It's not a bad idea to install a home security system. It's not quite as expensive as you might think, as your home insurance will give you a rebate if you have an active security system in place. It's like any other insurance; you pay out and get nothing back if it is never needed, but it makes a disaster less of a disaster. It doesn't just monitor criminal activity either; it will call the fire department if smoke is detected. For myself, if I were paying to live in a warmer climate for a few months out of the year, I would consider a home security system part of the cost of the trip.