More than two dozen attend the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office ‘Refuse To Be A Victim’ lecture

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of community relations and longtime Crime-Prevention and Neighborhood Watch director for the Sheriff’s Office, shows participants at the “Refuse To Be A Victim” lecture held Dec. 6 what types of deadbolt locks are best for homeowners. Also pictured is Sgt. Eric Eilers, far left, who helped present the program.

St. Bernard Parish resident Mike Sherwood, left, listens intently along with nearly 30 others as Capt. Charles Borchers offers his advice about crime prevention measures.

More than 30 St. Bernard Parish residents took advantage of free expert advice on crime prevention measures for their home or business by attending the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office annual “Refuse To Be A Victim” lecture, St. Bernard Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

The presentation, given Dec. 6 by Capt. Charles Borchers, head of community relations and longtime Crime-Prevention and Neighborhood Watch director for the Sheriff’s Office, and Sgt. Eric Eilers, included safety tips on how to avoid becoming a crime victim.

Capt. Borchers offered advice on everything from the best kind of deadbolt locks for homeowners, to tips on how people who live alone can deter criminals, to suggestions about what to do and what not to do when you are going to be away from home for extended periods of time.

“You have to put yourself in the mindset that you are going to ‘refuse to be a victim’,” Capt. Borchers told lecture participants.

St. Bernard resident Mike Sherwood said he was very impressed with the amount of valuable information provided during the lecture.

“I really enjoyed the class,” Sherwood said. “There were a lot of good tips that they presented.”