Date:21/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/21/stories/2008092157650200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Safety a serious issue for senior citizens

Staff Reporter

Community policing is a good way to ensure safety of neighbourhood

CHENNAI: Mahalingam and his wife were on their regular morning walk in a garden in Kilpauk when a young man on a cycle stopped by to ask directions to a house. As Mahalingam innocently answered his query, the man snatched away his chain and escaped.

This was an incident shared by the elderly couple at a meeting to discuss their safety organised by Dignity Foundation here on Friday.

Former Commissioner of Police Nanchil Kumaran addressed the elderly participants on how they could keep themselves safe. He told them to use the helpline 1253 when faced with problems.

“The police will even help you pay bills or book tickets, if need be,” he said.

He also advised those living alone to socialise with neighbours who would help them in times of need.

Senior citizens present at the meeting expressed fear that criminals enjoying political clout would threaten their safety.

Mr.Kumaran suggested community policing as a way to ensure safety of their neighbourhood.

He also advised them not to flaunt their wealth before domestic helps, carpenters and other service providers.

He added that using a peep hole in the door would help in identifying visitors. “Use ATM cards instead of keeping wads of money at home,” he rounded off.