15

Jun
2015

Seniors Robbed in Downtown Vancouver Apartments

June 15th, 2015 | by admin admin | in News |    1   

Today, which also happens to be World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Vancouver police issued a warning for seniors to be cautious following two robberies in the same downtown apartment building late last week.

On June 11 and 12, a woman entered unlocked, occupied suites near Seymour and Davie. She robbed the elderly male occupants and left one man with bruises.

Police are seeking a suspect in her mid-twenties, 5’7″ tall with a heavy build and dark skin. She had dark, shoulder-length hair.

Meanwhile, the VPD is reminding seniors to lock their doors and not open them to strangers. It’s an important reminder for all residents. Whether you live in an apartment, condo or detached housing, it’s important to secure your home. In almost half of all residential burglaries, thieves enter through unlocked doors and windows, even on upper floors.

Invest in solid wood or steel outside doors, with hinges attached securely by screws that go through the door frame into the supporting stud, and are not exposed on the outside. When a stranger knocks on your locked door, it’s safer to use a wide angle viewer and mounted floor stop rather than an easily broken chain lock.

In an apartment or condo, the key is to keep unknown or suspicious persons out. Fight the urge to be polite and don’t hold the doors open or buzz strangers into the building. Wait for the garage door to close before you move on. Don’t enter or stay on an elevator with anyone who makes you uncomfortable.

A monitored security system also goes a long way toward protecting your home and loved ones. If you have elderly relatives living alone, consider installing a remote access system which allows you to check on them throughout the day. You may also want to explore medical alarm systems that allow seniors and disabled persons to summon help quickly. A Radius security professional would be glad to discuss ways to prevent robbery and keep your loved ones safe.

For more information:

Home Security. Vancouver Police Department.

Police Warn Public After Seniors Robbed. Vancouver Police Department.

The B.C. Government has also published information on how to help abused or neglected adults.

Note: This blog discusses general safety and security topics. It is not intended to provide comprehensive advice or guidance. In all matters of personal safety and security, we encourage readers to research topics in depth and consult a security professional about specific concerns.

Radius Security Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Ladner, Delta, Tsawwassen