Small Town investigates String of Burglaries

Home burglaries don't just happen in the big cities that everyone's heard of. They can also occur in small towns—simply because the burglar lives in them or in neighboring areas. Such is the case with Kirksville, Missouri.

A recent report from heartlandconnection.com tells of multiple burglaries. They have elements in common: The thief enters ove ight while the occupants are asleep and takes cash.

Are the homes' occupants very hard of hearing and can't hear the window smashing or the door being kicked down? Did they all take a few sleeping pills and were thus in a very heavy sleep and that's why they didn't hear the windows smashing or the door being busted through?

Or…do you suppose that a DOOR or WINDOW WAS UNLOCKED and that's how the burglar got in?

Don't be a victim!

• Before going to bed at night, what do you always do without fail? Brush your teeth. Let the dog out for one last "business." Set the clock alarm. Lay out your clothes for next day. Is something missing here? Yes! LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS.
• Have a deadbolt installed and other protective devices for doors.
• Keep doors and windows locked during the day, too—even when you're home.
• Have a motion detection light installed.
• Put away the purse, wallet, credit cards, checkbook and loose money…just in case someone does get in. The last place burglars usually check is the kids' bedrooms. Consider stashing your purse and wallet in a shoebox in the toy box.
• You can also put these items in a fire-proof safe that's bolted to the floor.
• Never keep the spare key "hidden" outside anywhere. Leave it with a neighbor or go keyless entry.
• Before going away on trips, arrange with someone to check your home periodically.
• Don't leave any light on continuously; this looks like you're away. Used timed lighting devices.