By Dominic Casciani BBC News Online community affairs reporter

Perceptions: Witnessing one incident can heighten fears

The elderly are allowing themselves to become prisoners in their own homes because of a completely unrealistic fear of street crime, warns a leading charity.

Age Concern says a survey of 4,000 older people found almost half of those aged over 75 were too afraid to leave their homes after dark because they believed they would be subject to verbal abuse or mugging.

Two thirds said believed they would inevitably become victims of crime as they got older - while a fifth said this fear had contributed to a sense of loneliness and isolation.

The results mirror other research which suggests fear of crime is completely at odds with experience.

Anti-social behaviour

According to the Home Office-backed British Crime Survey (BCS), people aged over 60 are less likely to become victims of crime than those in other age groups.

CASE OF CATHERINE WRENN Robbed December 2002 Thief stole �13 Died later in hospital Elderly woman 'killed for �13'

But pensioners - especially older women - were found to be worried about crime and personal safety.

Cases such as that of 84-year-old Catherine Wrenn, who died after being mugged for �13, appear to leave people with a disproportionate sense of levels of crime.

Age Concern followed up these 2002 BCS findings with a survey of attitudes in England.

While nine out of 10 elderly people told the survey they enjoyed living in their neighbourhood, a quarter said street crime was a big problem where they lived.

Two-thirds of those who had been mugged or assaulted had reported the crime. But half that number were prepared to tell the police about anti-social behaviour such as verbal abuse.

Almost four out of 10 over-50s said they no longer ventured out to social events after dark because of fear of crime - a figure which rose with the age group of the respondents.

Almost three quarters of the respondents said they believed their risk of being affected by crime increased year-on-year.

Priorities demanded

Asked what they wanted to help them combat this fear, respondents demanded more police on the beat, better street lighting and more effective policies against anti-social behaviour.

GENERATIONAL FEARS One or two incidents will colour their perceptions of the dangers - whether it is vandalism, or overhearing swearing Frank Peduzzi, pensioner

Others called for more work to help the young better understand the needs and concerns of the old.

Frank Peduzzi, 73, a member of an inter-generational project in Edmonton, north London, said a lack of trust between the old and young contributed to fear.

"When we were in our groups, talks were focused around drink, drugs, sex and the community," said Mr Peduzzi.

"The young people were reticent and very inhibited with us. It was a real shame.

"But even the young people said they were cautious about walking after dark. The older people I know, to a person, will not go out in the evenings.

"One or two incidents will colour their perceptions of the dangers - whether it is vandalism, or overhearing swearing.

"Newspapers are always quick to point out if an older person is a victim. Sensationalising crime is one reason for the build-up of fear."

Gordon Lishman, director-general of Age Concern England said: "Fear of street crime has trapped many older people inside their own four walls.

"It is not only older people who stand to lose out by being prisoners of fear, but also the wider community.

"Communities who rely on older people's skills, experience and voluntary work are missing out on a valuable resource."