Suggest a home security system company - ADT?

[SMOGZINN]

Yeah something that uses cellular is better, no wires to cut, though cell can also be jammed. so one that uses both is best. Unfortunately it was not an option when I got my system, it was one or the other. I think it does report an error if it loses communication though, so I'd get a call, and go check it out.

See, this is where they get you. This is just stupid. Do you happen to have a Picasso in your house? No? Then you are not going to be targeted by a pro crew. All any burglar is going to do is break a window and grab what they can find. If you are really going to be the target of a professional they are going to know the override codes and you are screwed anyway.

The real problems Alarm companies have is not criminals getting around their alarm systems it is stupid people setting them off ever morning and every evening because they can't figure out how to operate their system.

 

[John Connor]

a professional they are going to know the override codes and you are screwed anyway.

They won't know your code, yo.

 

[Stg-Flame]

Most home invasions are smash-n-grab jobs. If you want a deterrent while you're away from home, just obtain an ADT or similar security system sticker (or two) and place them on a few windows. If you want a deterrent while you're home, either invest in a dog or a pump-action shotgun. It doesn't matter what the burglar is high on, everyone knows the sound of a large dog as well as a pump-action shotgun being chambered. If you go for the large dog option, your monthly bill to sustain that security system is far cheaper than ADT or other name-brand security system (unless you plan on feeding your dog those ridiculous $50 bags of organic food).

 

[rh71]

Surprised no one has mentioned Alarm Relay for cheap central station monitoring. The hardware was previously installed so if that's you, check them out for cheap monitoring $11/mo.

I switched over after having a local installer do me for $200 installed and $15/Mo. central monitoring for a few years.

We also use ADT signs.

Op- call around locally to avoid high costs and contract terms. These systems can also do silent alarm or distress alarm (panic code triggers silent alarm) so it's good to have something. Central station is all the same if you ask me.

 

[SMOGZINN]

They won't know your code, yo.

They will know the manufacturers override codes which are in most cases hard coded into the system. The number one problem that alarm companies have is people forgetting they code, or being too dumb to operate their system and needing them turned off. The alarm companies also need a way to turn off a system when requested to do so by emergency personnel. Despite what their commercials would have you believe home alarms are really not all that secure.

 

[Homerboy]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...A0.H0.XADT+signs.TRS0&_nkw=ADT+signs&_sacat=0

 

[Red Squirrel]

They will know the manufacturers override codes which are in most cases hard coded into the system. The number one problem that alarm companies have is people forgetting they code, or being too dumb to operate their system and needing them turned off. The alarm companies also need a way to turn off a system when requested to do so by emergency personnel. Despite what their commercials would have you believe home alarms are really not all that secure.

Wow had no idea there was such override code, going to find out what it is for my system and find a way to disable it. If I was to do it over again I probably would have went the DIY route with raspberry PI / Arduino.

 

[dabuddha]

Simplisafe

 

[spacejamz]

Shot gun?

hilarious that people always post shot gun or rifle when talking about security...

are you going to stay home 24/7 to protect your home? fire arm only works when you are there....

 

[Carson Dyle]

hilarious that people always post shot gun or rifle when talking about security...

are you going to stay home 24/7 to protect your home? fire arm only works when you are there....

A close second is a system that calls you, then you call the police.

 

[TwiceOver]

For the little "home security" we need around here, I just have a bunch of zwave sensors and a samsung hub. the app alerts me when a sensor is breached (or fire, or water). That's all we really need. Yeh, if the cable line is cut I wouldn't get that notification. We mostly just use it when we go out of town.

 

[OutHouse]

simplisafe.

 

[Stg-Flame]

hilarious that people always post shot gun or rifle when talking about security...

are you going to stay home 24/7 to protect your home? fire arm only works when you are there....

It's safe to assume that most people are home more often than not (even if some of that time is spent sleeping), so it's a great idea to have a firearm in your home for security/defense. I can guarantee you if someone tries to break into a home at night when everyone is sleeping and they hear a shotgun chamber a round, they aren't going to stick around to find out if the person holding the gun is going to use it. They are going to run faster than if you just opened the door to your velociraptor pen.

Also, I know a lot of people don't agree with using firearms, but you don't have to shoot it if you don't want to. There are countless stories of people who held a burglar at gunpoint until the cops showed up and never fired a single round. There was even a story recently of an older man who held two kids at gunpoint and made them call the cops on their phone after they broke into his home at night. He didn't shoot anyone and just the sight of a homeowner pointing a gun in their face was enough to make them rethink their choices. On the other hand, if someone invades your home with the intent to steal whatever and murder anyone who gets in their way, you have a level playing field if they start shooting first or rush you with a knife.

 

[pcgeek11]

hilarious that people always post shot gun or rifle when talking about security...

are you going to stay home 24/7 to protect your home? fire arm only works when you are there....

I don't need security when I am not home. I have insurance to replace my property.

A security system IMO is a waste of money and gives you a false sense of security. If they want your shit they will get it.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I don't need security when I am not home. I have insurance to replace my property.

A security system IMO is a waste of money and gives you a false sense of security. If they want your shit they will get it.

You never dealt with insurance. It's one of those things that yeah, it's nice to have (and should have), but you really don't want to actually have to use it. You normally have to fight and try to squeeze every penny out of them. At the end it will still cost you lot of time and grief and probably money too, to replace everything. Typically they will replace stuff at a base value for that type of item. If you have a $300 trash can and it gets stolen, they will type "trash can" at walmart.com, see one for $12, and give you $12. Though if you keep serial/model # of everything then you have a better chance of getting more money back. (this is something I keep wanting to do actually)

To me a security system is a very good piece of mind that nobody is going to get away with breaking into my house when I'm gone. Especially since I tend to work 12h shifts. Though I'd like to eventually go a step further and put cameras around too. Though crime rate is not that high here don't really want to spend money on. Crime has been getting worse though, hear of break ins fairly regularly, at least a couple per year. Typically it's strings of break ins, so like 10 houses at once.

 

[pcgeek11]

Do what ever makes you feel better. That is what I do.