There are personal alarms that are small enough to fit on a key chain give out about 100 decibel squeal , jaycar the electronics store sell them , for $16.00 each I got 4 of them for staff who need to go to their vehicles in the dark.
The sensor lights are a good first measure now also can be used with a solar panel so no wiring needed, as is a locked house gate .
Most thieves will not go to the trouble of entering through a broken window , so security window latches are cheap and worthwhile as are deadbolts, eye peep holes, on doors ie may get in through a window but can not get the big stuff out .
Sounds Like you were an easy target , not hard to make it harder though .
I also have an alarm system , laminated windows , but that may be going a little bit overboard for most people .
having a weapon as the only form of protection , is not sound practice from a security perspective , there should be around 3 layers of security before someone is able to break in ie 1,looked gate fence , dog /perimeter alarm/chime warning intruder in yard , 2,security lights garage alarm, 3/secured doors and windows , internal house alarm , safe room , safe,
good luck!
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