COLOMBO, June 2 -- Police have warned of an increase in thefts and other crimes targeting elderly people living alone, urging children and relatives to take greater precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of ageing parents.

In a public advisory, police said a growing number of elderly individuals are being left to live by themselves as their children migrate overseas for employment or settle in other parts of the country. This has made many senior citizens increasingly vulnerable to criminal activity and other risks.

Authorities noted that elderly residents living alone have become easy targets for thieves, particularly drug addicts seeking money and valuables. In some cases, burglaries have escalated into violent crimes, includ...