What are your rights when someone breaks into your home to steal what’s under the Christmas tree?What can you do when someone breaks into your garage to take your new 4-wheeler?And that trip you’re taking over the holidays … what can you do when someone tries to steal your car at the gas pump?

The Caddo Sheriff's Office is offering a free course for homeowners to explain when they can legally defend themselves on their property, in their car, and in their own home. The class will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, December 13, at the Caddo Correctional Center.

Caddo Sheriff Steve Prator called for the Sheriff's Regional Training Academy to develop the course in response to numerous questions from homeowners who were unclear about their rights.“It’s a common question we get asked, and our citizens need an explanation from the people who know,” Prator said. "Caddo Parish homeowners need to be aware of what the law says and that the law is on the side of the legal homeowner."

Caddo Sheriff's Captain Kenny Sanders developed the course and will serve as the instructor. Sanders will cover what rights a homeowner has when someone breaks into their home, attempts a burglary, or enters their property illegally.

“This isn’t a class on how to use a gun,” Prator said, “but it is a class on when it’s legal to use a gun or protect yourself if you find someone taking the gifts from under your Christmas tree.”