City of Santa Barbara - Government - City Departments - Police

Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors

At Home

Always lock your doors and windows.
Install deadbolt locks on all your doors.
Install and use a peephole.
Ask for proper identification from delivery persons or strangers.
Never let a stranger into your home. If a stranger asks to use the telephone, offer to place the call for him or her yourself.
Do not hide your keys under the mat or in other conspicuous places.
Never tell strangers over the phone that you are alone or will be going out.
Leave a light on when you go out at night; use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period of time.
Get to know your neighbors, and keep their telephone numbers handy for emergencies. Notify each other when you’re going away.
Don’t leave notes on your door when going out.
Cancel newspaper and mail delivery when away, or have a neighbor
collect them for you.
Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home. Deal only with reputable, licensed businesses.
Keep an inventory with serial numbers and photos of valuable jewelry, appliances, antiques, and furniture. Keep copies in a safe place.
If you arrive home and suspect a stranger may be inside, DON’T GO IN. Leave quietly and call 911 to report the crime.
Don’t hesitate to report crime or suspicious activities.

When Walking

Avoid walking alone at night. Walk with a friend whenever possible.
Always plan your route – stay alert to your surroundings. Walk confidently.
Walk in well-lighted areas. Stay away from buildings and doorways.
Ladies – don’t dangle your purses away from your bodies. Frequent crimes against the elderly are purse snatchings and street robberies).
Never carry a wallet in your back pocket.
Carry a cell phone and/or change for emergency telephone and transportation use.
Have your car or house key ready when approaching your door or vehicle.
If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help, or carry and blow a whistle. Don’t pursue your attacker. Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.

In Your Car

Always keep your car doors locked, and windows closed, whether in or out of your car.
Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns.
Travel well-lit and well-traveled streets. Plan your route before leaving home.
Keep your engine in gear at stop signs and traffic lights.
If your car breaks down, pull over as far as possible to the right side of the road, raise the hood, and wait INSIDE the locked car for help.
Lock belongings and purchases in the trunk.
If a friend or taxi takes you home, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside.
Have your key in hand when returning to you car. Check the front and back seats before entering.
Never pick up hitchhikers.