The Rest a While Service Centre in Primrose held an informative security talk for the elderly on October 2, in collaboration with Circinus Security Services.
As the festive season approaches, concerns regarding rising criminal activities, particularly targeting vulnerable groups like seniors, have heightened.
Stephan Fourie from Circinus emphasised the need for heightened awareness during this time, stating, “With the increase in foot traffic and financial transactions during Christmas, elderly citizens are often more vulnerable to theft, scams, and even house robberies.”
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The session aimed to empower seniors with safety tips, ensuring they can enjoy the holiday season with peace of mind.
Circinus shared several key safety recommendations for seniors to follow this holiday season:
• Be aware of unusual or suspicious individuals or situations.
• Stay in well-lit areas, especially when out at night.
• Report any crime or suspicious activity to security or the police immediately.
• Always take someone with you when going for a walk or shopping.
• Do not offer rides to strangers.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Carry a whistle on your keychain for emergencies.
• When visiting an ATM, always take a companion and never accept help from strangers.
• Keep your card in sight while paying.
• Inform someone of your whereabouts and expected return time when going out.
• Never leave your handbag unattended; carry it across your body rather than just over your shoulder, and consider leaving it at home if possible.
• Avoid large cash withdrawals.
By equipping seniors with these safety strategies, the Rest a While Service Centre and Circinus aim to enhance the community’s overall security during the festive season.
