A real-life event that happened to my friend prompted me to write this. I hope this helps you to prevent a break-in or robbery.
Don't post online that you are on vacation
Many people like to update live, but doing so can be dangerous because you never know who is paying attention to your details.
Don't leave your home address and work address in your GPS.
A family came home to their house ransacked after their car got stolen because their home address and garage door opener were both in the car. The door to the house in the garage was unlocked. The family was stunned that everything was gone when they came home and they couldn't even prove a break-in except for the fact that the car was reported stolen.
Get to know your neighbors
If you know your neighbors, chances are they will care about you and your well-being. They will be able to help report any suspicious activity right away and they might even be able to give you a call.
Get an automatic light with a sensor.
If you don't want to be a target, you need to have some deterrents. An automatic light that comes on when it senses activity can help you scare off some robbers who might be trying to sneak around. Look for solar-panel operated ones so you never have to worry about the battery running out and the light not working.
Get a timer for certain lights and electronics.
We have all seen the movie Home Alone where the kid tries very hard to make it look like there's a whole family in the house. Well, you don't have to put a mannequin by the window, but if you buy a timer for your electronics, you can plug a lamp that might be visible in the kitchen or the living room into the timer then plug the timer into the wall and even when you are not home, now a light is on in the house. It helps with any video-recording or just even as a deterrent.
So there you are - five tips to hopefully help you stop some intruders. Be safe out there.