Classes teach people what crimes are trending, how to avoid them
SOUTHPORT, Ind. (WISH) – Southport Police Department is training people who live in the area on how to protect themselves from thieves.
Police started Monday to hold one class a month. During the training, residents can expect to learn what crimes are trending in the area and what you can do to avoid becoming a target. The first course was called Residential Safety and Security.
Southport resident Annie Singleton is a kids’ bus driver from the Marion County town. The kids have come and gone, and the community has changed since she moved to Southport 60 years ago.
“Of course, we didn’t use to have to lock our doors. Now we do. But, it’s still a great community,” she said.
“I think the local police they have a handle on where things are,” Singleton said.
According to Southport Police Chief Tom Vaughn, the department wrapped up 2018 with no residential burglaries or robberies. Vaughn said he wants to keep it that way. That’s why police are hosting the training courses.
“It’s more of an interaction. They can say, ‘Well, I’m seeing this.’ A lot of times we can find problems that we’re not aware of,” Vaughn said.
Monday’s course focused on what residents can do to help prevent becoming a victim of a break-in.
The classes are being conducted the Southport Municipal Complex, 137 Worman St.
A list of the classes is on the Southport Police Department Facebook page. To register, call the Southport Police Department at (317) 787-7595.
