A North Carolina Couple Captures Chilling Footage Of Thieves Looting Their Home

The Robinsons used a simple, two-camera security system at their home. An alarm system would have been a nice added touch, but they don't come cheap. Monthly monitoring ranges from $30 to $50-plus, depending on how many bells and whistles you order.

About 2 million burglaries are reported each year, according to the FBI. Here are a few cost-effective means of safeguarding your home:

Ask for insurance discounts. Before you factor home security out of your budget, keep in mind that many insurance plans will slash their rates if you install an alarm system. That's mostly because alarms are proven to deter to burglars and it's far cheaper to offer discounts than fork over cash to replace your stolen gadgets. 

Keep your lights on. Whether they're hunting for copper or have their eye on your brand new 3-D TV, burglars will be less likely to visit well-lit homes. If you're out of town, keep a couple of random lights on (some can even be programmed to turn on and off throughout the day). 

Lock your windows and doors. It sounds like a no-brainer, but security expert Tom Kraeutler points to FBI research that shows one-third of burgled homes were left unlocked. Invest in a sturdy deadbolt, which can't be picked as easily as the average doorknob. Patio doors are easy access points, too, he notes. Try a good patio bar for added security (a slim piece of wood that fits snug to the door will work in a pinch).

Trim your hedges. A clean, open yard leaves wrongdoers far fewer places to hide. 

Fake it. If you're really strapped for cash, try putting home security system sticker on your windows or plop a a security system lawn sign on your front yard. That alone could be enough to ward off crooks.