Another example of this might be a deadbolt on your front door; it's sure not going to stop anyone hell bent on robbing you, but it makes it inconvenient enough that any 'opportunist' thieves won't bother.

This is not quite the same. It's more like the joke about the hikers running from the bear: the first hiker shouts "we can't outrun a bear!", the second hiker shouts back: "I know, but I can outrun you!". Opportunist thieves will look for an easier target down the street, not give up and go home.