I really hope you get Brutus back soon. I have a few pythons and would be devastated if someone stole them. As you rightly said take precautions when someone you don't know is around. I keep people out of where my reptiles are, don't tell anyone unless I know them that I have snakes (hubby used to blab, but has since stopped), I also keep my dogs inside and there wouldn't be much left if someone did break in. My kids don't tell anyone at school how many we have or what we have and only a trusted few are allowed to see them. They aren't particularly valuable alone, BUT they are my babies and I want them protected. The collection together would be worth a bit, but they would be taking their life in their hands if they broke in here. I have a mastiff x, plus 3 smaller dogs who are very protective of the house.
It's pretty sad when you can't trust tradies who are there to do a job in your home and have to be given that trust. He should be fed to a snakes when he's caught.
Good luck mate