Elderly residents empowered during campaign

BRIGHTON Beach police hosted an integrated public awareness and educational campaign focusing on the vulnerability of elderly residents.

The campaign was held at the Arcadia Old Age Home in the Bluff and residents were enlightened about various topics to help improve their vigilance.

Communications officer of the Brighton Beach police station, Captain Louise le Roux, said individual level characteristics which increase the risk of an aged person falling prey to various forms of abuse included functional dependency, disability, poor physical health, cognitive impairment, poor mental health and financial constraints.
The presentation included the facilitation of safety tips for the aged when occupying public spaces, when in the privacy of their homes, and while driving.

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Brighton Beach police social crime prevention coordinator, Sergeant Sduduza Makaya, educated the elderly residents on the processes to follow to obtain a protection ordered and harassment order.
Le Roux made the residents aware of the threats they could be exposed to when engaging unknown people on the various social media platforms available to them.

Residents were also taught how to use a whistle when in distress and were encouraged to report all crimes against them.