PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – Portsmouth police are searching for a vehicle they believe may be involved in the assault and robbery of a woman.
According to police, officers responded to a report of a robbery on July 12 around 1 p.m. in the 400 block of Callis Road. When they arrived on the scene, they found a 71-year-old woman who had been assaulted and robbed. Police say the woman sustained several minor injuries.
A possible white Honda Civic was seen in the area and police say it may have been involved in the incident. Click here to see video of the vehicle Portsmouth Police released Wednesday.
Police told 10 On Your Side that they plan to hold a senior workshop on Oct. 13 and Oct. 14 at the Rivers Casino conference center.
They’ll discuss many topics, including fall prevention, frauds, scams and more.
In addition, they provided a list of ways senior citizens can stay safe.
This following list comes directly from the police department.
Walking
- If you are attacked on the street, make as much noise as possible by calling for help or blowing a whistle or using a personal safety alarm. Do not pursue your attacker. Call 911 and report the crime as soon as possible.
- Avoid walking alone at night and avoid high-risk or unfamiliar areas . . . even during the daytime.
- Avoid carrying weapons . . . they may be used against you.
- Always plan your route and stay alert to your surroundings. Walk confidently. Have a companion accompany you. Stay away from buildings and doorways; if you must walk at night, always walk in well-lighted areas.
- Have your key ready when approaching your front door. Don’t dangle your purse away from your body.
- Don’t carry large, bulky shoulder bags; carry only what you need. Better yet, sew a small pocket inside your jacket or coat. If you don’t have a purse, no one will try to snatch it.
Shopping
- Carry your purse very close to you . . . don’t dangle it from your arm. Never leave your purse in a shopping cart. Never leave your purse unattended.
- Don’t carry any more cash than is necessary. Many grocery stores now accept checks and automatic teller cards instead of cash. Don’t display large sums of cash.
- If you must shop at night, always park in well-lit areas, as close to the business and other cars as possible.
- Do not purchase more than you can carry.
- If you need assistance, ask the store management, employee, or security guard (if available) for help.
In Your Car
- Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are in or out of your car.
- Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns. If your car breaks down, pull over to the right as far as possible, raise the hood, and wait INSIDE the car for help. Avoid getting out of the car and making yourself a target before police arrive.
- At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear Travel well-lit and busy streets. Plan your route. Don’t leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on the floor, where it is more difficult for someone to grab it. Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in to steal them.
- When returning to your car, check the front and back seat before entering.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
Banking
- Many criminals know exactly when retirement checks or social security checks arrive each month and may pick that day to attack. Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which sends your money directly from the government to the bank of your choice. And, at many banks, free checking accounts are available to senior citizens. Your bank has all the information.
- Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF.
- Do your banking during the daytime during non-peak hours.
- If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from your bank, collect their name and number then hang up. Call the official bank number and verify their identity.
- Remember banks do not call you to verify your personal information.
- Avoid using ATM’s at night.
- If they suspect there might be banking issues, the best thing to do is walk into your bank and speak with a bank employee.
Those who have information about the incident orthe vehicle is asked to call the Portsmouth Police Investigations Bureau at 757-393-8536.