More than 50 St. Bernard residents turn out for the Sheriff’s Office crime prevention program Refuse to be a Victim; tips given on recommended locks

Sheriff James Pohlmann answers questions from residents at the Refuse to be a Victim lecture on Dec. 3.

Capt. Charles Borchers shows an item he recommends for use at homes.

Dep. Eric Eilers talks to residents about being aware of their surroundings.

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 for you.

That was one of the numerous tips Capt. Charles Borchers and Dep. Eric Eilers had for more than 50 St. Bernard Parish residents who turned out Dec. 3 for the Sheriff’s Office free crime prevention program called Refuse to be a Victim.

Sheriff James Pohlmann was on hand to thank residents for participating and told them they can be assured the Sheriff’s Office “is out there, paying attention and catching the bad guys.’’

Capt. Borchers, longtime crime prevention director for the department, and Eilers engaged participants and gave 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.

Call Borchers at (504) 278-7628 or Eilers at 278-7799 to start a Neighborhood Watch group in your area or learn about other free programs the Sheriff’s Office holds for residents.

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 went 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?

Borchers said if there is no delivery truck near-by it is reasonable to ask someone wanting you to sign for a package to leave what they have at your door while they stand at the sidewalk.

Same thing for someone asking to use a phone. Tell them to give you the number and you will call, he said. “You don’t have to let a stranger in your home, especially if you are alone’’ because it is better to be safe than sorry.

Borchers and Eilers also said alarms system that make a loud noise seem better than silent alarms because would-be burglars don’t want anything that attracts attention.

Residents should consider having sticker bushes near windows at home to discourage anyone from trying to get inside that way.

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.