Can't agree with catalanboy. After previous break-ins I've fitted very visible alarms, cameras, real & dummy and prominent signs to our and friends properties. We've had no more trouble but just about every other place around our way has been done. Thieves don't want to get caught and there are plenty of un-alarmed places to do over. Our alarm rings my mobile when triggered and sends a picture. It uses the mobile network and so doesn't need a fixed line.
As for insurance... I'll leave that for another post!