Don't be a victim
Contributed by Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County Sheriff's Department Crime and David A. Thomas, special agent in charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation

The fear of crime creates special problems for the elderly. The following advice can be effective when you follow these tips.

WALKING

• Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings.

• Walk confidently.

• Have a companion.

• Stay away from buildings and doorways; walk in well- lighted areas.

• Have your key ready when approaching your front door.

• Don't dangle your purse away from your body. (Twelve percent of all crimes against the elderly are purse snatchings and street robberies.)

• Don't carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only what you need.

IN STORES

• Don't display large sums of cash.

• Never leave your purse unattended.

• Use checks where possible. IN YOUR CAR

• Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are in or out of your car.

• Keep the car in gear at stop signs and traffic lights.

• Travel well- lit and busy streets.

• Don't leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on the floor, where it is more difficult for someone to grab it.

• Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in.

• Check the front seat, back seat, and floor before entering the car.

• Never pick up hitchhikers.

• If your car should break down, get far enough off the road, turn on your emergency flashers, raise the hood, get back into the car, lock the door, and wait for help.

BANKING

• Many criminals know exactly when government checks arrive each month, and may pick that day to attack. Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which sends your money directly from the government to the bank of your choice.

• You should store valuables in a Safe Deposit Box.

• Never give your money to someone who calls you identifying himself as a bank official. A bank will never ask you to remove your money. Banks need the use of your money, and they don't want one of their customers to invite crime by having large amounts of cash around.

• When ask you for some or all of your savings, it is his get- richquick scheme.

AT YOUR DOOR/HOME

• Never open your door automatically. Use an optical viewer.

• Draw your blinds at night.

• Lock your doors and windows and garage doors.

• Vary your daily routine.

• Use Neighbor Watch to keep an eye on your neighborhood. A concerned neighbor is often the best protection against crime because suspicious persons and activities are noticed and reported to police promptly.

• Don't leave notes on the door when going out.

• Leave lights on when going out at night; use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period.

• Don't place keys under mats, in mail boxes, or other receptacles outside your door.

• Notify neighbors and the police when going away on a trip.

• Arrange for your mail to be held by the Post Office, or ask a neighbor to collect it for you.

• Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home.

• Deal only with reputable businesses.

• Keep an inventory with serial numbers and photographs of resalable appliances, antiques, and furniture. Leave copies in a safe place.

Don't hesitate to report crime or suspicious activities. Please visit the Richland County Sheriff's Department website for other tips for crime prevention at www.rcsd.net or for Free crime prevention training call 803-576-3000. To file an internet crime complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, visit the IC3 website at www.ic3.gov.