Study reveals shocking stats about crimes against elderly

(WMC-TV) - Crimes against the elderly are on the rise and statistics revealed today in a Tennessee study could make your jaw drop.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released results from the first-ever study of crimes against people 65 years or older.

The intention of this three year study is to give perspective on the ongoing issue of elderly victims of crime. It also meets the requirement set forth by the Tennessee Adult Protection Act under Tennessee law to report adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation by individuals suspecting adult abuse.

The crimes listed in the study, such as robberies, burglaries, assault, and fraud, were reported by Tennessee law enforcement agencies.

The report showed a 7 percent increase in the number of elderly victims of crimes each year from 2009 through 2011.

Burglary is the most often reported offense, followed by vandalism and theft. One in every ten burglary victims were 65 years or older.

More than 46 percent of robbery offenses against the elderly occur at home. According to the study, the elderly make up nearly 13 percent of all fraud victims.

Of the nearly 3,000 assaults against the elderly, 41 percent were committed by members of their own family.

A grand total of 65,220 people in Tennessee committed crimes against the elderly between 2009 and 2011.

TBI Director Mark Gwyn said their reduced mobility and their trust of others makes elderly people an easier prey for predators.

To read the report in its entirety, click here.

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