[rdkent]

I believe in self protection and have firearms myself, BUT keep in mind:
-If you don't have the training you're more likely to hurt yourself than the burglar
-You have to be willing to use it if you're going to threaten with it. Most people without military or police training aren't really ready to use a weapon against someone.
-The way this guy operates you would have to have the weapon on you or beside you at all times. Highly unlikely.

I'd go for the alarm system.