Age Action Ireland has warned older people to be extra vigilant about home security following a recent attack on a 103-year-old man and his 75-year-old daughter in their Dublin home.
Mr Arthur Tomkins, who celebrates his 104th birthday in two months, and his daughter Margaret, said they have been forced to leave their home in Milltown, Co Dublin, after a series of attacks. The two have endured 12 break-ins at their home in the last 10 years. The final assault took place last week when two men broke into their bungalow on Miltown Road and demanded money.
One of the assailants assaulted Ms Tomkins before making off with €50 that had been set aside to pay a bill.
Mr Tomkins and his daughter don't want to leave their home, but feel forced to find more secure accommodation for their own safety.
Older people may not be more vulnerable to attack or burglary than any other group, but they should be particularly wary and take measures to step up their home security, Age Action Ireland spokesman Mr Paul Murray said. "The recent attacks in Dublin, including that on a 103-year-old and his 75-year-old daughter, show that seniors should be on their guard."
It was vital, he said, that the gardaí investigating incidents should keep the elderly informed of any progress in their case.
"When there has been an incident the gardaí should ensure that they later visit the older person to reassure them and indicate if there has been any progress in the investigation.
However, he added, older people could do a number of things to raise the level of security in their homes:
• Ensure they have strong locks on doors and windows;
• Get a house alarm and a pendant alarm;
• Consider using cordless or mobile phones;
• Keep telephone numbers of neighbours accessible at all times.
"Communities should look after each other, the young should watch out for the old, and the old for the young," Mr Murray said.
