The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton, Michael Lane, is backing a charity campaign to protect older persons from financial abuse.
He has joined Action on Elder Abuse and is urging older people and their families to learn how to spot the signs.
Data from the charity suggests that as many as 1,679 older people in the Hampshire area could be experiencing financial abuse.
Typical financial crimes perpetrated against older people include fraud, forgery or embezzlement: the misuse of proxy decision-making powers: ‘doorstep crime’, e.g. bogus tradesmen and postal, phone or internet scams.
Mr Lane, said: "Any form of abuse is unacceptable and we must all do everything we can to help protect those who are most vulnerable. Financial abuse not only strips people of their money it also takes away their trust and independence.
"We are often vigilant for the signs of other types of abuse and as a result are seeing an increase in reporting. Elder abuse is still happening and is often unseen or unreported. It is therefore vital that we work together to raise awareness of the forms elder abuse can take and how to combat it. This is why I am backing the Action on Elder Abuse campaign.
"I would urge anyone who is either being abused themselves or suspects a loved one may be at risk to be vigilant and report it to the police."
Action on Elder Abuse operates a confidential helpline, 08088 088 141, offering advice and support.