Advocates: Criminals often target seniors - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Advocates: Criminals often target seniors

Pat O'Hagan Pat O'Hagan

Sheffield, Vermont - September 15, 2010

Still no signs of an elderly woman from Sheffield who police believe was abducted from her home.

Pat O'Hagan, 78, was last seen on Friday. Police searched her home over the weekend and say they found indications that she was taken.

Police are offering a $5,000 reward for help solving the mystery. They're asking the public to call them with tips at the barracks in St. Johnsbury at 802-748-3111 or the State Police Crime Information Tip Line at 802-241-5355.

Advocates say older adults are crime targets more than people know-- in part because they tend to be more trusting.

"This is a blow to all of us. When someone of a vulnerable age or ability is attacked, I feel personally assaulted. And I hope people feel this is something we can't tolerate as a community," said Gail Moreau of the Heineberg Senior Center in Burlington.

Moreau says the O'Hagan case underscores the need to be mindful of your neighbors and for seniors to stay connected to their communities. O'Hagan was very active in Sheffield and it was that outgoing personality that told friends something was wrong when they didn't hear from her.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News

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