Prosecutor - Summit County

Senior Safety Awareness Month

A MESSAGE FROM PROSECUTOR WALSH

We are once again approaching our annual Senior Safety Awareness Month - September!

In the ten years since I took office, I have spoken to more than 8,000 senior citizens about
ways to better protect themselves.

Criminals perceive senior citizens as vulnerable and easy targets. In 2009, there were over
100 cases of theft committed against senior citizens in Summit County. There were 45
cases of criminal damaging and 46 cases of breaking and entering. Establishing simple
habits can go a long way in keeping you safe.

Below is a list of changes you may want to consider:

1. Do your door and window locks need replaced?

2. Do you have deadbolts and a peep hole on your door?

3. When leaving your home, tell a family member or trusted friend where you are going.

4. Keep screen doors locked during the day.

5. Consider carrying a cell phone for emergencies.

6. Don’t open your door to strangers. If you don’t know them, don’t let them in.

7. Leave your purse at home.

8. If you don’t recognize the phone number calling, don’t answer it.

9. Have your social security or pension check directly deposited into your account.

10. Have your keys ready when you approach your car.

TRY THIS INEXPENSIVE SECURITY SYSTEM

When sleeping, keep your car keys on your nightstand. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to break in, press the panic button for your car. Your car alarm will go off and scare away the thief.

2010 SENIOR SAFETY AWARENESS EVENTS

Look for our office booth at these 2010 events:

Senior Safari at the Akron Zoo

500 Edgewood Ave. in Akron

Sponsored by Summa Health System & SummaCare

September 3, 2010

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Seniors 55 and up - $3 admission

Summit Senior Expo at Summit Mall

3265 W. Market St. in Akron

September 17, 2010

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Free Admission

Senior Luncheon at Tangier Restaurant