Many elderly paralysed by their fear of crime, says report

MANY elderly people are “paralysed” by their fear of crime and feel they are “prisoners” in their own homes, according to a Government report.

A major consultation with elderly people by the Department of Justice found that they believe crime levels have “got worse everywhere” and that criminals were now more “aggressive” and “sophisticated”.

Elderly people told officials they wanted more gardaí on the streets and a dedicated garda in each local area with responsibility for older people.