How can I move past this fear?

I may need to live alone soon. I have always lived with someone. I enjoy my own solitude but the fear Ive had for a while, is intruders. Someone seeing a woman living alone and going in at night to harm, rob, or worse. I dont know if it stems from growing up in the city or maybe all the Forensic Files Ive seen/ Datelines. I cant afford an alarm system. I know people have said get a dog, but wont be able to afford one most likely. Any ideas how to squash this fear? 😞