(by Pam Blowers, NHW Assistant Coordinator)

The ‘Safety for seniors’ information sessions being conducted by Tweed Heads Police are a crime prevention initiative which started in May 2014.

The information sessions cover topics including personal safety, home security, credit card fraud and scams and rorts, particularly those currently happening in and around the Tweed Heads and surrounding areas.

Most of the people living in and around the Tweed are good honest folk, just like you and I, going about their daily business. It is most unfortunate that there is a small element of people who are criminals.  Senior citizens are often targeted by the latter group and the aim of creating awareness by conducting information sessions is to increase awareness and keep people and property safe.

Tweed Heads Police have visited over 40 retirement communities, nursing homes, manufactured home villages (over 55s) and Clubs and Associations and talked with some 1200 senior citizens.

During the presentations, senior citizens often share stories and experiences where they have been victims of crime.  Some of these ‘stories’ relate to:

  • Personal safety
  • Home security
  • Nuisance and scam phone calls
  • Credit card fraud
  • Concerns about the pay-wave payment system
  • Cyber safety
  • Scam attempts via phone and internet

Everyone who attends an information session is provided with a sample bag of useful booklets and handouts which they can share with other senior citizens and with their families. Crime prevention is relevant to everyone in our community.

If you would like to book a Safety for Seniors Presentation for your community group just phone the Tweed Heads Police Station on 07 5536 0999 and ask to speak to the Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Brad Foster.