Madison Park

Yes both good suggestions a dog and or an alarm.  CMPD has often said Dogs are a great deterient.

Matter of fact mine ran off the person last week that was messing around my home that was arrested a couple of days later outside of our area breaking in an apartment. 

Also regardless of where you live..if someone rings your door bell make sure they know you are inside by making noise or turning on lights even if you don't open the door.  

There are also some officers that live in the community and several staff from various City Departments within Charlotte that call Madison Park their home.   I think you would both like the neighborhood.  I have lived here since 1996.  There are some of the original residents still living in the community which makes it nice.