In additions, going from an overly lit area to darker areas means that we don't see as well, and the opposite holds as well. By using these devices you are only using light when you need it. The truth is that tests have been done and there is no correlation between bright lights and burglaries. What would be a better deterrant in scaring off a burgler than a set of lights quickly going on when the burgler gets picked up by a motion detector. The big problem is still the lack of awareness of the issues, the problem, and the common sense solutions.
Education is a big part of fixing the problem.
The second problem is apathy. Even with awareness, action is needed. Some consider it too big a problem, others that it is not important enough. Here at the NJAA we have a full time Ligh Pollution Chairman that goes around to make people aware of this problem. He need help - talk to your neighbors and your local government officials.