I think I've said this before in response to the same story, but I still think it's weird. Cutting the phone line should instantly generate an alarm as well - and while "sabotage" or "line failure" are lower priority than "intrusion", it should've still alerted police/security.
That aside - it all depends on what kind of burglar you have in front of you. If they know you just bought a brand new 79" 4k HD TV and they want it, your house can be a fortress guarded by a pack of lions and they can get in if need be. If it's just some random punks who want to steal some cash and/or a laptop or whatever, your house just has to look harder to break into than the neighbours'.
Dog/weapon/cat/whatever plaques may deter some, but an audio tape of a barking dog with a motion sensor and such things tend to be more effective.