By Alesha Capone
HUNDREDS of elderly people across the West have been caught committing crimes.
During the 2010-2011 financial year, more than 240 residents aged over 60 were processed by police in the municipalities of Brimbank, Melton, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.
Statistics from Victoria Police show there were 115 lawbreakers aged over 60 within Brimbank, compared to 40 in Wyndham, 34 in Maribyrnong, 28 in Hobsons Bay and 26 in Melton.
Out of the 243 aged offenders across the West, more than a third were charged with shoplifting, 39 with assault and 12 with sex (non-rape) crimes.
In Brimbank, another 12 senior residents were arrested for possessing weapons or explosives, 11 on drugs charges and 10 over justice procedures, which includes offences such as breaking a restraining order, subverting the course of justice and threatening national security.
Sunshine CIU Senior Sergeant Fred Grove said the elderly crime rate within Brimbank was at “exceptionally low numbers”.
Sen Sgt Grove said those aged over 60 often found it tough to make ends meet, with their single source of income being the age pension.
“People can be financially embarrassed at that time of their lives, they are on pensions or sometimes are people whose financial situation is not like the rest of us and they’re on a tight budget, and in that age bracket they are often charged with stealing meat and other perishables,” he said.
“I don’t think it’s uncommon for people in that situation and it doesn’t surprise me the numbers are so high for shoplifting in that age bracket.
“Also, sometimes people in that age group can suffer dementia or the early onset of dementia or can be a bit forgetful.”
The government pension provided to senior citizens amounts to $344.50 for a single person and $259.70 for each for a couple per week, but can reduce based on their other income and assets.
Rowan Jamieson, a supervisor at Wesley Footscray Outreach – which provides food vouchers and parcels to Maribyrnong residents – said people on the pension often could not afford “basic costs including medication, food and utilities”.
“This can force some people to go without important medication, putting their health at risk, or freezing in winter in order to keep bills down,” he said.
Mr Jamieson said he was not surprised elderly people occasionally resorted to shoplifting in order to have enough food.
“Some people may be very ashamed of doing such as thing but may feel it’s their only option for survival,” he said.
To donate to the Food For Families Appeal, which collects non-perishable food items and toiletries for disadvantaged people across Melbourne, see foodforfamilies.com.au
