Elderly must feel safe from attack in homes

OVER recent weeks, attacks on older people have featured prominently in the Press.

The Press has reported on violent, or threatening, burglaries, with thieves attacking vulnerable, older people.

The awful actions of the thugs has resulted in serious injuries to innocent older people.

The police statistics indicate that older people do not feature more prominently as crime victims than other sections of society, however the statistics don’t reveal the tidal wave of fear that runs through a community of older residents following a violent burglary.

The fear of crime, the fear of becoming a victim of the criminals, is apparent in the aftermath of such awful attacks and confirmed when victims neighbours speak publicly.

I’m sure many such crimes don’t even make the Press.

The thugs move from area to area and the PSNI report low clear-up figures.

Surely, in the aftermath of such despicable crimes and the likelihood of others occurring, specific police/ community actions need to be in place?

Valuing and supporting older victims, through providing reassurance, being visible, being in contact, liaising with senior citizens’ organisations and a structured follow-up with the victim, is the least a caring society should expect.

Only a holistic approach to protect our older citizens will make them again feel safe in their homes.

CLLR ADAM NEWTON (DUP) Belfast City Council