Tips: Senior Citizen Security

According to the Department of Justice, senior citizens usually experience lower rates of crime. But when seniors are victimized, there is a 92 percent chance the crime will occur in or near their homes.

“As we age, our safety and security needs change, so it’s important to take extra precautions to keep ourselves and our senior family members safe,” said Steve Shapiro, director of product management for ADT Security Services. “Although statistics show seniors are less likely to be vulnerable to some types of crime, they are more likely than any other age group to be victims of crime in their own homes.”

To help better protect America’s seniors from property crime and personal theft, ADT has developed the following essential safety tips:

  • Never hide keys under the doormat, in the mailbox or in a planter, burglars will go straight for these typical hiding spots to look for spare keys. Spare keys should be left with a trusted neighbor.
  • If you decide to install an alarm system, consider one that is monitored for burglary, fire, carbon monoxide and medical emergencies. These alarm system features can be life-saving if you, or a loved one, become incapacitated while in the home.
  • Install and use good locks on doors and windows. Good locks are the first line of defense against home invasion -- it is also important to make sure your locks are in working order.
  • Never give credit card, Social Security, phone card or bank account numbers to callers who ask for this information to “verify” prizes. If they have to ask for this personal information, it is a sure sign they are fakes -- never give personal data over the phone, unless you know who you are dealing with.
  • Recently there have been cases of seniors being targeted to send cash to someone posing as a grandchild. If you receive a call like this, you should always call the child’s parents for verification, even if they say they do not want their parents to know.
  • When service or delivery people come to your door, ask for ID and check with their company if you are still unsure. When in doubt, research the company by calling police or the Better Business Bureau. Reputable companies will have no problem with your request for more information.

Most importantly, Shapiro wants everyone to remember, “Thinking about home security should be a top priority, especially as we grow older and live longer.”

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.