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Some care and knowledge of your surroundings has to be taken into account where ever you are living.
All first floor windows really should have burglar bars, they do not need to be ugly, but they do need to be strong.
I read about this incident  with dismay yesterday, but  when the house was shown in the TV news program  the policeman pointed out the ground floor bathroom window the perpetrator entered through, it was not  broken and it appeared the window was not  locked. I do not leave windows unlocked in California or Belize. Where all my ground floor windows and doors have strong Burglar bars in place also.
A perimeter fence is only a designator of your boundary really, if you then rely on just a wire fence  to keep unwanted visitors human or animal off your property  so you do not lock doors or windows you are a  really big optimist.
I am not blaming these poor  people or any other victims I am saying we all need to be more responsible for our own security wherever we can be.

Its truly sad to hear with happened to the couple in Corozal and my sympathies to their families.  My wife and I have been in Belize since 2014 and have heard many stories of people getting hurt or unfortunately killed. The majority of those stories have the same theme...the person(s) who got hurt or killed didn't even know the perpetrators were in there home until it was too late. My only advice, particularly for expats is to have layered security if you can and mind your surroundings and be careful who you trust.
Our property is fenced with dogs, all windows and doors are alarmed, with video surveillance and if someone gets by the fence, the  dogs and the alarms, then we are armed.
Security has to be multi-layered in a country with 40% poverty and corruption

So this demonstrates that life in paradise where expats are increasingly targeted for violent crime  involves living inside a fortress
Only thing missing here is a moat with crocodiles.
Very interesting.
Dangerous country with a 43/100k homcide rate.Mexico is 23/100k.  Merida ( and the Yucatan ) is 2.1/100k)

This will give you more of an insight as to the murder rates in various countries -
Interestingly, the Caribbean in general, has some of the highest murder rates anywhere, including- Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Mexico, Bahamas, Belize, ...
I imagine if you singled out one section of Belize, like Cayo, the murder rate would be comparable to the Yucatan.
Maybe we should all look for somewhere safer?

Nope
In 2016 there were 34 murders in Cayo, The population then was 94,500
So thats a /!\ I AM A STUPID SPAMMER /!\6/100k
The fact that  Belize is a murderous country is not news
That expats are now apparently being targeted, is.

Indeed, the Yucatan has the lowest rate in Mexico, and apparently 1/2 of what it was the prior year, and less than a lot of US cities.

Apparently, the Caribbean is a murderous area in general. Mexico, being # 20 on the list, is not much of an improvement from # 4, Belize. Being on the list at all is not good PR.
I don't think expats in Belize are being 'targeted' for anything other than inadvertently and unwillingly sharing their wealth and possessions.

Thinking about moving from Las Vegas area to Belize. I understand I can't bring a gun, and must purchase a 9 mm gun in Belize.  What is Concealed carry policy.  Does anyone know.

As a tourist living in Belize. i.e. any expat not  a Belize citizen, legal resident or already  established on the QRP, you will have difficulty getting a permit for a 9mm hand gun.  wherever it is purchased.
Applications go through your local Police station.
If you own/long term rent and live in  a "remote" area you may be be allowed an exemption,  and be allowed a firearms license for a shot gun. Ostensibly this is for your protection from Wild life.
Permits can cost up to $1000 Bze per year and the 2nd year begins on  your Birthday, regardless of when you get the first permit. Ie April Birthday Ist Annual permit issued and  paid for in February second permit due on April Birthday.   As to concealed carry I do not know the policy. Must have one as you do not see open carry in the streets.

Yes. It is called "Situational Awareness".  Many of us learned it growing up in Pittsburgh or Tucson or Cleveland or Tennessee. Or as adults walking streets in Minneapolis or Los Angeles - or Cancun - or anywhere.
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Understand the possibilities
- Be humble
- Respect your neighbors
- Keep your wits about you
- Have fun

Additionally, at your home: always lock doors & windows, install welded burglar bars, pay your watchman a fair wage, don't share your travel plans with anyone, and if you havn't yet gotten a license for a .38 or 9mm then carry pepper spray.