In the face of a changing criminal environment, seniors are fighting back to show they are not going to stand by idly and be taken advantage of.

And a dedicated group of locals which include Police, senior citizen and community advocates are working right along side of them in a bid to encourage them to protect their rights through active living and empowerment.

Police, who acknowledged that there seems to be a growing trend in the number of attacks geared toward seniors, said: "Bermuda's senior citizens are the treasures of our local community.

"They bring a wealth of life experiences and resources to the Island that cannot be matched.

"However there are unscrupulous criminals and con men that prey on seniors, identifying them as easy and vulnerable targets."

As a result, Police have introduced a community programme where specific officers travel to each parish highlighting safety and security measures to seniors.

And the Police documented several areas where they believe seniors can properly protect themselves.

Crime Prevention Officer Sgt. Chris Wilcox said that in late spring seniors will be warned in an updated leaflet containing information on crime concerns and precautions.

Some of the issues that will be addressed will be educating seniors on home security and drug awareness.

Meanwhile, several community volunteers have banded together at the Bermuda College to teach 600 seniors a variety of activities to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

One of the fitness instructors, Diann J. Hall, said she believes that when seniors are in a lively atmosphere, they are motivated to learn to want to protect themselves.

And her hope is that seniors can take what they have learned in the college courses and apply it in a situation if they feel threatened.

"I love to do it - and I believe that strength is a state of mind," Mrs. Hall said.

"They thought I was rigid in the beginning, but we try most of all to encourage healthy living and healthy eating.

"Most of them are very good at trying to remain active and like to walk, but I tell them that walking is not enough.

"They have weights and use them to work on their arms - and the more stronger strength wise, the better it can help in self defence."

Mrs. Hall said that there are many classes where seniors can enhance their physical strength.

And she said the several hundred who attend enjoy classes in yoga, Tai Chi and line dancing, pointing out that "everyday there is something different to keep them busy".

She said all of the activities enhance in making seniors feel like they are a vital part of the community, while having fun at the same time.

But she said that she hoped that more would take advantage of the programmes at the college noting that she hoped to see more men over 65, taking part in the activities.

However a key ingredient in dealing with attackers would be stiffer sentences upon conviction, but legal insiders said that changing policy to be more "victim friendly" could pose a challenge.

The alarm was raised when last summer two teenage boys aged 14, and 15, received probation and a $50 fine, respectively for beating a 63-year-old man in Warwick.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Jamel Simmons, who was said to be the ring leader in the beating robbery, was sentenced to six months in prison last month for his part.

And legal sources said that current legislation stifles the powers of the Magistrates and their ability to hand down stiffer sentences to attackers.

It is understood that they can only sentence an offender to 12 months in prison for an assault.

Legal insiders believed that changes would be slow in coming to revamp legislation because it would not be "politically rewarding to change policy".

And they said until it hit close to home to family members of "the powers that be" will anything be seriously done.

In the meantime though, senior advocates encourage those over 65, to be alert and aware as best they can about changing times.

And they advised those who are able to become involved in senior community activity to maintain control of their lives.