Seán Haughey
Question:467 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures he is taking to prevent crimes against the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12451/00]
Written Answers. - Crime Prevention.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the community alert scheme, which is part funded by my Department and run in partnership with Munitir na Tíre, currently consists of over 1,100 schemes, covering almost 250,000 homes. Under current arrangements, a garda liaison member attached to each scheme provides detailed information relating to the security of older persons.
As part of the policy of distributing information, a resource pack was produced to assist the schemes to achieve the highest standards possible in crime prevention. I understand that the Garda is currently distributing a new leaflet to older persons on safety and crime prevention.
I should also add that crime prevention advice and security locks were provided to many elderly people from community alert and neighbourhood watch schemes which participated in the "Alarms for the Elderly" scheme run under the auspices of the Department of Social, Family and Community Affairs.
I am also informed by the Garda authorities that senior citizen complexes in urban areas are visited and patrolled by mobile, beat, community and crime prevention gardaí. Elderly people living alone or in isolated areas are visited regularly. Community alert groups and neighbourhood watch groups are being encouraged at every opportunity to identify the needs of the elderly in their locality.
Crime prevention officers use local print and radio media to give advice on security matters in relation to property and personal safety. The elderly are also advised on the availability of grants in aid of the purchase of security systems, and the importance of depositing cash savings in financial institutions. In terms of investigating crimes against the elderly, each Garda region has traffic checkpoints and other measures in place to deal with issues that arise in relation to the victimisation of elderly citizens.
Finally, I am assured by the Garda authorities that the initiatives directed at crimes against the elderly are the subject of ongoing review to ensure an effective response to this type of criminal activity.