Security systems

[ajchien]

Well, I guess it's about time.

After my burglary incident,

(http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122511)

it's time to start thinking about a security system. Does anyone have preferences? ADT? Brinks? What should I ask these folks about the sercives they provide?

 

[mikec35]

I bought one off of ebay, it has wireless contacts. Installed it myself and it dials me if there is a breakin. It will dial multiple phone #'s until someone picks up. It was about $400 for the complete system to do my house and my detached garage. Works great. Saves me from having to pay a monthly service fee. If I were to get an alarm phone call while out of town in the middle of the night I would hang up with the alarm and call the cops and have them check it out. It was called "Einstein", has worked great for a year now.

 

[KyleQ]

My folks got a nice system installed by a local security company. Contacts on all the doors, motion sensors around the house and it's got cellular backup in case the phone line is cut. It will call for fire alarms too - ~$30 a month and it came with wireless key fobs to unlock, lock and set to sleep modes.

I've NEVER EVER slept better then after the alarm was installed...

 

[Iroc-Z]

That ***** man. Fortunately for me I live in an area where most people have this for a security system. Not to many want to mess with that.

 

[KyleQ]

That ***** man. Fortunately for me I live in an area where most people have this for a security system. Not to many want to mess with that.

Works great when nobody is around eh?

 

[Iroc-Z]

Works great when nobody is around eh?

Actually it does. Because I live in a town where when I am not around the neighbors are and everyone watches out for trouble.

 

[digdug18]

I'd go with a camera system in addition to your security system

 

[cowboyjosh]

Actually it does. Because I live in a town where when I am not around the neighbors are and everyone watches out for trouble.

I like towns like yours.

For security systems find a local installer that installs either DMP or Honeywell, both companies make bulletproof equipment. DMP products are engineered and manufacturered in Springfield, Mo.

 

[Rudyjr]

Steer clear of ADT. It took me months and a letter to their board of directors to make them quit billing me for a system I owned outright and that they no longer monitored. They also threatened to take me to court and send my account to collections. The chairman of the board of Tyco had to intervene on my behalf to straighten it out.

 

[Stuart in MN]

That ***** man. Fortunately for me I live in an area where most people have this for a security system. Not to many want to mess with that.

You should check the Carver County crime statistics map, you may be surprised. http://www.co.carver.mn.us/county_government/statistics.asp Crime happens everywhere.

To the original poster - I can't say what's available in your area but I like the idea of a local security company, my system was installed and is monitored by a company who's office is about five blocks from my house. If there is an alarm, the phone is answered by someone who knows the neighborhood instead of a person in a call center on the other side of the country.

I would recommend a combination of things - door switches, possibly window switches or glass breakage sensors depending on the house layout, motion detectors inside at strategic locations, and connect it to your smoke alarms as well.

I think board member Teken is a security system expert, you could send him a PM.

 

[holland_patrick]

Frontpoint.com

I have them and they are great easy to set up and very good with getting new tech in to the system

 

[Weedwaka]

We installed ( DIY ) A DSC Alexor wireless system in our garage. Garage door sensors, motion sensor, door triggers etc. Love it.

Best part is its remote keyless entry setup with visual feedback. You can drive right up, hit your disarm button and get confirmation from the mobile keypad, then hit your garage door button and drive right in. Same when you are leaving. It lets you know you are armed right from the key fob.

 

[Iroc-Z]

You should check the Carver County crime statistics map, you may be surprised. http://www.co.carver.mn.us/county_government/statistics.asp Crime happens everywhere.

I agree with your comment. Crime does happen everywhere.

 

[hwinch5]

How about the (2) German Shepherds waiting for un-invited guests.... There are a few of other hand operated security systems that always work as my back-up!!

 

[chief ben]

we live in a good part of the county, and have very few problems, and we have five foot fence in the front and six foot fence in the back, and a Big Dog
to watch the out side and a small Dog for the in side,

 

[jhelrey]

My $.02... They are worthless. (Ex PO) Yes, they let you know if something is going on if you are home and a door is opened. But, if you are out of town, worthless. By the time it trips, security company calls everyone on your lists, security company calls dispatch. Dispatch calls police, police gets call, police finish up what they are doing or start rolling code, and police finally show up. It can easily be 15-20 mins.

 

[Stuart in MN]

My $.02... They are worthless. (Ex PO) Yes, they let you know if something is going on if you are home and a door is opened. But, if you are out of town, worthless. By the time it trips, security company calls everyone on your lists, security company calls dispatch. Dispatch calls police, police gets call, police finish up what they are doing or start rolling code, and police finally show up. It can easily be 15-20 mins.

It won't always happen this fast, but the last time I had a breakin (I wasn't home at the time) my neighbor told me that the police arrived within three minutes after the alarm went off - a K9 unit was there first, and they sent their dog in through the broken window to search the house. The burglar was gone by then; I assume they were scared off by the siren and as a result they only had time to grab a few small items, but for me that one instance made it worthwhile.

Also, don't forget that a security system should be connected to the smoke alarms so it can call out in the event of a fire, that in itself is worth the cost. In cold weather areas it's also worth having a low temperature sensor in case the furnace goes out.

 

[BTC]

Does ADT provide competent service?

 

[cowboyjosh]

Does ADT provide competent service?

NO.

Th only folks who use ADT are the homeowners who have been burglarized and are scared, or the stupid homeowners who call ADT out of brand recognition or because they dont know who else to call.