Ouch. Usually I recommend a dog, but if you are out walking it, you'd need 2 and leave one home!
What did the neighbor lose? A few ipads and a wallet? Sense of privacy (for sure).
Some of the suggestions for strengthening home security and installing alarm systems above look like a lot of $$$ and hassle. And then you have to remember setting the darn thing every day, several times, reminding yourself of the possibility of being ripped off every time. What toll does that take on your well-being?
IMHO life is too short for that. I move to neighborhoods that are considered safe in terms of crime rates. I have dogs. Yes, I may lose some cash and a few computers if someone swipes through my house while I am out with the dogs, but it hasn't happened in decades, so I think the risk is very low. I also don't own a ton of great stuff, I am afraid. And I do have insurance if someone would take the time to clean me out (i.e. take all my tools and the 993) while I am away for longer periods.
That's just my two cents (hidden in my mattress)
G