St. Bernard residents can register at (504) 278-7628 for the free Refuse to be a Victim lecture on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sheriff’s Training Center at 2118 Jackson Blvd. in building behind the Courthouse

Here’s two easy suggestions to help persuade burglars to stay away from your house: Keep large dog’s water bowls near your front and back doors with water in them and leave a pair of men’s old, dirty work boots at the back door.

And you don’t even have to own a dog or have a man around the house.

That’s the kind of common sense advice St. Bernard Parish residents will get if they register and attend the free Refuse to be a Victim lecture by the Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. 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 Courthouse.

But Sheriff James Pohlmann said there will also be solid, expert advice on all manners of crime prevention for your home, business and when you are out of parish on vacation or for business.

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of Community Relations and long-time crime prevention director for the Sheriff’s Office, will conduct the class which runs about two hours.

Call Borchers to register at (504) 278-7628.

“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 home, automobile, phone, technology, travel and personal security.

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

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.

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 visible 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 many 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.