About a year ago folks in my neighborhood were wondering why so many garages were cleaned out -- lawnmowers, even cars were taken.

The cops suggested that if they closed their garage doors AND removed the keys from the cars things might start to improve.

Recently a home invader was sentenced to 28 years. High on meth, he entered a man's home, pulled the husband's shotgun from the closet, and held the family at gunpoint. The husband knew the gun was unloaded and fought with the guy long enough that the wife and kids were able to run to a neighbor's for help. The neighbor called the cops and then confronted the invader with a LOADED .456 Casull (this is a VERY VERY powerful handgun). The invader finally gave up.

He got in not through a window, but through the UNLOCKED front door.

Using a modicum, just smidgeon, of good sense can prevent a lot of big problems.

And remember two things: You really CAN'T cheat an honest man (or woman) and If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.