For an 85 year old Tudor style home leaded windows that don't lock nor
do they all close firmly, french doors, mature shrubs, decks full
length of home and on 2/3rds. of an acre...active family with pets
(cats) in and out of the house, what is the best way to create
preventive safety from burglars and alarm neighbors and the police?

From what you have described, actually securing the home is a
logistical nightmare.  I would get a LARGE DOG (young adult, NOT a
puppy) and take it to professional training in "HOME AND FAMILY
PROTECTION"

K-9 Guardians:
http://www.logicsouth.com/~lcoble/dir9/k9guard.txt
Good breed prospects are here.

A book:

The Home & Family Protection Dog: Selection and Training   
...by Karen Freeman Duet & George Duet
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0876056192/103-3775617-4018261?v=glance


Dogs trained in Home and Family Protection are _NOT_ GUARD DOGS.  They
are not dangerous to children, or other pets.  They are, however, very
dangerous to intruders, or anyone coming onto the property they deem
suspicious.  Get the book, the distinction is difficult to explain.

~~Cynthia