Getting back to normal after theft?

I am sorry you have been dealing with that. I can understand the paranoia.
You have a gun by your bedside. Here is the deal with that. If you ever wake up in your house and know someone that is in the house (make sure you know your occupants and locations). Dont pull the gun unless you are gonig to use it. Alot of people are injured or killed by threatening to use a gun. Now this may start a big controversy, but if you feel you or your household occupants are in danger of life or limb then target your shot and make it happen. Dont miss, dont wound and for dang sure dont allow the assailant out of the dwelling you are in. This is the extreme measure, but you did mention a gun. If it comes down to this that is what you do. If you are not a good shot, especially under pressure....put the gun away. Remember missed shots can go through walls and you dont know where that bullet may go.

ok now that I laid that all out and I hope i did in a manner that doesnt create a stir.

I wish you best of luck, you have taken good steps in prevention. make sure to talk with the neighbors and make people aware. Awareness in a neighborhood is a key to low crime.

Take time thinking things through and you will get better. Personal property violation is definately something that effects ya.

-RPM