Theft is most often a crime of convenience. Money and valuables left within sight of even the most trustworthy person may be an irresistible temptation in certain circumstances.

The Ohio Department of Aging offers these tips for inviting people into your home without inviting theft.
• Know who is in your home and why. Verify the identity of any person who wishes to enter your home. Ask to see I.D. and ask who sent them. Call to make sure the visit is authorized.
• Store your valuables, including medications, jewelry, cash, checks and credit cards, in a private place.
• Retrieve your mail daily. If you can’t get your mail yourself, have a trusted friend, family member or neighbor retrieve it for you.
• Destroy unwanted or unneeded documents that identify you in any way, including bank statements, bills,  financial documents, records and other papers that contain information that could be used to conduct business in your name.
• Do not allow someone to write checks for you or pay your bills with your credit or debit card unless you have previously and formally authorized them to do so. If you need assistance, contact your case manager or area agency on aging, 1-866-243-5678.

• Monitor purchases. When someone runs an errand for you, give him or her only the money needed for the task. Get the receipt, check it and count your change. Do not lend money or belongings to someone working for you. If you suspect someone may have stolen something that belongs to you, do not confront the person yourself. Immediately contact the appropriate authorities (police or sheriff) and the individual’s employer, your case manager and your family.

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