Robbers frequently return a second time to get items they did not get the first time. They already know the house and the layout and where the stuff they want is. You should get an alarm and cameras. You can buy both and install them yourself for under $200 at COSTCO. Lowes has a good system also. Put the recorder where he cant get it; the attic perhaps.
If you cant get to it today buy a sign reading ALARMED! 24 hour video surveillance. Hang up a fake camera. Youve probably got a week to 10 days.
As for the cops, theyre useless. Theyre really in the revenue (ticketing) business; not crime. They only really investigate murders and then only if its somebody relatively important. This is why serial killers can knock off 10 hookers and nobody notices theyre all killed with the same MO.
Crime doesn't pay. Traffic violators do.