Sheriff Pohlmann invites residents to register for the free “Refuse to be a Victim’’ program being held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m.; Hear expert advice on what type locks, alarm systems, timers.

Sheriff James Pohlmann is asking what could be more important than hearing free, expert advice on what type locks, alarm systems and lighting timers to use and other recommendations to protect your children, home and business from criminals.

Refuse to be a Victim – which Sheriff Pohlmann instituted in 2011 – is being held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sheriff’s Office Training Center at 2118 Jackson Ave. in Chalmette, immediately behind the Parish Courthouse. It is in the same building as the Assessor’s Office.

To sign up, call Capt. Charles Borchers at (504) 278-7628 or Dep. Sheriff Eric Eilers at (504) 278-7799. The two coordinate the course.

Refuse to be a Victim is the most popular program the Sheriff’s Offices sponsors – with some 50 people taking the one-night class in December 2015.

You might look funny walking around your vehicle and peering inside while in a crowded parking lot at night but it could also keep you from getting inside and discovering a criminal is waiting there as you drive off.

That was one of the numerous tips Borchers and Eilers had for St. Bernard Parish residents who turned out last year for the Sheriff’s Office crime prevention program.

Borchers, longtime crime prevention director for the department, and Eilers engage participants and give tips on items such as locks, lighting timers and alarm systems recommended for use at homes and businesses and other strategies for being aware of your surroundings to avoid becoming a crime victim.

Borchers stresses in the course that, “You have to have a mental plan of action’’ at home or when traveling in order to be alert for potential criminals. Seminar topics include safety at home, 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.

Borchers and Eilers also go over various situations with participants, such as asking what they would do if they are home and someone comes to the door saying they have a package for them to sign for – but there isn’t a delivery truck outside.

Or what if a stranger comes to your door and asks to use a phone?

Register to hear their advice on these and other situations.

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’s message, which has been endorsed by members of the law enforcement community nationwide.