Elphaba

My mother was mugged in broad daylight at a grocery store parking lot last week. She is a tough gal and fought back, ending up in the hospital. She did her best to assure her daughters that all is well until today. She finally confessed that she is afraid to leave the house, and can't sleep at night.

She is taking the advice of the police officer to get a security system of some kind at her home. It was once a nice neighborhood that has gone downhill over the years. Does anyone have a recommendation about a security alarm that is easy to use for a senior citizen?

I have also talked to her about being less of a target and we agreed she will keep credit cards, cash, and anything else she doesn't want to lose in a thin wallet somewhere other than her purse. She will use her purse as a decoy that can be easily taken to keep her from being hurt again. Does anyone have additional recommendations about minimizing her "appeal" as a possible victim?

My mom is a tiny, silver-haired, great-grandmother. I am enraged that druggies would target someone like her and steal the most important thing she has; her sense of being safe in her community. Any suggestions the members of the TFP can offer to restore her sense on personal safety, would be considered a great gift by me.