lighter,more force with a swing more painful connection, go for the knees then upper body. A bat is a backup. There are window screamers you can peel and stick on the frame and glass, they make so much noise that a neighbor will look and call the police when you're not there. Place security company signs on the window and doors, if you have basement windows, there are rebar type rods you can install from the inside, 2 to 3 for a window so the thief cannot kick it in and enter, but you can open the vent for air if you need it.
Obvious blocks will slow down a thief so they will go for an easier target.