Never advertise your gender or marital status, either. List your phone and mail box under your first initial, or use only your last name. Consider the doors to your home as barriers. Doors should be solid wood or metal, and should have at least two locks. One should be a dead bolt, which is harder to pick than other locks.
Police say chain locks are virtually useless.
Remember that sliding glass doors attract thieves. Also, remember that if a window is open even a crack, someone can pry it open all the way. Make sure your house or apartment appears occupied when you are out. Leave blinds partially open, a jogging suit on the clothesline, and the stereo on. Stow a dirty pair of sneakers outside the door.