Tapping the collective wisdom of V-Salon to try to learn about home security and what others may be doing in their own homes.

Two nights ago a neighbor about five doors away had their house broken into. I don't know the details but everyone can agree that this should never happen. I saw several police cars in front of the house early yesterday morning. Additionally, I have been warned by several neighbors of periodic security breaches in the general vicinity. I have a pair of gentlemen living next door to me and they own a police-trained German Shepherd as their security system. Thankfully, they also are a bit nosy and keep an eye on my place while I'm gone.

This is important but not adequate on its own. I'm gone for several days at a time and occasionally longer, leaving the house empty as I live alone. It may ultimately be that I need to move back to a "Lock and Leave" condo situation but for now I'd like to investigate home security systems and services.

Have any of you folks got cameras? Lights? A service like ADT?

Curious where to begin with this. All my exterior entrances have more than one locked door but the first wouldn't be too hard to defeat. I'd like to get cameras that I can look through via an internet connection while I'm gone. I'd prefer not to have a monthly fee for a service, but if that's what's necessary I'm not opposed to it in absolute terms.

Thoughts? Suggestions?