Often victims of petty crimes, senior citizens are considered soft targets who won’t be able to fight back due to their age. And, this is one of the main reasons why crime rates against senior citizens have been steadily increasing.
Theft, robbery, and simple hurt are the three most common cases that are registered against senior citizens in India, nowadays. This makes it extremely important for you as senior citizens to take the necessary precautions and be aware of the perils you may face while heading out.
We’ve listed some of the most unsafe places in India for senior citizens as per the National Crime Records Bureau Report.
1. Mumbai:
Mumbai is the second-most populous city in India and the seventh most populous city in the world. The capital of Maharashtra has witnessed an astonishing increase in its crime rate against senior citizens.
This city of dreams has been declared as the most unsafe metro city for senior citizens in India, according to the NRCB. This city contributed to 24.7% of all crimes against senior citizens in Indian metropolitan cities in 2018.
Around 1,043 crimes against senior citizens have been registered in Mumbai in 2018.
To ensure senior citizen’s safety, Mumbai police launched a dedicated helpline number — 1090. Another interesting initiative was started by the late Home Minister R.R. Patil, during his tenure, in which police officials were asked to regularly visit the homes of the elderlies who stayed by themselves.
2. Delhi:
Delhi has witnessed an explosion in its population over the past ten years. It comes a close second to Mumbai in terms of crime rate against senior citizens. This urban district, contributes to 18.2% of the total crime rate against seniors.
The capital of India also holds the record for the highest violent crime among the 19 metropolitan cities. Apart from the better roads, tremendous development in transport, education, and other facilities offered by the government and other agencies in Delhi, it is noteworthy to keep these statistics in mind too.
3. Ahmedabad:
Ahmedabad has developed into a crucial economic and industrial hub but has become unsafe for seniors. According to the 2018 NRCB statistics, it contributes to 17.3% of the total crime against seniors in India – simple hurt and theft have been the most reported crimes in Ahmedabad so far.
4. Chennai:
Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is one of the biggest cultural, economic, and educational hubs of India. There were 495 reported crimes in 2018, and it contributes to 11.7% of the total crime against seniors in India. Simple hurt was the most commonly reported crime against seniors in this city.
5. Bangalore:
The capital of Karnataka has a population of over ten million, making it the third-most populous city in India. There were 269 reported crimes against senior citizens in 2018 with theft, murder, and cheating being the most common ones.
These five metropolitan cities have the highest crime rates against senior citizens. These crimes can be prevented by inculcating a few simple habits like -
- Keeping your phone charged and easily accessible at all times
- Avoiding going out alone unless it is absolutely necessary
- Sharing your location with your relatives and close friends
- Using smart locks, anti-theft alarms, smart wallets/clutches to ensure you’re safe
- Locking your homes when alone
- Locking your homes when alone
- Approaching security personnel if you find someone suspicious
By being aware of the crimes that are being committed against senior citizens and proactively securing homes, they can stay safe regardless of wherever they are. So, keep these statistics in mind while planning your retirement city, vacations, and visits!
