home alarm systems

andy

are they actually a real deterrent anymore?

Wife wants to get one, we already have 2 dogs (not big ones mind you) but I don't honestly know if it's worth the money.

Opinions?

I'm interested in getting a system too, but I have enough trouble getting my lady to lock the door, let alone set an alarm.  That quot;It takes a thiefquot; show got me so paranoid about break-ins it's not even funny.

Interested in any input from people who have a system.

We've had systems in both our last house and this one; I like having them.  At the very least, there's some peace of mind to them.  

If you get one, shop around.  Most system installs should be free, or pretty cheap, depending on your level of service.  (If you do every door and window in your house, that's going to cost you, but it might be worth it, depending.)

We had to switch over to ADT because the original company we were with (Monitronics) didn't support homes with cable phone lines.  

The main thing I think security like this does for you is like I said the peace of mind, and also the fact that you'll have signs and stickers to put in various places in and around your home saying that it's monitored.  Someone recently burgled our garage (they broke into my car, parked on the driveway, and took the garage door opener and used that), but didn't come into the house--in part, I think, because we had an ADT sticker on that door from the garage.

Making your house an tougher target will often force thieves to another house.

Hope this helps.

Yep, peace of mind is definitely the first reason I wanted one.  We bought an old house with a 4-foot chainlink backyard fence, 9-light exterior doors on the front and back, rickety windows that looked like they were ready to rust out of their frames, and no alarm system... in short, a thief's dream.  The first few nights we were in the house, I had most of the lights on and weapons nearby just in case.

We quickly replaced all of the old stuff and wired the house thoroughly - motion sensors, sirens, switches on all doors and windows.  Sure, someone could still get in, but they'd have to contend with deafening noise, a police station half a mile away, and one pissed-off dog.  Hard to focus on what you want to steal when you're dealing with all that.

It pays to have a security system.  Do it!


Originally Posted by Sinatra VonDoomI'm interested in getting a system too, but I have enough trouble getting my lady to lock the door, let alone set an alarm.  That quot;It takes a thiefquot; show got me so paranoid about break-ins it's not even funny.

Interested in any input from people who have a system.
I was going to mention this show!  Dogs are a joke as far as home security goes.  Usually they are more traumatised than anything...

The most important part of an alarm system, is the visable stickers and sign on the house.

My buddy installs commercial alarms and feels that is probably true. Here is a trick I do.....

Tune a radio to a TV channel or get a radio that picks up TV audio. Leave this on when you are not at home. Anyone considering a break in will think someone is home watching TV. Though with digital TV broadcast coming, I might need to get a new radio, not sure what is going to happen there. Keeping things locked, drapes closed and not making a soft target is probably more important then any alarm system. If they want in, they will get in, usually just takes breaking glass. That is what my cop buddy says.

An alarm after that, might scare 'em off.

I'd highly recommend getting an alarm system.  The piece of mind factor alone is worth the cost.


Originally Posted by Meta Jonare they actually a real deterrent anymore?

Wife wants to get one, we already have 2 dogs (not big ones mind you) but I don't honestly know if it's worth the money.

Opinions?
Depends on what type of neighborhood you're in, work schedules of neighbors, what city/state you're in, mostly.

If buying a system would give you peace of mind, then buy one.  We live in a really nice area, and everyone keeps their doors unlocked here.. some people overnight, even.  Hasn't been a robbery in these estates quot;in twenty yearsquot;, neighbors told me when I bought our house.

I've always been fortunate to live in nice communities, though.. when I went to school in San Diego, however, you're damned right I locked the door.

As was previously mentioned, the stickers and labels are the actual deterent (how is a potential robber supposed to know there is an alarm system if you don't warn him, and the goal is to get him not to rob you not to catch him, as the alarm will only drive him away anyway).

Therefore I recommend not wasting your money on an actual system, just make or get printed a bunch of official looking stickers and signs and put them in visible locations.  You may also want to set up an old video camera in an obvious location and put noticeable quot;electronic survelliencequot; in your warning signs.   Then get yourself a gun for actual defense, and learn how to use it safely and proficiently.

I'm with the piece of mind crowd.  I have ADT and a Boxer pup who is a bit of a wimp at the moment. However, I do think that anyone looking to make a quick break-in will be deterred by the alarm system and trust me the ADT alarm is so loud that it is almost debilitating if you don't have ear protection.