Police warn of rising crimes against elderly living alone
COLOMBO – Police have warned of an increase in thefts and other crimes targeting elderly people living alone, urging children and relatives to take greater precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of ageing parents.
In a public advisory, police said a growing number of elderly individuals are being left to live by themselves as their children migrate overseas for employment or settle in other parts of the country. This has made many senior citizens increasingly vulnerable to criminal activity and other risks.
Authorities noted that elderly residents living alone have become easy targets for thieves, particularly drug addicts seeking money and valuables. In some cases, burglaries have escalated into violent crimes, including murder.
Police called on family members to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to protect elderly relatives from potential threats.
Among the key recommendations issued by police are the installation of adequate outdoor lighting around homes, maintaining close ties with neighbours, and ensuring that elderly residents do not admit strangers into their homes under any circumstances.
Families have also been advised to inform local administrative and law enforcement authorities, including the Grama Niladhari and Community Police Unit, when elderly persons are living alone.
Police further recommended providing senior citizens with easy-to-use mobile phones programmed with emergency contact numbers and displaying important telephone numbers in large print inside the home. These should include the local police station, the national emergency hotline (119), the Suwa Seriya ambulance service (1990), and trusted neighbours.
Authorities also stressed the importance of thoroughly vetting domestic helpers and caregivers before employment, including verifying their backgrounds through police records where possible.
Police appealed to the public to take a more active role in reducing the isolation of elderly parents and relatives, emphasizing that greater family involvement and community support could help prevent crimes and enhance their safety.
“Children and relatives must remain attentive to the welfare of elderly family members and take practical steps to protect them from becoming victims of crime,” the advisory said.
-ENCL
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