbourhood Watch is a community based crime prevention program. It aims to reduce the incidence of preventable crime and provide a safer community for all Victorians.Why Neighbourhood Watch?Neighbourhood Watch is a proven Police and community partnership against crime. The program was introduced in Manningham in 1985 to assist the Victoria Police to effectively control the crime rate, especially the incidence of burglary and related thefts.What would you do if you joined Neighbourhood Watch?There are roles for you in Manningham Neighbourhood Watch which would cater for your skills, energy and interests. Some of the things you could do include:?Directly support the Police in reducing crime in Manningham by working on program requested by them such as this one.?Deliver newsletters to the houses in your area.?Help at community events with distributing brochures to the public on home security and crime prevention?Assist with crime prevention activities such as installing theft-resistant screws in car number plates?Edit a newsletter in your local area?Manage the Neighbourhood Watch program in an area of ManninghamWhere is Neighbourhood Watch?Neighbourhood Watch is run by nearly 700 volunteers throughout the city of Manningham. Want more information on Neighbourhood Watch?To get more information on Neighbourhood Watch in your area, check our web site at: .au/manningham or telephone the Chairman, Geoff Kloot on Tel: 9850 7462.If you are a Facebook user but are unable to help NHW at the moment, you could show your support for NHW by finding us on Facebook at ?NHW.Vic46291503137535Time 2.5 mins 00Time 2.5 mins 1905034925KEY POINTS There are roles that you can play to make Manningham safer which range from showing support for NHW to becoming an active volunteer with the organisation.For more information, check our web site at: .au/manningham or telephone the Chairman, Geoff Kloot on Tel: 9850 7462.Even if you are currently unable to assist NHW, immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. 020000KEY POINTS There are roles that you can play to make Manningham safer which range from showing support for NHW to becoming an active volunteer with the organisation.For more information, check our web site at: .au/manningham or telephone the Chairman, Geoff Kloot on Tel: 9850 7462.Even if you are currently unable to assist NHW, immediately ring Triple Zero (000) if you see something suspicious or unusual and report what you have seen. ................
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