They steal items that are portable, easily converted to cash, and most particularly items that cannot be easily identified as to ownership. Operation identification will discourage a crook from breaking into a home where all personal property is identified, as this creates high risk for the thief. Borrow one of these engravers, for up to a week, and engrave your drivers license number on all items of value in or about your home. These markings cannot be removed, and if the item is stolen it can be easily traced. The fear of being apprehended with these identifiable items does discourage theft.
Vacant homes are a prime target for crooks.
Most break-ins occur during daylight hours. Most break-ins are committed by persons under the age of 17. As a result, a little effort can bring your home to a point of security that will discourage most crooks from even attempting to enter. Past this point, destructive force must be applied to gain access, and few crooks resort to this. Hollow core and glass doors are not very secure.