We can't say enough-- often enough-- about protecting your home against burglary.

Last week local police reported an increase of home invasions in our affluent suburban area that never worried too much about that before.

The usual warnings include keeping all windows and doors locked at all times because that's the most common point of entry for most burglars. Also keep lights on timers or simply left on 24/7, and leave a radio or television set playing softly. Additional safety is provided by  installing motion sensor lights on all sides of the home, and keeping shrubs trimmed low so no one can hide behind or around them.

Also remember burglars want to invade an EMPTY home with no interruptions. They watch your home to see patterns of behavior that indicate nobody will be inside when they break in.

Local police have also told Widows List.com that it may be better to ask a neighbor to take in mail, rather than  having the post office stop delivery. The reason, they say, is that postal delivery people may finish routes early, stop in local cafe's and mention aloud that they're early because "such and such" block is empty because everyone went on Winter vacation.

Police also warn never to discuss upcoming travel plans with friends in any public place. "The walls have ears. You never know who's listening and may follow you home, then mark the house for future invasion."

We also find comfort in the horn installed outside our home that announces loudly "Burglary in progress!! " the moment a break in the security system is detected.