There’s a new show on The Discovery Channel. It’s called “It Takes a Thief.” I haven’t seen it, but I understand that homeowners who are confident that their homes are safe from burglars agree to let thieves prove they are wrong. Then, the TV audience watches as convicted crooks break into their homes. I think the homeowners get a new security system for participating.

I never like it when Hollywood educates criminals. Anybody who sees the show will learn techniques that will enable them to commit burglaries. I’m sure the purpose of the show is to encourage homeowners to take proper precautions. Now that the show’s producers have provided lessons to burglars, I guess we’ll have no choice but to be more careful.

Most of us have been victims of burglary. My family has. When you know that a person has been in your house without your permission and rummaged through your personal items, you feel violated. Somehow, you never feel the same about your house. Every time you pass by the door the burglar broke or open the drawer from which they stole precious heirlooms, you get the creepy feeling that they never really left the house.

Just before I spoke to a church group a couple of weeks ago, a man asked me if I thought it was a good idea to keep his home security system. I do. Mine costs only about $20 a month and will notify the security company immediately if someone enters the house without deactivating the alarm.

Most burglars I’ve known are cowards. That’s one reason I like dogs. Burglars are usually in a hurry and will go to another house, rather than deal with your snarling dog. They’ll tell you it’s good time management. I think they’re scared of the dog.

The best defense against burglary is a neighborhood watch. I’ve lost count of the burglary convictions we’ve had because somebody cared enough to report suspicious activity in the neighborhood. It’s powerful in court when a neighbor says, “I was walking down my driveway to get my newspaper when I saw that man (pointing at the defendant) coming out of my neighbor’s house carrying a TV.”

Of course, jail time for burglars sends a message. In our circuit for decades we’ve followed a policy of sentencing burglars to no less than three years in prison. Even if it’s a first offense. Repeat offenders get much longer sentences. And, believe it or not, the Parole Board usually makes residential burglars serve about 90% of the sentence.

Once again, it’s us against them. If we work together, my money is on us.