Staying safe in your own home is always important however as you retire and start spending more time at home, the topic of home safety becomes even more important. Be’s Townsville team recently hosted an information session with Officer Greg and Officer Grant from the local Police, advising on home and cyber safety for older adults.

“The Townsville area has seen a recent increase in crime and we wanted to provide our clients with some tools and increased confidence in their personal safety and property,” said Be’s Townsville Community Coordinator Kathryn Konidis.

The local Police Officers shared some key tips for home safety:

1. Lock it up: take time to lock windows, doors and gates when you head out. It is just as important to keep your house locked whilst you are home.
2. Lighting: ensure you have sufficient lighting around your property for night-time.
3. Know your neighbours: this builds a sense of community and increased security.
4. Only open your door to people you know and trust.
5. Keep your valuable items secure or hidden, and consider engraving items.

“It is still important that seniors recognise risky situations and take precautions to protect themselves and their property.” Said Queensland Police spokesperson.

The group also discussed phone and cyber safety and the importance of knowing what to look for when spotting a scammer either online or via unsolicited phone calls.

“Our number one tip is to never, under any circumstances give out your credit card details, banking information, name, phone number, date of birth or address to unknown telephone callers or people you don’t know,” continued Queensland Police spokesperson.

Top tips for phone and cyber safety:

1. Don’t provide personal information such as your date of birth, home address, credit card details, banking information or telephone number to people you don’t know.
2. Be wary of emails, phone calls and messages from unknown phone numbers and email addresses. If in doubt- delete and do not reply.
3. Always have a security passcode or fingerprint detection on your device.
4. Install anti-virus and internet security software and ensure the software is regularly updated.
5. Use strong passwords (at least eight characters and preferably not common words, phrases, or your birthday) and change passwords regularly.

Be client Dawn participated in the session and said, “It was really good to be able to have one on one conversations with our local police officers and to also listen to them speak about the local crimes as the media at times enhance and embellish the true facts.”

“We wanted to provide an informal session for our clients that would allow the group to ask questions directly to the Police Officers. Officer Greg and Officer Grant stayed after the session to enjoy a cup of coffee and some one-on-one chats. I can see this group of clients left the session with greater confidence and tools they can immediately put into practice,” said Ms Konidis.

To learn more about safety, Queensland Police have developed the Older Wiser Safer handbook, providing advice for seniors as well as information on programs and services.

Source:

[1] QLD Police: Older Wiser Safer

[2] Scam Watch