A method and system for detecting a predetermined sound event, such as the sound of breaking glass. Data representing monitored sounds is stored, such as in a circular buffer, while a preliminary assessment is made in real time as to whether the monitored sounds potentially include the predetermined sound event. If there is a potential correspondence, the already stored, pre-event data is frozen, and additional data including, and following, the event is stored. Next, the stored pre-event and additional data is retrieved from storage and provided to a processor that applies one or more algorithms to determine, with finality, if the event corresponds to the predetermined sound event.