Burglars are basically lazy people. They prefer to break into a house with easy access. They love unlocked doors. There are things you can do to discourage burglars. Some methods are expensive, but for the economy-minded, here’s an inexpensive way to secure your home.

A friend of mine showed me how to install my own home security system and do it very economically. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Obtain a large bowl with a dog’s name on it. I used "Brutus," but you should choose a name that best suits your family. You could lay a chain down near the dog’s bowl but I didn’t have a chain in my garage.

Place a pair of large size, heavy duty boots next to the dog’s bowl. If you haven’t already got yard boots or hunting boots, go to the Goodwill store and buy a pair, cheap. The more worn the better.

Beside the dog bowl I laid the current issue of the National Rifle Association (NRA) monthly magazine with the back cover exposed — this month there’s an ad showing an assortment of 9mm and .45-caliber handguns.

Your wife might not like what I did next, but I taped a target to the front door from the last time I went to the range. Tape a piece of white paper to the back of the target so the bullet holes’ll show through. To all this, add a handwritten note saying something like:

"Big Jim, Duke & Bubba — I went to get me some more ammo. Back in a few minutes. Stay away from the back door or the pit bulls might get after you. They got the mailman this morning. Brutus and the other two dogs are locked in the house. You’d best wait outside until I get back.
(Signed)...Bob."

I can’t guarantee that this’ll work, but I’ve been here 15 years and ain’t nobody messed with my house.