DEAR SUN SPOTS: Home invasion has become more and more of a threat, especially to us senior citizens who live in small communities and in rural settings, many of which have limited police protection and slow response times.

We’re not as physically as able as we used to be to protect ourselves from youthful criminals, who seem to be getting bolder in trying to steal to support their bad habits.

Some of my friends have taken to keeping guns in their homes. I feel that those weapons (most of which are leftover deer hunting rifles) could easily be taken away from an elderly person before they could shoot the thief.

Securing our homes, of course, would be the first step to make it difficult for the thief to enter, however with the oncoming summer and our lack of funds, most of us do not have the luxury of air conditioning, which means we must sleep with a window open at night.

Some of my friends feel that their dog would come to their aid. I doubt the dogs of my retired friends would do anything except maybe bark a couple of times.

What are our rights when it comes to trying to protect ourselves in our homes? I assume a handgun would be more protection because the thief would have more ability to grab a rifle and point it away from himself.

I’m also concerned about having a loaded gun in the house for protection due to visits from grandchildren who might find it. If a gun is stored unloaded with shells in a different location then it takes too long to find it all and prepare the gun in time to defend oneself.

Would you please print this to invite lawyers and judges to write to us through your media and advise us as to what we seniors should do to help protect ourselves and our little accumulated treasures at home? — No Name via email

ANSWER: First off, Sun Spots would like to note that Maine is the safest state in the nation, according to U.S. Census statistics. As noted in a March 25 Sun Journal editorial, Mainers have only a 0.001 chance of being involved in any violent crime, with only a small percent of those being home invasions. An even smaller percent of those involves people who don’t know each other.

Still, there are things you can do to lower your risk even more. To find out what those might be, Sun Spots once again turned to Auburn Deputy Chief Jason Moen and discovered that there are programs for senior safety, one of which is coming up on April 18. (Contact the Auburn Police Department if you’d like to attend.)

Sgt. Barry Schmieks, who is part of the team making crime-prevention presentations, provided a list of tips for senior safety, including one Sun Spots thinks most relevant: Do not talk about your medications out in public or with anyone you do not know.

Sun Spots recently witnessed two elderly women loudly discussing their meds in a Hannaford. Anyone listening could have easily gotten their names once they approached the pharmacy counter.

Home invasions often involve previous knowledge about what’s in a home. Seniors need to be especially diligent about who they let into their homes.

For example, a man charged in a recent murder of a senior advertised himself as a dog sitter and housekeeper. That kind of ruse gives unscrupulous individuals an opportunity to ask questions and learn details about neighbors.

Other tips from Sgt. Schmieks include: Don’t talk to anyone you don’t know very well about your personal affairs, and don’t give out any information on the phone, including your address.

Finally, according to a recent news story, a young girl was home alone when someone broke in. She took her phone and locked herself in the bathroom until the police arrived. That, the officer said, was the right thing to do.

And don’t dismiss those elderly pooches. At least they’ll bark and warn you someone is coming. Sun Spots’ cats clue her in by running to hide under the bed!

Perhaps other law enforcement officials will write and offer tips that will help you feel more secure.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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