That heart-in-the-pit-of-your-stomach feeling when your place has been broken into. A former burglar claims the best way to prevent them is also one of the cheapest: put up a sign that says "BEWARE OF DOG".
He says it's that simple. If you have a dog, fine But it works even if you don't. He says the average burglar won't risk it. He says it's more of a deterrent than those security system signs.
Just remember to tell your friends and family when they come over that when they come over that it's ok, there's no dog.
Another tip he mentioned is to buy keep on exterior lights. Any bit of deterrent helps. Other easy tips here.