Crimes Against Elderly Have Some on Edge

The Indianapolis Star
Metro & State [Section B]
Monday, May 21, 2007

There have been three separate attacks on the elderly in the Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood since March 31, 2007. Lonnie McFarland, a Butler-Tarkington resident, became the first victim to be attacked by the assailant. The assailant asked Mr. McFarland if he could mow his grass but instead attacked him in front of his wife, Evelyn. The criminals prey on the elderly since they cannot fight back in order to protect themselves. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department data states, “Over the past two years in Marion County, people older than 65 have been victims of more than 350 robberies, seven rapes, eight shootings and three homicides.”

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics stated, “Although crime rates against seniors have been declining slightly over the past 10 years, recent incidents are causing renewed concern in Indianapolis, especially on the Northside.” Due to the concern, Maj. John Conley, commander of IMPD’s North District, has increased the number of patrol officers in the area. It is the IMPD’s hope that the attackers will be caught, but the victims could not provide a detailed description of their assailants.

Seniors need to be wary of people who are soliciting in order to perform odd task around their house. Shirley Purvitis said that, “seniors must learn how to protect themselves from violent criminals and from the scam artists looking to bilk them out of their pensions.” Listed below are five crime-prevention tips for the elderly or anyone else:

  1. Install good locks on your doors and windows. Consider installing a home alarm system.
  2. Don’t hide extra keys in planters or under doormats.
  3. Always ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are at all suspicious, call the company.
  4. Join a neighborhood watch program and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
  5. Carry your purse close to your body and keep your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

Source: National Crime Prevention Council
Compiled by The Star Library

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