POINT PLEASANT — Despite an overall decrease in the number of violent crimes reported in the United States in 2008, local senior citizens want to do all they can to stay safe.

So during a meeting earlier this week, members of the AARP Chapter 3192 of Point Pleasant hosted Ernie Watterson, police chief for the city, as their guest speaker.

Watterson began his presentation by highlighting several key tips to help senior citizens stay safe. Specifically, he cautioned against Internet scams and encouraged seniors to keep the windows and doors of their homes locked. He also mentioned credit/debit card fraud, adding that they never should let their cards out of their sight when making purchases in a store or restaurant.

Watterson also discussed the police department, saying that there are eight officers in addition to himself as well as a drug dog to help with special investigations. He said the most reported crimes in the city are small thefts, such as people breaking into a garage or outbuilding, and that the department responds to approximately 12 car accidents each month.

He then acknowledged the occurrence of drug activity in the city, adding that members of the Point Pleasant Police Department frequently work with other local law enforcement agencies in the ongoing battle against drugs.

“It’s a hard thing to stop,” Watterson said of drug activity. “I don’t think it’ll ever be stopped. We’re just slowing it down.”

Other items of interest Watterson discussed were grants the police department has secured or is applying for as well as the importance of keeping valuables in a safe location. He also encouraged the seniors to report any suspicious activity they see — “If you don’t call, we don’t know (it’s happening),” he pointed out — and updated them on Neighborhood Watch programs being organized in various neighborhoods.

Following the presentation, there was a question and answer session, during which many of the chapter members asked questions regarding seat belt safety, DUI checkpoints and other issues.

Betty Farmer, president of the AARP chapter, said Watterson’s presentation was appropriate for the group.

“There are scams out there, and it’s sad to say that so many of us who get (taken advantage of) are the older ones,” Farmer said, adding that “older folks need to stick together” and become involved in community safety programs such as Neighborhood Watch.

“We just appreciate him coming to talk to us seniors about how to protect ourselves,” Farmer added.