Home Security Alarms

[PetMom]

I have searched the old threads and found some good advice there.

We are considering getting one since a kick in the door/in and out in a few minutes happened across the street during the day (spring break week) on a very busy street with several neighbors home.

(This neighbor does have a lot of shrubbery in his yard/and driveway to front door small trip).

We also had a teen prowler who managed to jump our tall fence and the police with drawn guns had to get him out - he was on drugs.

Already in place: neighborhood crime watch (which did not work! and we have the sign out in our yard).

No Soliciting sign - which weeds out many people from coming up to your door (an ordinance in some cities).

A 'fake' alarm sign in front yard.

Dogs - but they are basically noise makers and of little use if we are not home.

Solid dead bolt with the longer screws - don't use the shorter ones in the kit buy long 4 inchers - this takes a few more kicks to push through the door.

The alarm solution sounds good but a well known national one wants full access to our account just to come out and discuss the sales pitch (with refund if we don't like it). They also want a three year contract. Have read reviews and one person had some repair expense taken out of her account without her prior knowledge - they resolved this. Have heard reports of some of them not being hooked up properly, the police do not make it there by the time the crooks have left, and sometimes the police have not even been notified.

A plus is the loudest alarm (I accidentally set one off in my real estate days) and the sound is very loud which would attract attention on a busy street.

Read about a system that a person purchases and installs and then has a month to month contract.

Has anyone tried one of the do it yourself ones?

[ukgaz]

We just got the keys to our house yesterday. Already changed the lock and have looked into a Alarm system and going with FrontPoint. Basically pick the hardware we want and we install it ourselves. Then call to activate and then pay a monthly fee.

The hardware that we buy is then ours. If we move we can take it with us

[MonkeyMama]

We've always had DIY alarms (no contract - neighbors help monitor).

I was surprised how many people here pay for the monthly monitoring, etc. But I think it is somewhat regional. The area we live in is tech heavy, so everyone installs their own alarms. Houses are close together so neighbors look out for each other. On the flip side, all the alarm monitoring services are pricey and crappy where I live. Neighbors tend to look out for each other, instead.

Anyway, I remember my dad installing extensive wiring, etc. when I Was young, but these days these things are SO EASY to install. Especially if the system is wireless, etc. That said, we bought a new home, so it already had all the pre-wiring, etc. So my opinion may be biased to the super easy side. But I do think in this day and age it is a lot easier to go the DIY route.

DIY + monthly service may be a good frugal compromise for your circumstances.

[LuckyRobin]

I've never done the do it yourself, but we have used ADT for the past 12 years and they have aways been prompt at calling the police. We've had four or five break ins since we moved out of our house, but never anything stolen, just a bit of vandalism, as the alarm and the police coming has always scared them off. We did end up putting extra lock latches on every window so they can't be raised from the outside anymore and that put a stop to the rash of break ins. Anyway, ADT has taken care of us well.

[Frugal]

I personally don;t think an alarm is worth the money in some neighborhoods. I will save money on that expense myself!

[snafu]

I suggest you talk to police at your nearest station. You need to know what is allowed in your own community as well as what is most beneficial for your particular dwelling.

We went to a police sponsored seminar on home protection having suffered a break-in. The police explained professional burglars wear gloves, set a timer and are in and out within 15 minutes. I asked if they thought any of the well advertised monitored alarm systems were preferred. In this city two false alarms generates a very large fine. Apparently burglars know it takes more than 15 minutes for the alarm service's vehicle to get to an alarm and police even longer. Police explained burglars target M Bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen. The best place to keep valuables is in kids rooms. If you have a lock box or safe, it must be bolted from the inside to the wall and floor or shelf.

Burglars look for easy targets. They often knock on doors in hopes of confirming access. We were told to buy the best deadbolt we could afford with very long screws, always use the metal drop bar on the patio doors and secure basement windows with bars that open from the inside. The police felt having nosy neighbors were the best protection. We all agreed have a security firm's sign or label helped and never leave evidence of new electronics like their boxes with the trash at the curb.

[snafu]

do you believe the intruder you fear will only come when you are home?

[Frugal]

It is just my opinion, but I personally think alarm systems are only necessary for some people. I think the industry makes money off of fear. Yes, in some cases, and in some areas, you might absolutely need one. Personally, I think a good old watch dog next door or in one's yard is the best deterrent! Oh, and you are allowed to request regular police patrols through your neighborhood as a citizen (they will do it at night, if you desire).

[kalimaniac]

Monitoring is a nice luxury in case you ever get held at gunpoint or fall and can't get up...but what are the odds of that. In practicality it's best to secure your home's doors and windows. Cameras also not bad idea (even fake ones). Even with alarm must burglars know that by the time cops show up they will be long gone with your jewelry and whatever else they could grab in three minutes.

[Marto]

My home alarm is my dog. A very loud dog.

[terces]

My home security is my live-in policeman....dh.

[Marto]

Well, my training partner had his place broken into last week. I think I'll start looking at getting an alarm system put in.

[snafu]

A camera system seems like an effective deterrent since the B&E crowd know how ineffective an alarm system is in practical terms.

[photo]

Originally Posted by PetMom

The alarm solution sounds good but a well known national one wants full access to our account just to come out and discuss the sales pitch (with refund if we don't like it).

What do you mean by the above?

[esspweb192]

I think dog is good enough for home alarm.

[PMMM]

Originally Posted by photo

What do you mean by the above?

I think they mean a direct pay account. Where the vendor can take the monthly payment from your checking account. Many do that.

My alarm company wanted to do that but I declined. My local good alarm company was bought out by a larger firm. The good news is that I was grandfathered in at $23.95 per month. The new company does an excellent job and I have been very pleased. They have the most current equipment and it's all wireless. I even have my shed alarmed and since it's wireless installation was a breeze. The distance is not too great from the Main box so it works well. The company values repeat business so while I have a 3 year contract it's ok my me the equipment is paid for and it keeps the price at a locked in price. I plan to renew at the same price when the contract gets close to ending.

I also employ a very large safe, 5000 pounds, that is bolted to the concrete floor. The safe keeps our photos and other valuables that cannot be replaced and of course my gun collection.

A small NRA sticker that cannot be missed is prominently placed in strategic locations on the house. If the bad guy breaks in and can move or open the safe he deserves to keep it. I'm hoping they never break in while the wife and I are home. I have good insurance and the stuff that they may steal is replaceable. I have never had a problem though some neighbors have. Overall our area is pretty good as far as crime goes.

[Aleta]

We just had ours upgraded and have a contract with a monitoring company because we were advised by our homeowner's insurance agent that we would pay $250.00 more a year not having it hooked up. It's like getting the service free.

[PMMM]

You know I forgot all about the insurance discount. I'm not sure what the exact numbers are but I'm sure the insurance discount pays for the alarm system. I completely forgot about that. That makes me feel even better.

Thanks

[markjason]

I have two dags at my home. They are my security guards as well as friends also. I go for a morning walk with them and they help me in hunting.

[PMMM]

Yup I'll throw those dogs some nice juicy steak and some food that they will just love and they'll be my friends forever. Mayhem. I only need a few minutes and I can get what I need.

All kidding aside even if I had dogs I don't know that I would trust just the dogs only for my security. They would sure help but a solid backup plan is always worthwhile. Just my opinion of course.