'Crimes against the elderly should be classed as hate crime', says retired Shirley police inspector
CRIMES against the elderly should be treated in the same way as racist or homophobic hate crimes, a retired police inspector has claimed.
Peter Howard has launched a campaign for new legislation to protect those who are targeted because of their age.
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Retired police inspector Peter Howard, from Shirley in Croydon, has launched a petition for new laws to protect the elderly
"The law regarding elderly vulnerable people needs changing," said Mr Howard, of Farm Drive, Shirley.
"In the case of racist or homophobic crimes, police are required to pursue whether this is the motive behind the crime.
"It is given a higher punishment because it's classed as a hate crime.
"I would like to see the same apply to vulnerable elderly people.
"For example, this can be a vulnerable elderly person targeted because they are confused and therefore easier to con out of their life savings.
"If you look at some elderly people then they are as vulnerable as a six-month-old baby."
But the 71-year-old said the new legislation could not be introduced on a one-size-fits-all basis. "I'm not saying every crime above a certain age should fall under the new act," he explained.
"If somebody asked for my bank PIN number I'd tell them to go away – it should be taken on an individual basis."
The e-petition – called Unison Legislation for Elder Abuse Campaign – needs to attract 100,000 signatures before it is debated in Parliament.
Mr Howard said he had been trying to get the backing of politicians and church leaders – but so far his pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
He said: "If this was about children and it was being opposed as ferociously as this, they would be drummed out of their positions.
"About three years ago, while on Croydon Police Consultative Committee, I brought up the subject of why the elderly have no specific legislation protecting them, as with racial or homophobic crimes.
"I was told that there is, within the court system, a 'memorandum of understanding'.
"I asked, if that was sufficient, why do the other offences require specific legislation?"
To view the petition, visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/27208
4 Comments
by Chris_Wilcox
Friday, February 10 2012, 5:49PM
“Signed. All vulnerable types, be they adults or kids, should be protected properly.
That way they're a tougher target, and the Bad Guys may well think twice.”
by tbabygib
Thursday, February 09 2012, 3:19PM
“I Signed, and agree the wording could have been better.”
by Gary_Hawkins
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 12:27PM
“While I support the principle of the petition I think the sales pitch needs attention if it is to be successful. If any elderly person is actually "...as vulnerable as a six-month-old baby" I'd be quite worried if they were still responsible for themselves for anything beyond dressing and feeding.
Furthermore, elderly people are often targeted in crime because they are likely to be weaker/easier victims as are lone single women, those with disabilities or learning difficulties, children or even those of a feeble frame or nervous disposition. Targeting weaker victims is a practical business model and by itself is not necessarily indicative of a hate crime so I think the case-by-case consideration would be key.”
by bondski
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 8:15AM
“I have signed the petition and it would be great if the required 100k signatures could be obtained so that a parliamentary debate can go ahead. It is a shocking indictment that there is no crime on statute for elder abuse when other crimes against other ages, race, homosexuality and animals etc are - if we are going to see dignity for the elderly as well as protection for their frailty then we need to sign up.”