Times Staff Reports

HAMMOND

Senior reports being robbed of gold jewelry

Police are warning residents to be vigilant when working in their yards after a Hessville senior citizen reportedly was robbed Thursday.

The 80-year-old told police he was grooming his backyard in the 6800 block of New Jersey Avenue when three men in a truck drove up around 3 p.m.

One of the men approached him about a job doing yard work, the resident said, and took the resident around the backyard, pointing out various services his company could provide.

After the three men had left, the resident found someone had entered his home and taken nearly $10,000 worth of gold jewelry set with precious stones.

Police Chief Brian Miller said residents should remember to lock up their house when they are working in their yards to prevent an easy burglary.

"Thieves drive around our neighborhoods looking for homeowners occupied in their front or backyards," Miller said. "The crooks know the house will be unlocked, so they'll go in the front or back door depending on which part of the yard the homeowner is working on."

Thieves pretending to be utility workers in order to gain access to residents' homes are also still active in the city, Miller said.

"If someone comes to your door and claims to be from the water department, cable company or NIPSCO, please call the police and let us check them out," Miller said.

GARY

Program to teach youth about teen pregnancy

New Generation youth program is offering Baby Think It Over, a pregnancy-prevention program for Lake County male and female youth 12 to 18 years old.

The program will use simulator babies and include topics such as abstinence, sexually transmitted diseases, finances and how a baby affects a child's family and community.

The free program runs from 9:30 a.m until 12 p.m. Saturdays beginning May 24 at Gary Neighborhood Services, 300 W. 21st Ave.

Registration is required for the sessions, said Teshezia George, president of the organization.

"Youth in the program will attend a four-week class, which will teach them about abstinence and show them how alcohol, drugs and shaking a baby cause harm to infants," George said. "Youth will also take home a baby for one to two days."

The program also is available as an on-site program for residential or church youth groups and can be tailored to fit their schedules, she said. The Department of Child Services sponsors the project.

For registration or questions, call George at (219) 545-5609 or visit the Web site, nfinityconsultants.com.

EAST CHICAGO

City departments will host a gardening club

Mayor George Pabey presents Wisdom of the Past - Seeds of the Future Gardening Club from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 19 at the East Chicago Greenhouse, 1615 E. 142nd St.

Participants can learn about gardening and planting flowers and vegetables from seed. They'll create planter boxes, build birdhouses and have a horticulturist on site. Activities and field trips are planned, as well as a luncheon and awards. Transportation may be arranged. Refreshments and supplies will be provided.

It's sponsored by the East Chicago Health Department, the Parks and Recreation Department and the Engineering Department. For more information, call (219) 391-8226.

HAMMOND

Gang Unit to speak at watch group meeting

The Hammond Police Department's Gang Unit will be the featured guest at the East Hammond/Pullman Crime Watch Group meeting at 6:30 p.m. May 20 at the Ophelia Steen Community Center, 5927 Columbia Ave., Hammond.

The Gang Unit will give a presentation designed to provide parents and the community with some basic information about gangs, including what comprises gang and how the illegal drug activity can expand gangs. Hammond Police Community Affairs Officer Sgt. Pete Moore will provide information on recent criminal activity and statistics of the community and the city.

For more information about the organization and its meetings, call the Hammond Community Policing Division at (219) 852-6379.