I was wondering from a police view point - how effective are the home alarm systems. I am not specifically asking about any company, but that is the kind of system I am looking into. It seems that the cost would be reasonable and I would like to know if it is really worth it.

From a crime prevention view point any time that you can "harden the target" the more difficult it becomes for a would-be criminal to victimize you.
Don't just focus on an alarm system; there are many other approaches of helping you with discouraging one to target your home or business. We have a crime prevention specialist that can assist. 427-1207