A charity boss believes Dundee resurrecting its community spirit can help tackle the scourge of crime against the elderly.
Boomerang manager Neil Ellis feels pensioners are particularly vulnerable as they take things at face value.
Stobswell’s Boomerang Centre offers a range of community initiatives to people of all ages.
Through his work with the local elderly community, Neil has learnt two of his regular visitors have been targeted by crooks.
It is for this reason that Neil believes it is essential that neighbours of elderly homeowners are as proactive as possible
He said: “Elderly people are more trusting and do take things at face value.
“We’ve had a couple (of visitors) who have had someone walk in and steal money.
“Folk are living longer and there is quite a large elderly population.
“It (crime against the elderly) is happening and is making people nervous..
“It’s about making them aware that there are problems out there and not to take everything at face value. We’ve got to keep an eye on them.”
In particular, Neil believes educating elderly homeowners about the evolving threats within modern day society is crucial.
Some pensioners, Neil fears, aren’t always aware of cold callers’ true intentions.
He explained: “It’s a different age and different outlook nowadays.
“But if you can get communities looking after each other again then that will help.
“That’s what Boomerang tries to do. It’s about everyone mucking in and helping.”
Neil’s words come after a series of sneak-in thefts involving elderly victims in Dundee.
The latest incident involved a 100-year-old falling victim to an opportunistic thief.
And although police stress these crimes are rare, officers recently urged people to review their home security and to not allow anyone they do not know into their homes unless they have official identification.
Constable Garrie Watson, of Tayside Division’s Community Investigation Unit, said: “Whilst these crimes are relatively rare, members of the public should not be unduly alarmed.
“I would urge everyone to review their home security. In particular, outer doors should always be locked.
“These are despicable crimes.”
