This is the answer right here. I’ve been a director for a security firm for more than 15yrs now. The vast majority of our job is just perception. Making it look like “this place” would suck to try and break into. There’s overwhelming evidence that most criminals are opportunists, not professionals.

You’ll never be able to make your house Fort Knox without simultaneously ruining it as a place to live. The first things I’ve always done when I have moved into a new home was to:

• Change the locks/garage codes (including the opener remote signal codes). Every overhead door also has a lock on the wheel track, if you want an added layer of security and don’t open the door frequently.
• Ensure all entry points lock securely (simple jiggling/prying won’t unlock them - sliding glass doors are usually bad about this)
• Permanently close any entry points you don’t use (sticking a wooden dowel in windows/doors you don’t open).
• Remove any items allowing you easy access to upper floors/roof or through windows/doors (A/C units, dog doors, etc).
• Remove any over grown bushes/plants that could conceal a person attempting to hide.
• Invest in exterior lighting, lots of it. They don’t even need to be motion activated, just make sure to turn them on or have them on a timer.
• Investing in some cameras can lend to peace of mind but they don’t even need to work, just need to look real. Camera’s won’t physically stop someone from gaining entry anyway, it’s just a tool to catch them after the fact.
• Fake alarm company signs/window decals.
• Always make it look like someone is home (timers also work well here). Park a vehicle in the driveway (if you have one) rather than the road, leave the TV and some interior lights on while away, etc.
• If possible remove anything of high value from line of sight through the windows. Or block the windows out completely (like a side garage window, for example).
• Dispose of any trash in an intelligent way. Just bought a brand new tech item? Take the box to a recycling center or cut it up to be disposed of in the actual trash can, rather than just setting it out for collection.
• Don’t advertise on your vehicle with decals of gun brands you like (that are likely stored inside the house), tech brands you like (also likely inside the house) or if you have honor roll child, putting that honor roll sticker or after school sports logo on your vehicle let’s potential thieves know your kid is likely away during the day and that you’ll be away on Friday nights to watch them play ball.

These are all very simple items, but the best security doesn’t require it be all that complex. You’re not trying to make your home burglar proof, you’re just trying to lower the statistical probability that someone will want to break in. They’ll be more likely to go on down to the neighbors house who have left their ladder next to the garage and 2nd story windows open at night.

The likelihood someone is going to “case” your house to steal your jewelry or something is so damn low that it should never be a concern and if they’re willing to go through all of that effort anyway, you’re probably not going to be able to stop them. At that point, just over-insure your valuables and collect a check when they come up missing.