Home Security System (sales, crime, new house)

[SUP1994]

We've moved into a new house. For various reasons, I'm considering to have a home security system. Does anyone have experience with any of the monitoring companies? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.

[ArtyGuy]

I've used several-

Brinks
ADT
Security Solutions (was a smaller company in SC)

For me they all provided similar monitoring services. Nobody was significantly better than others when it came to monitoring. I think the differences can be found in price and what systems they want to use.

I have a MA degree in criminal justice with a concentration in security management. That's not to impress you (I prove every day a graduate degree doesn't make you a genius). I say that because I do my own evaluation of my home, consider the vulnerable spots, what areas may not need detection devices, etc. This allows me to make sure that I'm not going to be talked into devices that are not needed. It also means I may add additional sensors in an area. For example, I had a home with an exterior door that was mostly glass. If I only had a sensor on the door frame, the alarm would not be triggered if they kicked the glass in-- the door magnets would not break contact. So you need to decide if two sensors need to be added-- on the door frame and door as well as a glass break alarm. Or can a motion sensor somewhere in your home also provide coverage if an area is defeated?

Bottom line- You want to look at the layout of your home and think through it prior to a sales rep showing up.

Another option is to do it yourself with a system such as "SimpliSafe". I have heard good reviews on them but don't have my own experience with it.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by SUP1994

We've moved into a new house. For various reasons, I'm considering to have a home security system. Does anyone have experience with any of the monitoring companies? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.

Alarms can be a good tool but the best thing you can do is get to know your neighbors. People who know each other well tend to look out for each other better than those who remain strangers. Follow the simple rules also with things like: Keep the paper picked up everyday. Stop delivery when you go away. Leave lights on at night-Burglars hate lights. Trim all shrubs that are blocking windows. Leave a TV or radio on, loud, when not at home. Stop delivery of mail when not there. If you don't get an alarm go to Lowe's or Home Depot and get a fake alarm sign. Burglars will move to another home if they see one of these signs.

[Fundman]

I believe that 95 percent of the deterrent benefit of ADT is just the yard sign. If a burglar breaks into your home even after knowing you have an alarm system then they surely don't care about a siren going off. They are just going to grab what they can in a few minutes and then be long gone before the police arrive. All the alarm does is give you notice after the fact that a break-in has occurred. I have an alarm that is intended just to give me a warning if someone breaks in while I'm sleeping.

[vermonter16]

I have ADT and not had any issues.... I am going to have them monitor my new home in Vermont as well. The big thing for me isn't necessarly theft, it's fire. I want my pets to have the best possible chance of survival in the event I'm not home and a fire was to start. So, that's really why I have it more so than as a crime deterrent. You can go ahead and take everything I have....I just want my animals to be safe.