I’ve never had a security alarm system, and about the only image I have of them is what they show in movies and tv shows. If your home alarm goes off, and you’re not at home, does the security company automatically call the police to have them check it out? If so, why did your neighbor call you to check it out?
I highly suggest one. I came home on my lunch break once and realized I was out of bread. Turned around after having my hand on the doorknob. They were in the house at that moment. I got one the next day. Didn’t want my wife to walk in on bad guys.