SENIORS OFTEN TARGETS

Group learns how to protect themselves from crime at meeting Thursday.

Living in a mostly senior area in Orillia, June Healy sees her
neighbourhood as a likely target for crime.

Seniors "are very vulnerable when it comes to crime," the 68-year-old
said Thursday. "If (criminals are) going to go after (money for)
their drug habits, they know we likely have money and we are a very
easy target."

Healy realized the importance of protecting her home from crime when
a neighbour's tires were stolen right off the vehicle, she said.

"My neighbour woke up and the four wheels off her car were stolen and
(her vehicle) was up on blocks," Healy said. "Since that she put up
motion sensor lights, which I think is very important."

Property crime, like break and enters and thefts, are a direct result
of Orillia's drug problem, said OPP Const. Jeff MacEachern of
Orillia's street crime unit.

"We have people who are addicted to drugs and they will do absolutely
anything they can to get money, to get their fix," he said. "That is
going to led to break and enters of your homes, your cars, robberies in town."

Seniors are easy targets because they are perceived to have more
money, are more trusting and may not be in good physical and mental
condition, said OPP Sgt. Robin Sanders, co-ordinator of the
province's seniors assistance team run out of general headquarters.

"They're targeted a lot because they're vulnerable," she said.
"They're more trusting, they are often on their own, they often
aren't able to move as fast, they're not as strong to protect themselves."

A growing trend in Orillia's drug scene is abuse of prescription
medications because police have been cracking down on illegal drugs,
said Orillia OPP detachment commander Insp. Don Goard.

Because of this, seniors could be targeted for drugs they have been
prescribed. ?"They may not even be getting narcotics, but the people
who sometimes target seniors are looking for prescription medication," he said.

The fastest-growing prescription drug to be abused is OxyContin, a
pain reliever which will give users a high if abused, MacEachern said.

"Drug users will take advantage of (seniors.)" he said. "They'll
break into your houses and use your drugs. They would be more than
happy to do that."?

Seniors can protect themselves by not telling anyone they are taking
prescription drugs, MacEachern said.

"Don't tell people you're taking prescription drugs," he said. "Drug
users will take those drugs for a high as much as any other drug."

Orillia seniors were informed of these threats during an OPP Seniors
and Law Enforcement Together seminar Thursday afternoon at Orillia's
Royal Canadian Legion.

OPP Const. Mike Kitchen spoke to the large group about how to prevent
their homes from being targets of crime.

Seniors should ensure their homes and garages are locked at all
times. Tools in an open garage could be used by criminals to break
into homes, he said. Door frames and hinges should be reinforced.
?Untrimmed hedges and high fences can be used by criminals to hid.
Motion sensor lights could deter criminals, Kitchen said.

"They are terrified of getting caught and so they're going to look
for an easier target to get their goods," he said.

Since seniors are least likely to report crime, Kitchen emphasized
the importance of calling the OPP.

"If there's something that needs to be addressed, really make sure
you bring it to the police attention," he said. "Let's look after
each other and look after our community."