Elderly Wanganui residents are being warned to be vigilant against intruders after a spate of vicious attacks on pensioners around the country.
Age Concern Wanganui manager Tracy Lynn said the elderly were not the only community members at risk of "overt attacks" from violent offenders.
"We all have to be diligent but we can't wrap ourselves in cotton wool. We just have to be careful and watchful, and look out for each other."
Ms Lynn recommended Wanganui elderly tell family and friends they would not answer phone calls after a certain time of night.
"I know some older people who tell me they just won't answer the door after a certain hour.
"If someone comes to your door and they haven't got suitable ID, tell them to go away."
Carrying an emergency alarm had to be a choice for elderly, she said.
"I think by saying that all elderly people need to wear an alarm is kind of creating victims and 99 per cent of them aren't victims."
Mrs Lynn said while the elderly should take safety precautions against intruders, a bigger problem in Wanganui was elder abuse by partners, family members or neighbours.
Police Community Services manager Inspector Glyn Rowland said the decreasing crime rate meant a reduced risk of attack.
However, the elderly were more at risk of long-term effects from physical, financial and emotional harm as their ability to recover was limited.
Labour MP Ruth Dyson recommended pensioners carry emergency alarms. She said: "We need to stand together to show our elderly that they are respected and supported."