Abstract: A system for detecting perturbations within an environment, comprises: one r more arrays of sensors for providing a series of sensor output signal sets comprising the substantially contemporaneous generation of sensor output signals by the sensors in response to monitoring a scene within a coverage zone of the sensor; and a data processor operably disposed for storing a series of data corresponding to the sensor output signal sets generated at intervals over a predetermined period of time, for transforming the series of data into a final composite perturbation score, and for generating a perturbation output signal when the final composite perturbation score exceeds a reference value. The system may also include an output device for generating a perturbation alarm signal in response to the output device receiving the perturbation output signal.