Three general rules stand out. First, don't make it easy for them. Prevention is the goal. Second, always be aware of your surroundings. Don't drop your guard. Third, don't put ourselves and your family in danger. Objects can be replaced; people cannot be replaced.

Don't make it easy for them

Since most burglars like to come in through the door because it looks less suspicious, lock those doors and install dead bolt locks. Windows should be locked; louvers can be secured with silicone glue. Lights are important: from street lights, to exterior lights all around your house, to motion detecting lights.

Fences help you as long as they are the see through type, but shrubbery provides a place for burglars to hide. Don't open the doors to strangers. Don't make it obvious that no one is at home, or that you are on vacation. Anti-burglary signs help, including "Beware of Dog" signs, even if you have no dog. Of course a barking dog is even better. Since burglars prefer no noise or attention, install an alarm system.

Your goal should be to make it as difficult as possible for a burglar to get into your home, and to make it as obvious as possible that someone is trying to get in so they will be noticed and reported.

Be aware of your surroundings

Look around. Talk to your neighbors, learn their general schedules and agree to watch out for each other. Think about, and even practice beforehand, how to describe a car, or a person. Obviously you should look for the car license, color, make, model and year. But also notice the rust, decals, smashed fenders, and even the stuffed monkey in the back window. Describe the person by using yourself as a guide. The person is several inches taller than me--about the same weight, etc. Work from the top to the bottom and include a description of the clothing worn. The person has a red baseball cap, shoulder length dirty, curly brown hair, t-shirt, jeans, down to the brown hiking boots.

Look around. When you come home, be alert to any differences around your home and out on the street. Watch for cars that cruise down your street over and over, or parked cars with people in them. Look for anything suspicious. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately.

Don't put yourself and family in danger

If all your attempts to protect yourself from burglary fail and you are burglarized, keep your head and keep safe. If you come home and notice evidence of a break-in, back away--the burglar might still be there. Go to a neighbors home and call 911. If you wake up at night and hear a burglar, fake sleep if you can't slip safely out the house to call 911, and call as soon as you are alone. The less contact you have with the burglar, the better. According to "the Citizens Handbook: How to Protect Yourself and Property from Crime," over 50% of today's burglars are armed with handguns and won't hesitate to use them on anyone who gets in their way. If you do come face to face with a burglar, do exactly what you are told to do, no more and no less. If you are asked the location of the family silver, tell; but don't volunteer the same information about your great grandma's watch. At the same time, observe carefully so you have a thorough and accurate description to give to the police.

Ultimately, it is up to us to protect ourselves, our property, and our neighbors' property. The police cannot be everywhere all the time. A bit of extra time, money and energy might be required of us, but if it does prevent a burglary, it would be worth it.

"The Citizens Handbook: How to Protect Yourself and Property from Crime" is available from the AHonolulu Police Department.