City police ‘Say Hello’ to senior citizens

COIMBATORE: Living on your own can be a difficult ordeal, especially during the sunset years. Isolation and frail health exposes you to criminal acts. That is why the city police have decided to launch 'Say Hello', an initiative to protect senior citizens.

The police department will offer help to the elderly at their doorstep, quite literally. "Under the scheme, patrolling teams will visit senior citizens frequently and help them whenever they want help," commissioner of police K Periaiah told TOI.

"Many people have abandoned their parents and are settled abroad. The elderly people, who stay alone, deserve our love and care. Police personnel will collect details about such people, including phone numbers and create a database. Policemen, who regularly conduct patrolling in the respective police limits, will visit the senior citizens every day or once in two days to make sure that everything is fine. The officers will also keep in touch with them over phone," the officer said.

Senior citizens who need help can contact the local police over phone and cops will come to their assistance immediately. "The department decided to launch the initiative after several elderly people residing alone were targeted by criminals recently. They are easy prey for thieves, who don't anticipate resistance," Periaiah said.

The department will also focus on the safety of children and women. "Women can contact the police control room at any time and their problems will be redressed immediately," the officer added.