SENIORS SHOULDN'T LET CRIME STIFLE THEM

National crime statistics might show a downward trend, but fear of crime persists and can be debilitating for some senior citizens, say those who hope to educate seniors about the problem.

Fear of victimization can cause older people to stay in their homes, isolating them not only from crime but from friends and activities as well, said Grace Hoover. She and other members of the SALT (Seniors and Lawmen Together) Council took time after their meeting Wednesday to talk about the problem of older people and their fear of crime."Older people often stop participating in things they enjoy because they become afraid to go out," said Hoover, one of the seniors on the council."Most people fear becoming a victim of crime," said Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan. "But seniors are especially fearful because the consequences can be so great for them."A stolen pension check could be disastrous for an elderly person who might be left without money for food, medicine or bills, he said. "This fear has created a lot of latch-key seniors," Jordan said.

The best way to relieve the fear of being victimized is arming people with information so they can protect themselves without becoming isolated, said the sheriff. Hoover has picked up many tips at crime-prevention seminars. One involves carrying a false set of keys. If a criminal ever demands Hoover's keys, she has some odd keys on a key ring she can throw to create a distraction that will give her time to get away. She never has had to do that, but just having the keys gives her an added sense of security, she said.

Glenda Quinn, owner of Smooth Moves and a SALT Council member, said having a "buddy" helps seniors."Sometimes people get left alone in their neighborhood if all their friends die or move away," she said. Creating a buddy system through church, neighbors, civic organizations or other associations can give peace of mind, Quinn said.

Jordan said neighbors in his subdivision help a couple of seniors who live alone there. People feel safer if they know there is someone they can turn to, he said.

Jordan encourages seniors and anyone fearful of crime to educate themselves with seminars like those that will be presented next spring by SALT and the American Association of Retired Persons, and from brochures available at libraries, area senior centers and police departments."You can practice caution against crime and still get out and have a life," he said.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS* Don't tempt criminals. Hold your purse close to your body or put your wallet in an inside jacket or front pocket. Never set your purse or wallet on a counter while you examine merchandise. Avoid carrying large sums of money.* Use a buddy system. Let someone know where you are going and when you should return. When possible travel with friends or relatives.* Be prepared for emergencies. Carry change for emergency telephone and transportation use. Carry a shriek alarm.* Be cautious. Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that obstruct your view or make it hard to react. Have car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home. Keep car doors locked and windows up. Park in well-lighted, busy streets.