Tag: elderly

BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department announced on its Facebook page that they want the public to be aware of a Distraction Theft pattern that is targeting older adults in the area.

Scammers offer “blessings” or spiritual protection while placing fake jewelry or religious items on an elderly victim and then swapping out the victim’s real jewelry without them noticing. A getaway car and an accomplice are usually nearby.

Red Flags to look out for:

-Unsolicited spiritual or religious offers
-Strangers attempting to place items on you
-Overly friendly behavior from unfamiliar individuals

How to Stay Safe:

-Politely decline physical contact
-Walk away from unsolicited encounters
-Report suspicious behavior to BHPD
-Non-Emergency: 310-550-4951
-Emergency: Call 9-1-1

The public is being asked to share this information with their loved ones and anyone who may not have social media so they are aware.

By Danny Jones

BEVERLY HILLS—On April 30, the Beverly Hills Police Department posted on their Facebook page about a new crime trend alert known as ‘Distraction Theft.’

The BHPD is alerting the public to a pattern of distraction thefts targeting older adults in Beverly Hills.

Scammers offer “blessings” or spiritual protection while placing fake jewelry or religious items on an elderly victim and then swapping out the victim’s real jewelry without them noticing. A getaway car and an accomplice are close-by.

Red Flags:
-Unsolicited spiritual or religious offers
-Strangers attempting to place items on you
-Overly friendly behavior from unfamiliar individuals

How to Stay Safe:
-Politely decline physical contact
-Walk away from unsolicited encounters
-Report suspicious behavior to BHPD
-Non-Emergency: 310-550-4951
-Emergency: Call 9-1-1

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On March 18, the city of Santa Monica posted on its Facebook page that it wants seeking feedback from older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers and other community members to inform the forthcoming Aging and Disability Action Plan.

The public can stop by the community open house at the SMC Emeritus Campus this Saturday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to share experiences and perspectives on how to make Santa Monica a more age and disability friendly community.

Santa Monica is developing a citywide action plan to enhance services for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. We are building the plan in partnership with YOU, the Santa Monica community.

Individuals can pick up and return a paper survey at the following locations:

-Santa Monica City Hall: 1685 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90401
-WISE & Healthy Aging: 1527 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90401
-Disability Community Resource Center: 12901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
-Santa Monica Public Library – Main Branch: 601 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401
-Santa Monica Public Library – Montana Branch: 1704 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
-Virginia Avenue Park – Park Center: 2200 Virginia Ave Santa Monica CA 90405

Until the survey closes on April 1, in-person survey support is available at:
-Santa Monica City Hall: Thursdays, 12pm-2pm (starting March 13, 2025)
-WISE & Healthy Aging: Mondays, 2pm-4pm
-Disability Community Resource Center: Mondays, 2pm-4pm
-Santa Monica Public Library – Main Branch: Thursdays, 2pm-4pm (at Tech and Tasks)

Take the online survey, open through April 1 at: santamonica.gov – Aging and Disability Action Plan.

By Trevor