SENIOR Constable Sue Rose, from Chifley Local Area Command, gave a talk to Oberon residents last week on safety and security for seniors.
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The well-attended session was very interesting and informative. Senior Constable Rose talked about common-sense security measures around the home, such as locking doors and windows when going out – something some people don’t bother to do!
She discussed informing neighbours when you are going to be away on holidays and cancelling papers, having someone collect your mail, and leaving the house looking as normal as usual.
The well-attended session was very interesting and informative
Lock garages and sheds so opportunistic thieves can’t steal things like chainsaws and equipment – even something they can sell for $10 will be a worthwhile target.
With cars – again, lock them while you are in the shops and don’t leave valuables like handbags and phones visible.
Women leaving shopping bags in their trolleys while they search the supermarket shelves for goods are easy targets – and sometimes these victims don’t even realise their loss until they reach the checkout!
When using ATMs, Senior Constable Rose advised to finish everything while still standing at the ATM – where they have security cameras – rather than counting your money and putting it in your wallet as you walk down the street.
Senior Constable Rose also stressed that banks and utility companies will not ask you for your passwords over the phone or in emails. Do not give these out to people.
A couple of common scams doing the rounds at the moment are an email supposedly from the post office saying you have a parcel to pick up, and another email supposedly from AGL containing a gas bill – if you click on the link in this email, all your computer files will be encrypted, which effectively means your computer is “stuffed” and you will lose all your files.
If you are unsure if an email is legitimate or not, ring the bank or the company – but don’t use the phone number in the email; get the number from the phone book or another source.
Finally, Senior Constable Rose talked about a Next of Kin Program which is designed for people living alone. They fill in the contact details of their nominated person and these are kept at the local police station in case police or ambulance are called to the person’s place in case of an emergency.
This form can be obtained from Senior Constable Sue Rose on 6332 8699 or ask for a copy at the Oberon Council Library.
