Burglaries occur year-round, and they're common even around Christmas.

Recently, Franklin Township Police reported eight burglaries in just one area of the municipality.They're happening in Lansford.In fact, whether police report them to the media or not, they're happening all over the place.The burglaries aren't just happening in the dark of night. Both Franklin and Lansford police tell us they're being done in broad daylight.It's important you take whatever steps you can from becoming a victim. When a burglary occurs, you not only lose valuables.You lose a sense of security.If the burglars are caught, you probably will lose time at work to attend hearings and court matters events that can take hours.The court appearances will be frustrating. If the burglar is charged with a first offense, he or she probable won't go to prison.Chances are they'll say drugs, booze or desperation made them commit the act. They'll probably be ordered to make restitution, but it will be a small amount periodically.And it's possible you will never see it. The burglars probably have no assets to pay you back.What can you do to prevent burglaries?1. Talk with neighbors you trust and agree to watch each others' houses. Make sure you and the neighbors then report to police immediately any type of suspicious activity.2. If you go on a vacation or weekend visit to relatives, notify those neighbors as well as the police. Let them know who will be visiting to feed your car or to let your dog outside. Also have them take in your mail, your parcels that might be delivered and your daily newspapers.3. If possible, put your house lights on timers so they're on in the evening, and so the burglars can't tell if the house is unoccupied. If you can, install a burglar alarm and even security cameras.4. Something important to do is beware of what you put out for garbage. If you purchase valuable items such as an Xbox or a large-screen TV, cut up the box and tie it so the writing is not visible. Or, cut it up and put it in plastic bags.Putting such boxes at curbside is an invitation for burglars to perform their brazen antics.If you see something suspicious in your neighborhood, get involved. Let police know immediately.Not only is it important to stop burglars in their tracks, but not getting involved increases your chances of being the next victims.There's a lot of unemployment. There is a lot of drug use. A lot of desperate people will break the law to get what they want.Don't be a victim. Be cautious so you can have a safe and happy Christmas season.By RON GOWERrgower@tnonline.com