[StBernard] St. Bernard deputies can make extra patrols of homes of residents on vacation

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard deputies can make extra patrols of homes of residents on
vacation
Print By NOLA Community 
Before going on vacation or leaving for business, St. Bernard Parish
residents should call the Sheriff's Office and get on the list to have extra
passes made at their home by patrol deputies, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.



"When thinking about the last-minute things you have to do before leaving,
remember to call the Sheriff's Office at (504) 278-7763 or 271-2501 and get
on the extra patrol list,"  Pohlmann said.

He said, "That information is kept confidential'' and revealed only to the
officers assigned to patrol the section where the caller lives.

Pohlmann said residents should also leave a contact number with the
Sheriff's Office so a patrol deputy can call them if there is something
wrong at a home, including non crime-related matters such as damage from a
wind or rain storm.

St. Bernard has fewer residents than before Hurricane Katrina eight years
ago, meaning there are fewer eyes on the streets in some neighborhoods to
watch for suspicious actions, Sheriff Pohlmann said. "That makes signing up
for the extra patrols at your home more valuable now.''

Capt. Charles Borchers, head of Community Relations for the Sheriff's Office
including the Neighborhood Watch program, said the extra pass list has been
used effectively for years and helps residents be assured their homes will
have some extra protection while they are away.

Also, St. Bernard residents interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch
group in their area can call Borchers at (504) 278-7628.

Borchers said residents should consider the following crime prevention tips
before leaving their home for trips:

.	Lock up. While this might seem obvious, some people forget to lock
their house completely while rushing to get away. Make sure all doors and
windows are locked.

.	Be careful who you tell that you plan to be away from your home.
However, ask someone you trust to watch for anything unusual. Also, never
leave a message on a phone voice mail system saying you are out of town
because any caller would learn your house may be vulnerable.

.	Do whatever possible to create the appearance someone is home. Keep
a vehicle in the driveway or out front of your residence. Maintain your lawn
before you leave or have someone you trust mow your lawn while you are gone.

.	Put outdoor lighting on either timers, light-sensitive photocell
mechanisms, or motion detectors. Use timers to activate inside lighting,
radios, or TVs. Use the new fluorescent (cfl) light bulbs because they burn
cooler than the standard light bulbs.

.	Don't let deliveries accumulate. If possible, ask someone you know
to pick up mail, newspapers, packages and any circulars placed on your front
door. Stop delivery of any newspaper if you can so they don't pile up.

.	Don't leave keys under your doormat, flower pots or window
ledges-intruders check these first.

.	Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick shrubbery and trees cover your
windows, allowing burglars to work undetected.

.	If you have a security system, ensure it is armed and provide
instructions to the central monitoring station, - if you have one - to call
your cell phone, the Sheriff's Office and/or a particular friend, relative
or neighbor if there is a problem.

.	If your area has a Neighborhood Watch program inform officials about
your vacation plans.

The information in this article was provided by the St. Bernard Sheriff's
Office Director of Public Information Steve Cannizaro.