There are some common misconceptions about seniors and their vulnerability to crime.
October is Queensland Seniors month with the theme for 2021 being ‘Social Connections’.
Seniors play a vital role in the community and it is important to acknowledge these contributions and allow them to feel safe and valued.
One common misconception is the extent that seniors are victims of crime.
Statistically, seniors are less likely to be victims of crime – they are generally less likely to undertake risky behaviours and more likely to take sensible precautions in their everyday activities.
While seniors are less likely to be victims of crime, the impacts if they are a victim can often be greater and affect their quality of life.
It can cause seniors to stay home and sometimes implement extreme security measures to reduce their fear and anxiety.
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Working towards improving their feelings of safety and well-being will assist them remain connected within their communities and there are some simple steps that can be taken to improve everyone’s safety in the community.
Be aware of your surroundings: ensure that you are comfortable in your current environment and maintain awareness of who is in the area. This includes the people around you and also the physical surroundings such as lighting. For example, a well-lit, public area with families may feel more comfortable than somewhere that is poorly lit and isolated.
Act with confidence: use body language that portrays confidence and self-assurance.
Plan ahead: when travelling in a private vehicle consider parking. Is there parking close to the location, if at night-time is the carpark well-lit, will there be other people in the area? If during the planning you identify concerns consider getting a lift with friends or being dropped off.
It is also important to plan ahead when using public transport. Check timetables and arrive at the bus stop or train station close to the departure time to minimise waiting times, and where possible, wait with other people.
Stolen vehicle hotlist
Sunshine Coast Police are asking members of the public to assist in locating the stolen motor vehicles listed below.
We would also like to remind everyone to ensure that their vehicles are left secured at all times and that valuables are removed.
Valuables include handbags, bags, laptops, tablets, keys, tools and mail.
These simple precautions will reduce the likelihood of your vehicle ending up on the below list.
| Date | Registration | Make/model/colour | Location |
| 02/10/2021 | 704UHZ | Dunbier/boat trailer | Kunda Park |
| 03/10/2021 | ATOWER | Bronze 2013 Ford Kuga | Noosa Heads |
| 04/10/2021 | 887UHM | 2018 Box trailer | Tanawha |
| 05/10/2021 | 035SHB | 2009 Black Audi | Sunrise Beach |
| 05/10/2021 | 953IEV | 2003 White Subaru Outback | Currimundi |
| 05/10/2021 | 982VK | White 1982 Honda motorcycle | Golden Beach |
| 06/10/2021 | 673SXJ | Black 2005 Suzuki Swift | Nambour |
| 06/10/2021 | 847AT3 | White 2009 Toyota Camry | Mt Coolum |
| 07/10/2021 | 848BO5 | Blue 2021 Rav 4 | Coochin Creek |
This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
