Home Security Systems (ADT, Brinks..)
- Thread starter woodstock
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alaskaflyer
Final Approach
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Alaskaflyer
Instead of contracting with a national alarm monitoring company just buy the ADT or Brinks sticker and put it on your mailbox post or window. It is much cheaper and affords you an equal level of actual burglar protection.
I was a police officer for seven years and answered literally thousands of burglar alarms in that time, and I cannot remember one single instance where we caught a home burglar in the act after being notified by the alarm company. Called by the nosy neighbors, yes. Called by the homeowner inside, yes. If you don't like idea #1 above, idea #2 is simply an alarm loudspeaker aimed at the nearest house with a retired widow living inside.
Get it for the fire alarm, and for the times you want it activated while you are inside.
I was a police officer for seven years and answered literally thousands of burglar alarms in that time, and I cannot remember one single instance where we caught a home burglar in the act after being notified by the alarm company. Called by the nosy neighbors, yes. Called by the homeowner inside, yes. If you don't like idea #1 above, idea #2 is simply an alarm loudspeaker aimed at the nearest house with a retired widow living inside.
Get it for the fire alarm, and for the times you want it activated while you are inside.
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Definitely do not go cheap. Better companies try to make sure motion detectors are properly placed, give you a month or 2 to get used to the system before connecting to the monitoring company.
You may need glass break detectors in case thieves break a window instead of opening. Be sure the system will seize the phone line in case of alarm...do you want the phone line itself monitored for cut lines? Cell phone backup mounted in attic? There are so many added features you can have with a good system.
How big is the property? A magnum 8 zone is fine for a small home but a large home with many smoke/co2 detectors will need something like the magnum 16 zone system.
How about a water leak detector for the basement?
Be sure the company gives you ALL the codes for the alarm and this includes their servicing code..Your buying the alarm, they should not be able to hold you hostage when any contracts expire.
You may need glass break detectors in case thieves break a window instead of opening. Be sure the system will seize the phone line in case of alarm...do you want the phone line itself monitored for cut lines? Cell phone backup mounted in attic? There are so many added features you can have with a good system.
How big is the property? A magnum 8 zone is fine for a small home but a large home with many smoke/co2 detectors will need something like the magnum 16 zone system.
How about a water leak detector for the basement?
Be sure the company gives you ALL the codes for the alarm and this includes their servicing code..Your buying the alarm, they should not be able to hold you hostage when any contracts expire.
jesse
Touchdown! Greaser!
When I purchase a house I will likely roll my own -- the primary purpose -- to give me time to wake up. I doubt I'll bother with any monitoring short of notifying me.
woodstock
Final Approach
Hey thanks everyone.
I probably should say here - I am way more worried about something happening while I am away - on vacation - pets are home alone - than anything while I am in residence.
If I never left the house for periods of time I wouldn't care, and if I didn't have pets I wouldn't care - it's all just stuff.
Ted
The pilot formerly known as Twin Engine Ted
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iFlyNothing
I'm thinking pretty much the same for my house. Maybe a couple of cameras outside, too, but that's because my neighbors don't know what a property line is.
Given what Elizabeth is looking for, though, (her concern being when she's away) a system with monitoring might make better sense.
This is key; when I got mine installed, one of the conditions up front was that, when they were done, I'd have all passwords and a complete set of system manuals, including installation and programming, not just user manual. They were very professional, readily agreed, and did a fine job for me.
You will NOT get this from Brinks or ADT.
steingar
Taxi to Parking
Perhaps, but an axiom of my existence is that most thieves are stupid. If they weren't they wouldn't be thieves. Hence I'm willing to bet that most thieves don't know this. I bet $50/mo that when the thieves hear the alarm put out by that thing (which is sufficiently loud to wake the dead) they'll beat a hasty retreat and find a house with no alarm.
The one and only time it got triggered by accident the cops arrived in a big hurry. Besides, it makes Mrs. Steingar feel that much safer.
I installed almost 400 systems and had 5 live captures.
These aren't the smartest cookies in the jar.
As to the "They can take what they want anyway. Nothing ill stop them. If they want to get in..."
Think like these goofs. If you wanted to see the victim you wouldn't be a burglar. What they want least is to be seen or get caught.
When he's picking the next place he's got hundreds to choose from. Why would he pick yours with the alarm over the easy pickens next door?
He does your place. The alarm will make noise, drawing attention. The goof will have only one thought: OUTTA HERE!
BTW, if your neighbors know you well enough that they know that it's unlikely you'll have a guy in car or delivery truck visiting taking your stuff away in a pillow case, you're in the best shape.
wsuffa
Touchdown! Greaser!
I do like the option of video cameras on a server box that emails you with pictures if the motion detect trips.
woodstock
Final Approach
and....
The Death Star is armed, and fully operational.
The Death Star is armed, and fully operational.