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July could be called National Burglary Month, as the FBI says that is when burglaries go through the roof, since vacation time is the best time for a break-in. The Better Business Bureau is marking the season with some consumer advice on how to buy a home alarm system.

"Number one is, understand what you need in turns of security. What kind of lifestyle do you lead? What kind of complexity do you need in your security system?" says BBB of Metropolitan New York President and CEO Claire Rosenzweig.

The complexity question is crucial. Not too long ago, motion detectors, sound monitors and remote imaging seemed like devices out of a James Bond film, but now they are available for homeowners, at a price.

After deciding whether to spend a fortune on satellite tracking of the front door visitors, or a simple break-in alarm, get estimates and ask questions.

"What's included in the contract? Installation, monitoring? What are the fees involved?" says Rosenzweig.

There are a number of reputable home security companies with systems resplendent with dazzling technology, but keep in mind that the monitoring station and its staff are just as important.

The key to the purchase is buying something that will sound an alarm and prompt a response when needed. The company must be willing to walk the customer through every step of the process.

"It will cover things like the actual equipment, how you turn it on, how you turn it off, what happens if something goes off, what happens if it's a false alarm. You know, details like that," says Rosenzweig. "You don't want to guess about that, you want to make sure you know it beforehand."

Some security system contracts automatically renew, which can be good or bad, depending on whether or not the consumer likes the system. Mark the window on the calendar, to leave a chance to assess the service to determine whether to keep it.