Our world has changed. Life in Natchez and many communities like it all over the country and world is not like life during the time most of us were raised.

Many of us recall leaving our doors unlocked, particularly when we were only going to be away from home for a short time. We left our purses in the car and just took inside our car keys. We were trusting of others, and if someone asked for help, we were likely to come to their aid, even when we didn’t know them.

Doing any of those things today could lead to loss of property and could even be life-threatening. It’s unfortunate we have to second-guess ourselves when we see someone in need of assistance. It’s unfortunate we can’t display in our homes for others to see the things we have worked hard for bought for ourselves and family members with hard-earned money.

A family in Natchez was fortunate they were not at home when burglars broke in on Tuesday morning and left with four guns. Natchez police are holding suspects and think they committed the robbery, as well as several other such burglaries here. Investigators recovered two of the guns — the most valuable of those taken.

That’s good news for these Natchez residents is that they were unharmed and at least part of their property was recovered. We don’t know the circumstances of Tuesday’s burglary. Perhaps these residents had taken every precaution to protect their homes and valuables. We all know, if someone wants to get inside your home, they will find a way to do it.

This event is a good opportunity for us to take stock in what we are doing to safeguard our home, possessions and family members. If you have valuables, like guns, perhaps you should store them in a gun case or other way that makes it difficult for thieves to access. If you don’t have cameras or a security system of some sort, perhaps it’s time we all think about adding those things to our homes.

Review your home safety and security and take steps to protect your home and family.