PERTH seniors who believe they are more likely to be a victim of crime are worrying unnecessarily, according to South Metropolitan community engagement co-ordinator Paul Trimble.

Sergeant Trimble visited the Cockburn Seniors Centre in Spearwood this week to let people know they are actually the “safest in our community”.

“Night time burglaries on residential homes mostly occur through unlocked doors and windows,” he said.

“Thieves will check homes in a street to look for one that is left insecure.

“As seniors are more security conscious than most and lock their doors and windows each night they are at a lower risk of being a victim of burglary.”

Sgt Trimble said burglars take a different approach during the day, often knocking on the front door to make sure no one is home.

He said because seniors are at home more during the day, they are less likely to have their home broken into.

“It’s important to call out telling them through the locked door to come back later as your partner is unwell in bed, but don’t keep quiet or they will think the home is empty and proceed to break in,” Sgt Trimble said.

Sgt Trimble said dogs and alarms were great security measures, with noise alerting others that something is wrong.

He also recommended seniors keep a phone, door key and a torch next to their bed.

“This will most likely never have to be used but it makes you feel safer, giving you a sense of control if something was to occur,” he said.

People are reminded they can report suspicious activity to police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

South Metropolitan community engagement co-ordinator Paul Trimble’s safety tips people can adopt to better protect their homes

– Always lock doors and windows, even if you are at home or outside, and remember that no other entry points including gates and garage doors should be left open. – Lights should not be left on all night. It is best to use a timer so the lights go on and off at different times during the night. – Having a dog is another great way to deter offenders from breaking in as the barking alerts people that someone is loitering near the house. – An alarm is a proven way to protect your property as the sound causes offenders to leave before getting caught. – Burglars will often knock on the front door before breaking in to make sure no one is home so it’s important for them to know someone is there. You can call out telling them through the locked door to come back later as your partner is unwell in bed, but don’t keep quiet. – It is recommend everyone keep a phone, door key and a torch next to their bed. This will most likely never have to be used but it makes you feel safer, giving you a sense of control if something was to occur. – People are reminded they can report suspicious activity to Police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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