Police are crediting a senior safety alarm for stopping two people during a burglary this morning in Elkhart County.
It's a case where the system may have played a big role in preventing a 70-year-old woman from being injured.
The Elkhart County Sheriff's Department says two men entered this home in the 29000 block of County Road 12 through an un-locked door just before 6:30 Wednesday morning.
A 70-year-old woman who lives there was in bed and had a life alert system on her. She told police the men -- one possibly with a handgun -- shined a flashlight in her face and demanded money.
“She had a Life Alert button around her neck and so because of her physical condition she pushed the button and immediately got in contact with life alert, and then contacted us,” said Capt. Jim Bradberry with The Elkhart County Sheriff's Department.
As the alarm system went off--with the voice of an operator asking the woman if she was ok -- both suspects took off with little or no chance to do or take anything.
“I really think their intentions were spoiled by the Life Alert device worn by the victim,” said Bradberry.
Systems like the one the victim has get high marks from the Council on Aging in Elkhart County.
“If they are elderly and living at home alone, families at a distance, It’s important to have this system in place,” said Tammy Smith with the Council. “Whether you have a fall, somebody breaks in, whatever: This is something you can use with the press of a button.”
She points out she continues to get a lot of inquiries and questions about the use of a system like this from folks who use Council on Aging services, and she says she feels this is the right way to go.
“It is just another tool to help you age successfully and stay independent in your own home,” said Smith.
County police ask anyone who might have seen something along County Road 12 to call them.
