Crime Prevention for Seniors

Seniors are among our most valued residents, but they also can be among our most vulnerable. York Regional Police has designed programs and initiatives geared to seniors’ safety and has a dedicated officer responsible for addressing issues seniors are facing in York Region. The Seniors Liaison Officer provides information on programs and services for seniors, delivers educational presentations and is there to support seniors in our community.

The most important piece of advice from York Regional Police is that if you don’t understand what is happening in any situation, ask for help. Call police or a friend or family member you can trust.

Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver uses state-of-the-art technology to enhance our ability to locate a lost or missing person. Clients who qualify are equipped with a personalized wristband that weighs approximately one ounce.
It emits a silent and unique radio tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day. The battery in the wrist band is replaced every 30 days, although its life span is estimated to be 45 days.
The technology works both day and night, during any weather, and on all terrains. A rapid response can reduce a search from hours and days to minutes. Experience has shown that when looking for missing persons every passing minute diminishes the chance of survival, especially in winter. Project Lifesaver is a proven program that saves lives.

If you are interested in obtaining more information about the program, please contact:

Project lifesaver email: projectlifesaver@yrp.ca
Project Lifesaver Coordinator: 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6799

Frauds and Scams
Studies show that seniors are less likely to be victims of crime than younger age groups, but when they are victims of crime they are most likely to be victims of fraud - by telephone, over the Internet or in person. Be aware of the possibility of fraud in your day-to-day activities and interactions with people and businesses. To reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud, please visit our fraud prevention page or more information.

Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is any action or inaction by a person in a position of trust which jeopardizes the health and well-being or causes harm to an older person. The abuser may be a family member, friend, neighbour or someone providing personal care or professional services to an older person. Elder Abuse is often a hidden crime that is not discussed or reported and signs may not be easily recognized.

Types of Elder Abuse:

• Physical – pushing, shaking, hitting, restraining and over-medicating
• Emotional – insulting, threatening, humiliating, isolating from family and friends, removal of decision-making powers
• Neglect – denial of adequate nutrition, medical attention, shelter, clothing or physical aids like walkers, glasses or canes
• Sexual Abuse – any unwanted or non-consensual sexual activity
• Financial – theft of money, unauthorized use of debit or credit cards, forging signatures on personal cheques, unauthorized granting of power of attorney

How to Recognize Elder Abuse:

• Signs of physical abuse – unexplained cuts, bruises, bites, burns or fractures
• Signs of emotional abuse – withdrawal, depression, anxiety, fear
• Signs of neglect – poor hygiene, inappropriate or inadequate clothing, lack of safety precautions, unhealthy appearance
• Signs of financial abuse – missing personal belongings or cash, unusual withdrawals from bank accounts, unusual credit card activity, forged documents, theft by power of attorney

Help is Available: 

York Regional Police Victims Assistance Officer
1-866-876-5423 ext. 6649

York Regional Police Seniors Safety Officer
1-866-876-5423 ext: 6697

Support Services for Seniors - Community Care Access Centre (CCAC)
1-888-470-2222

Crisis Line (COPE) 
905 310-2673

York Region Health Services
1-866-967-5582 Ext. 297

Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
416-598-2656

Guardian/Trustee Investigation Unit – Elder Related cases
416-327-6671 fax: 416-314-5301

24- Hour Crisis and Emergency Housing
1-800-263-3247

Yellow Brick House (Women’s Shelter)
1-800-263-2231

Sandgate (Women’s Shelter)
1-800-661-8294