Older people should be encouraged to play a more active role in crime prevention within the community, a leading Southend councillor said today.
Reg Copley, Labour member for St Luke's Ward and "father of the council", said: "This could help stop them feeling they have to sit at home worrying about becoming the victims of crime."
He was speaking in support of Age Concern's latest campaign aiming at fighting the fear of crime among older people.
Mr Copley said: "Older people are a valuable resource to the society. They are also keen to get on with other age groups, especially young people.
"Finding ways to break down the mistrust between the young and old would be a major breakthrough to improving our communities."
Age Concern's new survey found 47 per cent of people aged 75 or over and 37 per cent of those over 50 are too afraid to leave the house at night because they fear verbal abuse and mugging.
Published Tuesday, June 10, 2003
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