A neighbour who is elderly living alone or in fact any neighbour living alone we should reach out and at least give that person the reassurance that they have someone keeping an eye on them and will be available if help is needed.

It would be ideal if the relationship could be developed to a point of the exchange of phone numbers between you and your neighbour.

An awareness of whether personal emergency activation devices are being worn, the details of family members and their contact details in the event access might be needed.

Keep and eye out for indications that things may not be quite right such as, cars not being put away, mail not being collected, garbage bins not being taken out or in the security of the home - garage and house doors left open, lights being left on at unusual hours or lights not on at times they should be.

Any of the above may prompt you to just check things are okay.

If it is a false alarm, that is fine.

Best to be sure than sorry.

As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665 or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.

Don't forget, cops are tops.

Read more: Crime/Court