In the wake of a recent spurt in crimes, the Chennai police are drawing up a plan to ensure the safety of people above the age of 50 years, especially those who live by themselves.
A senior officer said it is usually immediate relatives, looking to grab personal assets like property or jewellery, who are behind such crimes.
“In the case of the Monday night murder of Moulivakkam resident Alamelu (75) too, we suspect the involvement of a close relative. To prevent such crimes, we have started collecting data on residents above the age of 50,” said the officer.
Giving details about the procedure to be adopted, the senior officer said, a three-tier structure involving inspectors, assistant commissioners and deputy commissioners will be behind the project.
In the first phase, a series of meetings are proposed to be held, wherein people will be advised on safety measures to be followed.
The next phase will involve meetings with various vendors such as paperboys, milkmen and grocers are in daily contact with older residents.
The officer said residents’ welfare associations too would be roped in for assisting with the survey.
Policemen on beat patrol at local police stations have been directed to interact with older residents regularly, to give them a sense of security, said the officer.
