I moved into my new (well, new to me... built in '98) house 4 years ago. It had been pre-hardwired for all-around security monitoring during construction. I called the company that did the wiring and got a quote to complete the system with sensors/monitors. They wanted $2,200 to complete the setup. I also called Simply Safe. (1) Their system is 100% wireless.... of course that type of system wasn't around when my house was built and pre-wired for security. (2) Cost about $800 to cover all 6 doors and vulnerable windows (via magnetic sensors and infrared) in my 7,200 sq ft walk-out ranch style house. (3) Monthly monitoring is about half of what others charge and is cellular, vs. most others being land line. My homeowners policy discount more than compensates for the monthly monitoring cost. In addition, if you move you can take the system with you and install in your new house! So... if you're looking for a 24/7 home security/fire monitoring system, suggest you check into Simply Safe. Basic coverage systems start at about $269 + $15/mo monitoring, with no contract period. RECOMMENDED! (Other companies give you "free" equipment, but recover the cost via high monthly monitoring fees during the initial 3-yr contract guarantee period. Then at the end of the 3-years, you're stuck with high monthly monitoring costs for as long as you have the system.... ends up being much more expensive than buying the equipment upfront.)
Why not install a generator and enough lights around the perimeter so that if the motion detector trips for human-size objects, the property lights up like a football stadium. Add in alarms, and I'm pretty sure nobody will attempt to break into your house the after the first breech. Might get the neighbors/city/county upset, but oh well... Word will quickly get around that nobody should fuck with your house.... Counterpoint is that LEO and the Feds might dig deep into your affairs to see what you may be hiding...