Pubdate: Fri, 28 May 2010
Source: Packet & Times (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 Osprey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.orilliapacket.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2397
Page: 3
Author: Sara Ross

SENIORS OFTEN TARGETS

Group learns how to protect themselves from crime at meeting Thursday.

Living in a mostly senior area in Orillia, June Healy sees her 
neighbourhood as a likely target for crime.

Seniors "are very vulnerable when it comes to crime," the 68-year-old 
said Thursday. "If (criminals are) going to go after (money for) 
their drug habits, they know we likely have money and we are a very 
easy target."

Healy realized the importance of protecting her home from crime when 
a neighbour's tires were stolen right off the vehicle, she said.

"My neighbour woke up and the four wheels off her car were stolen and 
(her vehicle) was up on blocks," Healy said. "Since that she put up 
motion sensor lights, which I think is very important."

Property crime, like break and enters and thefts, are a direct result 
of Orillia's drug problem, said OPP Const. Jeff MacEachern of 
Orillia's street crime unit.

"We have people who are addicted to drugs and they will do absolutely 
anything they can to get money, to get their fix," he said. "That is 
going to led to break and enters of your homes, your cars, robberies in town."

Seniors are easy targets because they are perceived to have more 
money, are more trusting and may not be in good physical and mental 
condition, said OPP Sgt. Robin Sanders, co-ordinator of the 
province's seniors assistance team run out of general headquarters.

"They're targeted a lot because they're vulnerable," she said. 
"They're more trusting, they are often on their own, they often 
aren't able to move as fast, they're not as strong to protect themselves."

A growing trend in Orillia's drug scene is abuse of prescription 
medications because police have been cracking down on illegal drugs, 
said Orillia OPP detachment commander Insp. Don Goard.

Because of this, seniors could be targeted for drugs they have been 
prescribed. ?"They may not even be getting narcotics, but the people 
who sometimes target seniors are looking for prescription medication," he said.

The fastest-growing prescription drug to be abused is OxyContin, a 
pain reliever which will give users a high if abused, MacEachern said.

"Drug users will take advantage of (seniors.)" he said. "They'll 
break into your houses and use your drugs. They would be more than 
happy to do that."?

Seniors can protect themselves by not telling anyone they are taking 
prescription drugs, MacEachern said.

"Don't tell people you're taking prescription drugs," he said. "Drug 
users will take those drugs for a high as much as any other drug."

Orillia seniors were informed of these threats during an OPP Seniors 
and Law Enforcement Together seminar Thursday afternoon at Orillia's 
Royal Canadian Legion.

OPP Const. Mike Kitchen spoke to the large group about how to prevent 
their homes from being targets of crime.

Seniors should ensure their homes and garages are locked at all 
times. Tools in an open garage could be used by criminals to break 
into homes, he said. Door frames and hinges should be reinforced. 
?Untrimmed hedges and high fences can be used by criminals to hid. 
Motion sensor lights could deter criminals, Kitchen said.

"They are terrified of getting caught and so they're going to look 
for an easier target to get their goods," he said.

Since seniors are least likely to report crime, Kitchen emphasized 
the importance of calling the OPP.

"If there's something that needs to be addressed, really make sure 
you bring it to the police attention," he said. "Let's look after 
each other and look after our community."
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart