Elderly urged to ‘reduce amount of cash they have on hand’ to prevent robbers targeting them

AGE Action is urging elderly people to reduce their reliance on cash and to take other precautions to prevent burglaries.

The horrific murder of Limerick pensioner Rosie Hanrahan (78) last week during a break-in to her home has caused widespread fear among the elderly, especially those living alone in rural, isolated areas.

But Justin Moran, spokesman for Age Action, said taking simple precautions can deter wouldbe burglars from targeting otherwise vulnerable people.

Along with installing burglar alarms and individual panic buttons, he said senior citizens need to be careful about carrying cash out in public and stashing it at home.

While there is a perception that many elderly people may have lots of money stashed in their mattresses, which is largely an urban myth, the reality is that “a lot of older people still prefer to deal with cash”, he told the Irish Independent.

“They tend to collect their pension cheques and cash them in. They also prefer to pay their bills in cash.”

But doing so makes them potential targets for wouldbe burglars or robbers who may be on the look-out for elderly people at post offices, banks and shops, he said.

“We’re trying to encourage people to pay their bills by direct debit or bank cards,” added Mr Moran.

While many older people are loath to use electronic banking, “it’s all about reducing the amount of cash” they have on hand, he said.

He advises older people to use indoor ATMs whereever possible and to always be aware of anyone lurking

around bank machines, indoor or otherwise.

“Ensure that no one can see you take out large sums of money,” he said.

“And if you feel uncomfortable around someone, walk away and take out your money later.”

He also advised older people to sign up to the State Seniors Alert Scheme, which provides individual panic buttons that are monitored 24 hours a day via telephone lines.

Another proven deterrent is being involved in a Neighbourhood Watch or other community alert scheme when neighbours advise one another of anyone suspicious in the area, he said.

“It’s about making sure you’re as little a target as possible,” he said.

“These criminals are always looking for the weakest link.”