Identifying Criminals That Prey on Seniors
When it comes to criminal activity, seniors are particularly plagued with personal theft, which includes purse snatching and pocket picking. Each year there are approximately 46,000 purse snatchings and pocket pickings alone perpetrated on persons 65 years and older, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. One of the highest levels of personal theft per 1,000 people of any age group.
But seniors fall prey to other crimes as well. In any given year 165,000 violent crimes of robbery, assault and rape are committed against persons in the U.S. age 65 and over. As well as 2.5 million property crimes, including burglary, motor vehicle theft, and household theft. And 1,000 murders. This per the Department of Justice report Crimes Against Persons Age 65 and Older, 2000.
Average characteristics of a typical offender, and a non-lethal violent crime committed on the elderly …
- 56.% of violent crimes are committed by a stranger.
- 22.% are committed by a relative, or someone well known.
- 76% of offenders are male.
- 45% of offenders are age 30 or older.
- 33% of offenders used a weapon.
- 43% of violent crimes occur in or near the victim’s home.
- 38% occur in open areas, parking lots, public transportation, commercial areas.
- 70% occur in the daytime.
Contact Front Sight Resorts to find out about our self defense and personal safety courses for persons of all ages. Don’t let yourself become a victim.