Our elderly are at risk.

Tyler Skochenko, a self-professed homeless drug addict, assaulted at least two elderly women, a 70 and a 79 year old, robbing them of jewelry and cash.  Both incidents occurred at NW casinos.  He was caught by police officers as he was entering another casino parking lot, more than likely preventing another robbery.  He was arrested for two counts of robbery, victim over 65 and substantial bodily harm.  His bail was set at $65,000.00. (Stroy in RJ)

One of his victims was pushed down from behind and her gold necklace was pulled from her neck.

The other victim was spun around and Skochenko attempted to pull her rings off of her fingers.  When she resisted, he pushed her down and took her purse, injuring her hip in the process.

During a recent speaking engagement, I met Esther, an eighty-something bundle of sweet, caring, sympathetic humanity in a frail package.  As I spoke to her, she clutched her aluminum walker and smiled as she told me of her traumatic attack outside a local grocery store.

She was still in the parking lot, about to enter the store with her walker, when a young male grabbed her purse and tried to run off with it.  She held on to it with a grip that the thug couldn’t break, so he punched her in the face, breaking her jaw.  He ran off with her purse (her jaw required surgery).  Fortunately, a Good Samaritan was able to detain the scumbag until the police arrived.  He was sentenced to prison for 8 years.

Here’s the heart-wrenching story.  Esther, knowing my background in police work asked me to see if I could get him released.  When I asked why, her response was “He has a young daughter and he should be part of her life.  When he gets out of prison, she will be a grown woman”.

Criminals are taking advantage of our elderly’s handicaps and sentimentality. 

The holiday season is almost upon us.  The shopping centers will be full of holiday shoppers, including the elderly, attempting to maneuver through the parking lots and crowds.

The predators know most seniors carry cash and that women carry large, strapped purses on their shoulders.  Easy targets to see and victimize, whether they do a run-by or a drive-by and snag their prize.

Many a victim has been dragged alongside a car as their purse was grabbed.  Not once, that I know of, has a suspect stopped while dragging a victim, sometimes actually running over the victim as they flee the scene.

With the economy in the toilet, businesses are laying off employees, including security, which contributes to the dangers that our seniors are facing when they are out in public.

Many assisted living facilities and senior social groups do have luncheons and other social events that allow for guest speakers that can address this issue.  Certain private groups do offer “Awareness” programs that educate on how to prevent becoming a victim.  There are several options available for our seniors, including family becoming involved.  Safety in numbers.  Maybe a sign or two posted during the holidays?  Law Enforcement has a moral obligation to take measures that will increase the safety of the citizens, and anything preventative is much better, and a lot easier, than justice for a victim.