If there is any hope to deter criminals from breaking the law in Lawrence County, it will be the harsh sentences imposed when they are brought to justice.

Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney Brigham Anderson hit the nail on the head when he said home break-ins are one of the worst crimes that can befall unsuspecting citizens.

Anyone who has returned home from a vacation, or even a brief shopping trip, to find their door ajar and belongings ransacked or missing knows how terrifying that experience is.

Once your home is invaded, it takes a while to feel safe there again. Could you be targeted again? What if you’re home next time?

Prosecuting these burglars with harsh prison sentences is one of the only ways to send a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated, as one Kentucky man found out this week after he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for breaking into multiple homes in the county.

Another way to deter these criminals is to follow suit with many of the residents in Ironton and other parts of the county who have stepped up their vigilance with neighborhood watch programs.

If would-be burglars knew citizens were keeping a watchful eye out for themselves and their neighbors, they may think twice before breaking into homes.

Bravo to the prosecuting attorney for taking these crimes seriously and for all those who patrol their neighborhoods. Stay safe.