It is stressful. Oh my gosh. And sorry about the family thing. The best thing you can do is protect yourself (and your belongings the best you can) with a home alarm, floodlights (the kind that are motion activated and high up), "Beware of Dogs" sign, make sure the doors are locked properly and closed when you leave. It also really helps to have "Neighborhood Watch" set up. When I first moved to my neighborhood, things were a lot different than they are now (now, everyone calls the police for every single thing), so the bad guys know that there is always someone watching out

The reason why I asked if you meant burglary vs. robbery is because there is a difference. In general, burglars never come face to face with their victims. They enter a structure and commit their additional offense, which is usually theft, whereas with robbers it's different.

Burglars do not want to run into people or our beloved animals. Especially if they are barking. They do everything they can to avoid us.

I hope that brings some comfort.