Just as an option, for those of you who have a broadband connection, there are many good devices that you can buy and monitor yourself and avoid both the monthly fee and the 'concerns' that come with the access that you give someone when you contract them for this type of gig. I no longer use 'monitored' services and have replaced them with various devices that send alerts to ME. You can get color/bw/IR cameras with configurable motion detection and even time params, you can get door and window sensors, glass breakage monitors, temperature monitors, water sensors for your basement or near your water heater or the like... pretty much name it, and you can find it. There was a recent thread about home defense at night, and how to be alerted without alerting the intruder -- my devices will send the alerts to my cell phone, which is next to my bed. You can also get audible alarms, devices that will turn on lights or the TV or a loud radio, whatever you like.
Not right for everyone, but an option for some.
That is FUNNYOh, it's also great for If my wife's boyfriend drops by, I can see if he brought me beer.
my friends and family call in advance, then just come in.