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Toronto homicide investigators suspect an elderly woman found murdered in her North York highrise last Thursday knew her attacker.

A post-mortem Saturday concluded Marion Lyons, 81, died of multiple traumatic injuries, police say.

Officers were called to an apartment building at 5 Shady Golf Way in Flemingdon Park southeast of Eglinton Avenue and Don Mills Road at 11 p.m. on Jan. 8.

Lyons, a grandmother, was discovered slain in her 12th-floor apartment by her son, who had gone to check on her.

Det-Sgt. Pauline Gray told reporters Sunday Lyons was likely killed by someone she knew.

"This was someone who was in Marion's life," she said.

"As we know, most elderly people have a fairly standard cadence in their life. The same thing gets done everyday, so it was noticed that, in fact, Marion had not been following her usual routine," Gray said.

Neighbours described Lyons as friendly and well-liked.

Police said the apartment building has been canvassed thoroughly but they would like to speak with anyone who knew Lyons or saw anything suspicious or out of the ordinary in the highrise in the last week. Contact investigators at 416â�'808â�'5404 or 416â�'808â�'7400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416â�'222â�'TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com

Police have issued a list of safety tips for people, especially seniors, living in apartments:

Lobby Security

- Unknown or suspicious persons trying to get in to the building should be referred to the management, security or the superintendent

- Do not allow strangers to enter the building as you are leaving or entering. Cooperate with all other tenants in keeping the main outer doors locked at all times

- Do not buzz anyone into the building whom you don't know

- Use only your first initial on the lobby directory, doorbell, mailbox, and phone directory

Door security

- Doors should be mounted so hinge-bolts are not facing outwards

- Install one-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors

- Chain locks are poor security - install a wide angle viewer instead and NEVER open your door to a stranger

- Never leave your door unlocked, even while taking out the trash

- Do not leave notes on your apartment door or on the lobby directory

- If keys are lost or if you move, locks should be changed

- If you see a stranger carrying items out of a neighbour's apartment, call 911

Elevator safety

- Look to see who's in the elevator before entering

- Do not enter the elevator if you do not feel comfortable - wait for the next one

- When in the elevator, stand beside the control panel

- If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the doors close.

Helpful hints

- Keep a record of your valuables

- Identify your property by engraving an identifying mark - proper identification makes it easier for the police to return personal property

- When engraving, hold the engraver straight up NOT on a slant

- The identification should be readily visible without marring the appearance of the item

- Report any suspicious activity to the Police

If a crime has occurred

- Do not enter, the criminal may still be inside

- Use a neighbour's phone and call the police

- Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence

- Note the licence number of any suspicious vehicle

- Note the description of any suspicious person(s)