A cooperative effort of the Pell City Police Department and local senior citizens aims to reduce crime and the fear of crime for the city’s older residents, according to Chief Greg Turley.

“Unfortunately, criminals sometimes target senior citizens,” the chief said last week while speaking about the Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (SALT) Council.  “We want to increase and improve senior crime prevention and education, improve local law enforcement’s knowledge of the crime prevention needs of seniors, and improve senior victim assistance.”

Turley outlined a number of things seniors can do to reduce their chances of becoming victims of crimes, offering the following suggestions.

Most burglaries occur during daylight hours, and many intruders gain access through open or poorly secured doors and windows. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to eliminate hiding places for thieves.  

Keep the exterior of your home well lit, especially where there are doors and windows.  Install outside lights equipped with motion detectors to deter burglars and alert others of potential criminal activity.

Make it difficult for an intruder to enter.  Be certain locks are functioning properly.  All doors should have deadbolts.  Use them.  Make sure windows are locked and cannot be forced open, especially those not in use.  Secure basement and attic windows.

Create and maintain safe and adequate escape routes in every room.  Know how to get out fast.

When away from home, use timers on inside lamps and radios to create the impression of an occupied home.  When returning home, give the house a brief visual survey before entering.  If anything looks suspicious, call 911 from another location.

If you have an answering machine, your message should not indicate that you live alone.  Use the phrase, “We are unable to answer your call at this time.”

Ask for photo ID from service or delivery people before letting them in.  If you have any reason to doubt, call the company to verify before letting them in.

When shopping or out in the community, don’t carry credit cards you won’t need or large amounts of cash.  Go with family, friends, or a group, if possible, rather than being alone.

Carry purses close to the body, not dangling by straps.  Put wallets in an inside coat or front pants pocket.  Keep all car doors locked at all times.  Be particularly alert in parking lots or garages for people just hanging around.  Park near an entrance or exit if possible.

If someone or something makes you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and leave the area.  If necessary, move to where there are large groups of people.  

Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse.  If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, these can possibly be used in an identity fraud.  

Every year billions or dollars are lost to fraudulent activities.  Scams are conducted over the telephone, by mail, the Internet, and door-to-door.  Often you will be pressured into donating or buying something immediately.  Prizes, vacations, charities, club memberships, or investments can be the front used by con artists.

Legitimate organizations do not require immediate response and should provide you with information in the mail.  Take your time, and have others review the information with you.  Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you initiate the call and know the party you are calling.  

Ask for references.  Ask a lot of questions.  Be cautious of anyone claiming, “You will never get another opportunity like this.”  If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.  Don’t let anyone rush you into signing anything.  If someone will not let you get off the phone, hang up.

Beware of anyone claiming to represent companies, organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.  Con artists will sometimes pretend to be officials trying to catch a thief with your assistance.  Never go along with these schemes.  

Protect yourself and your home from fires by testing smoke detectors once a month to make sure they work.  Replace batteries once a year.

Keep a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector on every floor in the house.  Plan and practice a home fire drill.  Make a map showing the exits from every room.  Obtain an escape ladder for bedrooms located on the second floor.  Make sure windows can be opened easily from the inside if needed for escape.

Make sure stove burners are turned off after use.  Keep and store flammable materials in a safe place.  Eliminate such fire hazards as piles of paper and smoking in bed.