A friend with many years as a detective in law enforcement discussed this with me. Most thieves are after prosaic, easy to fence items. Macdadtexas explained the problem for the thieves well. Most of them are going to go for your wife's jewelry box, look for your guns, and walk past the expensive art and heavy audio equipment. They might try to take your nice plasma tv, but that's probably going to be the extent of their "heavy" ambitions.
As to discouraging burglars, make your house (assuming you live in a house) a less attractive target than your neighbors. Thieves want maximum return for minimum risk. Follow the usual advice about trimming shrubbery, keeping windows locked, outdoor lighting, etc.
As to discouraging burglars, make your house (assuming you live in a house) a less attractive target than your neighbors. Thieves want maximum return for minimum risk. Follow the usual advice about trimming shrubbery, keeping windows locked, outdoor lighting, etc.