St. Bernard residents can register at 278-7628 for the free Refuse to be a Victim lecture on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sheriff’s Training Center at 2118 Jackson Blvd. in building behind

St. Bernard Parish residents looking for free solid, expert advice on crime prevention measures for your home and business, including locks, timers and alarm systems to use, should register for the free Refuse to be a Victim lecture on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m., Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Call Capt. Charles Borchers at (504) 278-7628 to sign up. Borchers is head of Community Relations and long-time crime prevention director for the Sheriff’s Office and conducts the course, assisted by Dep. Eric Eilers.

The one-night lecture is held in the Sheriff’s Training Center at 2118 Jackson Blvd. in Chalmette. The center is on the second-floor in the building that also houses the Assessor’s Office and is directly behind the east side of the Parish Courthouse.

“You will hear safety tips for avoiding becoming crime victims at home or away,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “Capt. Borchers is an expert on what type locks, lighting timers and alarm systems residents and business owners should use and he will demonstrate them, as well as going over numerous tips for various situations.’’

Dozens of residents have taken the Refuse to be a Victim class since Sheriff Pohlmann began offering it to the public in 2011.

Sheriff Pohlmann said “much of this is common sense ideas’’ that some people may already carry out but they are important to be emphasized.

Borchers stresses in the course that, “You have to have a mental plan of action’’ at home or when traveling to be on alert for potential criminals. Seminar topics include safety at home or in automobile, as well as phone, technology, travel and personal security.

He recommends double cylinder deadbolt locks with large screws put an inch into a large, solid frame so a door can’t be easily kicked open.

Use strong locks and place peep holes on home doors, Borchers said. Light-timers, alarm systems, video surveillance and motion lights are all sound anti-crime strategies, he said.

He stresses people should go out to the sidewalk and take a hard look at their home in the way a burglar would who was sizing it up for ways to break in – then do something about potential problems.

Borchers goes over various situations with participants, such as asking what they would do if they are home and someone came to the door saying they had a package for them to sign for – but there wasn’t a delivery truck outside?

Or what if a stranger comes to your door and asks to use a phone? Or what’s the best ways to stay safe in other locations while visiting?

For the answer to these and other questions, Borchers said he invites residents to come hear what he has to say.

Refuse To Be A Victim is nationally recognized. It was developed in 1993 in response to requests from women nationwide for crime prevention seminars and became co ed in 1997. Thousands of men and women have benefited from the program’ message, which has been endorsed by members of the law enforcement community nationwide.

Borchers is also available at (504) 278-7628 for anyone interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch group in their area or to ask about other free programs offered by the Sheriff’s Office.