BERMUDA Police Service crime prevention officer Eric Bean is to send a report to Postmaster General George Outerbridge on how security can be improved at the Southampton Post Office where an elderly lady was attacked last Sunday and was yesterday fighting for her life.

King Edward VII Memorial Hospital staff said yesterday afternoon that Josie Ray, 77, was still in the Intensive Care Unit, where she has been suffering from bleeding and swelling of the brain. Mrs. Ray was picking up her mail at the post office on Church Road at 5.45 p.m. when she was attacked and knocked to the ground by a robber who stole her handbag, which contained $150.

As well as revealing that he was conducting a security assessment of the post office, Mr. Bean gave some tips on what the elderly and vulnerable could do to make themselves safer from such attacks when they went out.

"I have visited the site and I'm working on a survey of the security there," said Mr. Bean. "And when I have completed the report I will be passing it on to the Postmaster General with recommendations to improve security.

"There is definitely a need for better lighting there and an adjustment to the physical structure. The post boxes are in two different locations and one of them is in a secluded area.

"There is only one window there and we would definitely recommend another one. We would also like to ensure that the lights in that area are caged, so that no one can put them out and render anyone in there vulnerable to attack."

Mr. Bean had several suggestions for seniors who were out and about to make themselves less vulnerable to attacks like the one on Mrs. Ray.

"The fact is that seniors are vulnerable and can be easily overpowered and they should not take risks," said the crime prevention officer.

"When seniors need to go out in the hours of darkness, they should not go alone. They should avoid areas which are inadequately lit and ideally, they should go to those areas in daylight hours."

In the event of being the victim of a robbery, Mr. Bean had more advice.

"If someone is threatening you and demanding your purse, give it to them," said Mr. Bean. "You can easily replace the contents of your purse, and it's not worth risking your life for that.

"Do not carry things of high value in your purse, like jewellery, for example.

"All you need is a small amount of cash and an ATM card.

"If you need more cash, you can draw it out with the card. If the card is stolen, it can be cancelled with one phone call.

"Always try to walk with your purse on the inside of you, rather than the outside when walking near the road, so someone driving alongside on a bike can't snatch it.

"Many seniors are set in their ways and when they go out, they like to look good.

"But by wearing a lot of jewellery, they can attract attention to themselves.

"And you should always try to avoid carrying too much so that both hands are occupied. That makes you more vulnerable."

Even the way a senior walked and behaved could send a message to a would-be assailant to keep away, added Mr. Bean.

"Walk with a sense of confidence and be aware of your surroundings," he said.

"Continue to look around regularly, rather than walk along and look straight ahead. Then people will see that you are aware of what's going on around you.

"Also, do not walk too close to buildings. Attackers can hide in doorways.

"If you keep away from the buildings, an attacker would have to break his cover to get to you."