"If you were thinking of breaking into your house, how would you go about it, and how easy would it be? If you can see a way in, then so can a burglar - and he could spot other opportunities that you might not even consider," said Zachary Police Chief David McDavid.

One of the tips McDavid suggests is to have the exterior lighting on your home more than meet your needs.

"Lighting plays a large part in home theft prevention because the one thing burglars like is being able to work unseen," McDavid said. "Many people install movement-sensitive lighting, but this is not always the best option."

McDavid said mainly because these lights emit a harsh, bright light which can be blinding, particularly to neighbors and road users, and secondly, it has a susceptibility to false alarms.

He added that these either have the effect of causing unnecessary anxiety or the opposite reaction, the home owner completely ignoring the fact that the light has switched on, for instance.

The best lighting to install is automatic low-energy dusk to dawn. Since it is daylight sensitive, it will automatically turn on at sunset and off at sunrise, which is convenient if you’re out or away. It also means you will return to an illuminated house if you come home after dark, said McDavid.

Other tips include:

•Keep trees/shrubs trimmed so they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.

•Make sure door hinges are on the inside and not accessible.

•NEVER leave keys under doormats, in mailboxes, flowerpots or other "secret" hiding places. Burglars know where to look for keys!

•Keep a detailed inventory of your valuables including serial numbers, description and date of purchase.

•Photograph or videotape valuable objects, heirlooms, jewelry or antiques in case of fire or theft.

•Sliding glass doors are a common entry point and many can be lifted off their tracks. Use vertical bolts or a metal or wooden rod to hold the door closed.

"Remember to burglar proof your home to keep yourself and your possessions safe from intruders," said McDavid. "A little prevention goes a long way."