CRIME STOPPERS
An alarm system is a great way to deter burglars, but also a big investment. On average, alarms cost more than $700 to install, Angie's List members say. Monitoring tacks on an average of $30 a month, according to the security-system review site Safewise. If you don't have that kind of cash to spare, don't worry: There are plenty of ways to protect a home — as well as cars and even your identity — from would-be thieves without overspending.