Town of Dunstable, MA

First I would like to address some of the latest scams in the area. There has been a contractor in the Nashua, NH area who is preying on seniors. He is working as a handyman in the area. His MO is to ask a senior for half of the money up front for supplies. Once he has the money he never buys the supplies or comes back.

I also heard of another possible scam. A Dunstable senior reported to me that a man came to their door asking to see if they had any antiques in their barn. He asked if he could walk around their property and look around. Never let a stranger into your house. Be cautious of someone who has singled out your residence. If someone does come to you door asking to rummage around your property do not let them. Give us a call at the police station and let us know. Give us a description of the person and what type of vehicle they are driving. If you can get a plate number GREAT !!!

The other issue that has been coming up is, when is it time to turn in your car keys. We all know that there may come a time in our life when we have to decide if we are capable of operating a motor vehicle. There are many medical and non medical reason that may affect a drivers operation. The U.S. Department of Transportation list some of the following conditions that may impede operation: Alzheimer’s Disease, Other dementia, such as multi-infarction, Field of vision loss, low vision, cataracts and the onset of glaucoma, Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease and stroke, Slowed reaction time due to advanced age and / or physical conditions.

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles has a Safe Driving for Elders Program. They have a two page “SAFE DRIVER CHECKLIST”. Some of the question on the list are: Do you have difficulty seeing clearly in the dusk and dark? Do you get drowsy behind the wheel or have difficulty concentrating? Do you often get lost on once familiar roads? Do you forget the basics, such as putting on your headlights and wearing a seat belt.? Have family, friends, or even police officers told you that you are not a safe driver?

If you answer yes to many of these questions you may want to consider if you should be driving. For more information you can visit the MA RMV at http://www.mass.gov/rmv/medical

The final decision to turn in your keys will be a difficult decision. It does not have to be the end of you independence. If you reach the conclusion that you need to stop driving it does not have to mean the end of you freedom. There are transportation alternatives out there. You can also rely on family and friends. I agree that it will not be the same with no license. However, you need to think of your safety and the safety of others. I have pamphlets from the MA RMV for anyone who is interested on reading more on this topic.

Stay safe out there. If you have any questions or comments for me you can contact me at 649-8891 X 227

Sgt. Darrell Gilmore
Dunstable Police - Senior Liaison