There has been a rise in the number of crimes perpetrated against feeble, often lonely senior citizens in the city. A few safety measures and knowledge of a police helpline can help ward off such crimes They could be your neighbours, relatives or even your own aged parents. They have build the present society with their sweat and blood, and now seek leisurely, safe and happy superannuation. Unfortunately, with the crime rates rising every week in Mumbai, the elderly population of the city are rendered most vulnerable, because their physical emaciation often makes it impossible for them to actively resist and oppose any kind of wrongdoings they are subjected to. <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2011/may/RECKONER.jpg" border="5" /> Besides being easy targets for crimes such as robbery, assault and murder, senior citizens in Mumbai are also the most neglected and isolated lot. With nuclear families becoming the order of the day, senior citizens are often left to fend for themselves, even in times of need. Isolation, the feeling of rejection, gradually cause them to withdraw from active social lives; they retreat into their solitary cocoons, often falling into depression.u00a0 With the summer vacations on, many families have embarked on lengthy vacations, leaving the elderly members of the families an easy prey to anti-social elements on the prowl. "We keep updating our database of senior citizens in each jurisdiction, so that it is easy for us to address the situation speedily if any crime is committed," said Rajkumar Vhatkar, Deputy Commissioner of police, Mumbai police.u00a0 Senior police officials have also revealed that in a majority of cases, the senior citizens are victimised by individuals who are well acquainted with the victims - servants, watchmen, craftsmen, and other such acquaintances. Moreover, it is difficult for the police to nail them since they are often not on police records for previous crimes. Concerned about the rising incidence of crime against senior citizens, the Mumbai police has now launched a dedicated helpline to aid those in distress. Help just a call away Registered senior citizens can call 1090, whenever they require assistance. In case of medical emergencies, aid shall be provided. In case of harassment, domestic violence, security concerns, counselling and legal problems, the request will be noted and forwarded to a verified volunteer in the concerned area. The volunteers will meet the senior citizens at the earliest, understand their problems, and guide themu00a0 accordingly. Prevention is better than cure * Adopt the following security measures if don't want to an easy target of crimes: * Employ a servant only after verifying his real name and address with the help of the nearest police station, or through the security wardens of organisations like Dignity Foundation and AGNI. * Never discuss financial matters in front of your servant. * It is always safe to deposit your valuables in a safe deposit vault of any bank. * Do not allow any relatives or friends of your servant to visit your house. If at all he has any frequent visitor, check his background with the police and and take his contact details. * Make sure your neighbours know that you live alone. Also inform your housing society. * Treat your servant in a humane fashion. * Invest a little and use modern security gadgets. Door alarms, electronic eye bells are easily available in the market. Consult professionals in this regard. * If you don't want to splurge on costly security gadgets, install a peephole in your front door. Always check the identification of strangers before you allow them to enter your home. * Never leave spare keys in the open, or in conventional hiding places. * Verify the identity of any repairmen who enter your house. Use the telephone numbers provided by the service providers, not the ones suggested by them. * Don't give a worker or salesman free and easy access to all parts of your house. Do not leave them unattended at any cost. Helping hands Contact these organisations if you want any kind of assistance: Senior Citizen Association C/4064 Navapuramanu Cooperative Housing Society, near AMR Cinema, Chembur (East), Mumbai - 400071 Phone no: 022- 25219802 HelpAge India Mr John Thattil 34-A-44, Guruchhaya Building, Manish Nagar, Jaiprakash Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai - 400053 Phone no: 022-26370754, 022-26370740, 022-26370754 Dignity Helpline Dr. Sheilu Srinivasan, BMC School Building, Topiwala School, Opposite Lamington Road Police Station, Grant Road, Mumbai- 400007 Phone no: 022-23821057, 022- 23898078

There has been a rise in the number of crimes perpetrated against feeble, often lonely senior citizens in the city. A few safety measures and knowledge of a police helpline can help ward off such crimes

Home alone? stay safe

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