More police are the only answer Elderly victims want more patrols Crime BEAT LEAD ELDERLY victims of crime in Bolton have called for more bobbies on the beat in a bid to deter criminals from preying on the most vulnerable members of the community.

A new report has revealed that 84pc of elderly men and women who have suffered at the hands of criminals believe that putting more officers on the streets is the most effective way to tackle the problem.

The study, carried out on behalf of Bolton Victim Support, also reveals that many pensioners have suffered serious long term after-effects from burglaries or muggings.

The research, which is based on the experience of men and women over 65, indicates that the number of older people falling victim to crime is on the increase.

In spring 1997, 188 people over 65 were referred to Victim Support. By spring this year the number had risen to 338.

Most victims - 77.5pct - fear that once they have been a victim they will become a victim of crime on further occasions.

Seventy per cent of crime victims interviewed said that their health had been adversely affected because of crime.

Worst

In some of the worst cases victims suffered heart attacks, strokes and needed hospital treatment.

And 54pc of men and 56pc of women said they had suffered long-term health effects, including sleeping problems, anxiety, loss of memory and reliance on medication.

The report, An Investigation into the Effects of Crime on the Over 65s, has been compiled by Salford University student Joanne Brown.

It recommends that Bolton Victim Support improves its procedures to carry out follow-up support work with elderly victims on a more regular basis, and that the organisation promotes itself mo...re effectively so that elderly victims know how to get help.

However, it acknowledges that to carry this out, Bolton Victim Support would need more money and more manpower.

The report also recommends more funding is directed into the police force so that more officers can be put on the beat.

Stay safe, says Thora Hird, pictured right, in this video on crime prevention for the elderly she made a few years ago.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.