Yes, you'll give up a little privacy. But it could be a reasonable price to pay. Avoid making announcements that invite burglars. Boxes from recently purchased computers, TV's and electronics put out on trash day let everyone know that you have new goodies inside. Cut the boxes into pieces small enough to fit inside your trash can so the thieves won't know your business.
Lighting is the cheapest form of prevention.
There's a reason the bad guys like the dark. They don't want to be seen and identified. Cost is not an excuse for a lack of lighting outside your home. In most parts of the U.S. you can leave a 100 watt bulb burning for 10 hours for less than a penny. So for less than a nickel a night you'll have light all around your home.