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Get a dog.

Yes, like a Doberman Pincher
Would be much better than adding a "security" system to your house because they're tied to the cell phone network and probably act as trackers, like how "smart meters" can send digital signal processed (DSP) info to the power company, which contains information about when and for how long hair-driers of your other appliances were used, etc. All this can be inferred from analyzing from the mainline's electrical profile.

Of course there are some subscription-free security systems and encrypted wireless camera setups.

another option: Dummy security cameras. Yes, they exist. :)

But are stickers and signs really effective? Don't they simply attract thieves? "Hey, that house says it has valuable things! Let's go there!"

Garages can be easy to break into, per police.  I've been thinking of beefing up my house security recently, as part of the SHTF project.  If/when there's an economic collapse, there could be desperate people roaming neighborhoods and the police will be busy containing mobs.  Point is, NOW is the time to prepare!

I found some great ideas on youtube.  Lots of great videos on how to 'harden' your home.  Search for 'how to secure your front door' and there will be numerous other videos from there.  Basic principle is that criminals, like water, take the path of least resistance.  So, small measures can really do good.

1.  Make sure your entry doors are strong.  Metal or fiberglass doors are very strong.  Avoid doors with windows in them...defeats the purpose of security.
2. Beef up the door frame by using the 'door devil' or similar...Makes your door very hard to pry/kick open, even using police tactics.
3.  Add iron/steel security doors, if you can.
4.  Add a 'onGard' door brace.
5.  Upgrade window locks.
6.  Add wooden rods to sliding doors/windows.  You can even add this concept to normal, double-hung windows.
7.  Add metal bars to basement windows.  (You can get fairly inexpensive metal bars which can be easily put on/taken off, to be used when out of town, or always.  Iron bars would be the best and most permanent, but if you're not in a high crime area, then anything which "looks" secure, will help to deter crime.
8.  Add 3M plastic to windows (or a product called Lexan).  This prevents glass from shattering and will make it harder to break.