The longer the burglar is in the home looking for valuables, the more likely they will get caught. In case your valuables are stolen, this engraved information will help police locate them. Taking Polaroid pictures and making a list of the approximate value of your precious items are critical for insurance purposes and the items' recovery. However, it is not a good idea to take regular pictures and send them to the photo lab. A video tape of your valuables placed in a safe deposit box is also a good idea.
Key control is also very important.
And putting keys under flower pots, lawn ornaments or welcome mats is not a very good idea. But most importantly, always make sure your house looks lived in. Ask your neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers. If you cancel your newspapers and mail, the mail carriers and newspaper delivery service would know you are not at home. Also, have a neighbor park their car in your driveway and put trash in your trash bins on garbage pick-up day.