Crime prevention tips for caregivers and seniors

        Some people, when they hear the term “caregiver,” may think of someone who is paid to take care of another person, but in many cases, a caregiver may be a family member or a friend.
        For the purposes of this article, I will be offering safety and security tips for caregivers in a residential setting.
        At this time of year, it gets dark early, though the days are getting longer every day. Caregivers need to pay special consideration to safety concerns during darkness. Thieves and other criminals like the darkness. That is why crime prevention professionals stress the importance of good lighting after dark.
        Caregivers and seniors should make sure outside lights are on and working properly at night. Window coverings, such as solid drapes, should be kept closed after dark so others cannot see inside the residence.
        Outside doors should be equipped with a peephole to be able to see who is at the door, should someone knock or ring the doorbell. No one should open the door at any time – daylight or after dark – unless they know who is there and feel safe letting them in.
        The door should also have a device to allow the people inside the residence to open it only slightly if they know who is there. While a chain-type device is better than nothing, it is not effective in keeping someone out who may try to force their way inside. Devices that are made of solid metal and have a ball on the end that fits inside a grooved bar, like those found on hotel doors, are much better at keeping intruders out.
        With the current illegal drug epidemic, we are experiencing, daytime burglaries and home invasions are on the rise. The more desperate drug users become to get their next fix, the more daring they become to get a hold of anything they can sell, even for pennies on the dollar. This is one reason no one should let their guard down, regardless of the time of day.
        Thieves have also become more brazen in their attempts to steal something – anything – they can turn into quick cash. This is where the home invasions enter the picture. A home invasion, generally, is a situation in which a perpetrator enters an occupied residence.
        Security cameras and similar devices are becoming less and less expensive. A good camera installed at an outside door can allow an occupant to see the person at the door without opening it up even a little bit.
        It’s also wise for caregivers and seniors to keep all doors and windows locked at all times, and to familiarize themselves with noises that are not typical in their settings. That way, they will know when they hear something that is not normal.
        It’s hard to advise someone when they should call 9-1-1 if they are concerned about something they hear or see going on. The best advice is to follow your gut instincts, but when in doubt, make the call.
        This article is a public service from the Crime Prevention Division of the Lake Township Police Department. Township residents may obtain further information on crime prevention and public safety topics by contacting Ron Craig, crime prevention specialist/community policing officer, at 419-481-6354.