Free Crime Prevention Workshops Available

INDIANAPOLIS — Recent business robberies and home burglaries on the east side have put many people on edge. However, armed with expert information, residents can take steps to make themselves less of a target.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office has announced that it will offer lunch-and-learn crime prevention presentations to local businesses in Marion County. The 30-minute presentations are designed to provide important safety information within the typical employee lunch break. Local businesses and agencies are encouraged to offer the free programming at their place of business as a service to employees.
The following presentations are available upon request:
FRAUD PREVENTION — Learn to protect your personal information and finances during this informative presentation. Tips are provided to help attendees avoid identity theft and current scams, including email phishing, telemarking scams, fake charity solicitations, home improvement fraud, and lottery and sweepstakes scams. For more information, visit Indy.gov/MCPO/fraudprotection.
BURGLARY PREVENTION — Education for homeowners, renters and business owners on reducing the risk of becoming a burglary or property crime victim. The many topics to be covered include how lighting and property maintenance can prevent burglaries, why burglars may target certain properties, and the most common items generally taken in break-ins. More information is available at Indy.gov/MCPO/safetybydesign.
PROJECT CYBERSAFE — The dangers of online behavior, protecting personal information on social media and the legal consequences of cyberbullying are some of many topics covered in this timely presentation. Parents, teachers, caretakers and adults who work with young people benefit from this information. Get more information about this topic at Indy.gov/MCPO/cybersafe.
To learn more or to schedule a presentation businesses and agencies may contact Annie Kern at Annie.Kern@indy.gov or 317-327-3522.
In addition to the local business presentations, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will offer a free crime prevention program on February 25 from 6-8 p.m. at Emerson Avenue Baptist Church, 308 N. Emerson. Residents, rental landlords, and small business owners are encouraged to attend. The program is free and open to the public.
IMPD East District offers monthly Task Force meetings at East District headquarters (201 N. Shadeland Ave.). The meetings are open to the public, and give residents an opportunity to get accurate, up-to-date information on crime in the area, plus special presentations on a variety of topics. The East District Task Force meetings also give residents a chance to talk with officers and others on the force about local concerns. The next meeting will be on March 9 at 6:30 p.m.