Our correspondent
The cases of senior citizens becoming victims of cyber crime in Delhi are increasing day by day. Rajya Sabha MP A.D. Singh asked the Home Minister whether there has been a 35 percent increase in crimes against senior citizens in Delhi since 2022? Are senior citizens more likely to suffer cyber crimes? What are the details of the efforts made to prevent crimes against senior citizens?
Lack of awareness-
Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai told in the Rajya Sabha that as reported by Delhi Police, during the year 2023 (till November 15), 1023 incidents of crime against senior citizens were recorded in Delhi, while in the same period of the year 2022, 1023 incidents of crime against senior citizens were recorded. 1056 incidents of crime were recorded, which shows a decline of 3.13 per cent.
The Minister of State for Home said that Delhi Police has informed that incidents of cyber crime have happened against senior citizens due to lack of awareness about modern technology. During the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 (up to 15.11.2023), 25,113 and 129 cases of cyber crimes against senior citizens were registered respectively.
Police measures-
Delhi Police has taken several concrete measures to prevent crimes including cyber crimes against senior citizens, which inter alia include conducting cyber awareness programmes, mass media campaigns, senior citizen awareness campaigns at police headquarters and all 15 police districts. Establishment of citizen cells, toll free senior citizen helpline number 1291, identification and registration of senior citizens and issue of identity cards, regular visits of senior citizen cells and local police staff to residences of senior citizens, mobile app for senior citizens, domestic Periodic verification drives for servants, distribution of printed material regarding steps to be taken for safety of life and property of senior citizens, regular security audit of senior citizens, state level and district level monitoring for safety of senior citizens etc. Formation of level advisory bodies etc. is included.