Submitted by Crime Stoppers of Olympia / Thurston County
Crime Stoppers of Olympia/Thurston County is starting a new program the Senior Support and Awareness Program all geared to our senior’s safety and well-being. Often times its not physical abuse that seniors are victims of but rather mental and monetarily abuse. To start this program and help celebrate World Elder Abuse Crime Stoppers was able to team up with Nisqually Automotive and Towing. The business performed a free 24-point vehicle inspection for anyone over 60, inflating their tires and topping off their fluids on June 17.
Crime Stoppers also handed out reusable grocery bags with information about senior’s safety, fraud prevention and a list of programs offered through Thurston County. Several local businesses provided donations in order to make the day as successful as it was Pacific Northwest Pumps donated coffee and Gotti Sweets donated treats and cake. The event would not have even been possible without everyone at Nisqually Automotive who donated their time and garage. The Thurston County Sheriffs and Washington State Patrol both had several officers come by and help out and show support. While seniors got their car checks they were able to mingle with members from Crime Stoppers and local law enforcement agencies.
“People tend to take advantage of our seniors, and are not always aware of when they are being taken advantage of,” says Julie Major with Olympia/Thurston County Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is trying to bring awareness in the community about a group of citizens that are often times forgotten. “We are trying to get more awareness on what people should do if they have a concern about a senior like a neighbor who may be getting taken advantage of monetarily that Crime Stoppers is here and can help” said Shannon Bell with Olympia/Thurston County Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers is hoping to provide a biannual event each year for seniors. Hopefully free car safety checks can be repeated annually and another event in the spring all geared to seniors. Crime Stoppers can always come by and provide a presentation about what you can do to help keep our seniors safe or ways to prevent senior abuse please contact Shannon Bell or Julie Major at 360-561-0266. If you know someone who is being abused remember you can always call in a tip to Crime Stoppers a 1-800-222-TIPS and you never have to leave your name, tips can get a reward up to $1000. Also if you would like to check on upcoming events or get more involved with Crime Stoppers you can find more information at crimebusters.org.
