simple alarm for detached garage

[jonese]

As I accumulate more stuff in my newly finished detached garage I get more paranoid about it sitting out there relatively unprotected. It's a pole barn so it's a little bit harder to break into than a teepee. It's located about 100 feet from the house. I keep noticing random vehicles slowing way down to drive by my house since the garage was finished, some of them actually stop. Makes me uneasy, just today a white F250 pulled to a stop for about 10 seconds then kept going(yeah I saw you). I was looking for recommendations of some simple alarms hooked to motion detectors so that I could pretty much hang the sensor somewhere in the garage and be done with it. I see some really cheap ones on amazon but don't want something that goes off constantly or doesn't go off when it's supposed to. I saw some you can program your phone number into so you'd get a call if it went off but I don't have a phone line run out there. Oh and I've got several big scary dogs but they're in the house at night.

Also, what would you guys think would be the better way to have the alarm set? I live out in the country, neighbors are probably 1/4 mile away.

1) If the alarm is triggered it sets off a very loud siren that is designed to alert anyone within earshot and scare off the intruders.
*Problem I see is if I'm just hanging a $30 battery powered alarm on the wall it could easily be smashed to turn it off and if nobody is home the neighbors wouldn't pay any attention to it even if they did hear it.

2) If the alarm is triggered no siren goes off and instead I am alerted and I can choose to investigate or call the cops or whatever, basically attempt to catch the intruders in the act.
*But, if it's just hooked up to a chime or something in the house and nobody's home then again it doesn't do any good. Unless it sends a signal to my phone but then I'm back to the problem of the no phone line dilemma.

 

[Highbeam]

I have similar concerns.

First, a driveway monitor that will set off a chime inside your home if the beam is broken. Place this at your driveway entrance or near the pole barn. Cheap and useful at night. Battery powered and wireless. Let the dogs out.

Then a motion detector triggered siren that blazes a loud loud loud siren inside the barn and possibly a light strobe outside. You can't stop a thief, at least make it uncomfortable. Mount this high and out of reach. Mount two sirens, one at ear level and one way up high so he can't hit it.

I'm not a fan of silent alarms. Cops don't care and I don't really want to have to confront the crook. If you want to go farther then I suggest good cameras to catch license plate numbers.

 

[regguy1]

I have a commercial building, installed a system 18 years ago and no trouble since. I found a system that prevents a break in.

Details: The system has a voice module that allows you to record a message, the message plays over a speaker placed outside the building. It is activtated by motion sensors outside, this is preferable because it scares them off before they can break into the building. Also lights go on at the same time.

When someone comes near the building they hear this message in my loud "command voice" (you can record your own message):

"Attention, you have entered a secured area, video cameras are recording your activity, this system is monitored and police are being alerted, you must leave immediately"

I also have a couple of phony cameras mounted outside. When they hear that messsage blasted at them it surprises / scares them and they leave quickly.

Voice module is similar to what's in a phone answering system, they're probably not expensive.

 

[Teken]

As I accumulate more stuff in my newly finished detached garage I get more paranoid about it sitting out there relatively unprotected. It's a pole barn so it's a little bit harder to break into than a teepee. It's located about 100 feet from the house. I keep noticing random vehicles slowing way down to drive by my house since the garage was finished, some of them actually stop. Makes me uneasy, just today a white F250 pulled to a stop for about 10 seconds then kept going(yeah I saw you). I was looking for recommendations of some simple alarms hooked to motion detectors so that I could pretty much hang the sensor somewhere in the garage and be done with it. I see some really cheap ones on amazon but don't want something that goes off constantly or doesn't go off when it's supposed to. I saw some you can program your phone number into so you'd get a call if it went off but I don't have a phone line run out there. Oh and I've got several big scary dogs but they're in the house at night.

Also, what would you guys think would be the better way to have the alarm set? I live out in the country, neighbors are probably 1/4 mile away.

1) If the alarm is triggered it sets off a very loud siren that is designed to alert anyone within earshot and scare off the intruders.
*Problem I see is if I'm just hanging a $30 battery powered alarm on the wall it could easily be smashed to turn it off and if nobody is home the neighbors wouldn't pay any attention to it even if they did hear it.

2) If the alarm is triggered no siren goes off and instead I am alerted and I can choose to investigate or call the cops or whatever, basically attempt to catch the intruders in the act.
*But, if it's just hooked up to a chime or something in the house and nobody's home then again it doesn't do any good. Unless it sends a signal to my phone but then I'm back to the problem of the no phone line dilemma.

Can you provide a few photo's of the property along with different views from the vantage point of the house, looking out from the pole barn, and at night?

Also, please describe your actual intent and what type of response you truly expect??

Teken . . .

 

[Steevo]

Can you provide a few photo's of the property along with different views from the vantage point of the house, looking out from the pole barn, and at night?

Also, please describe your actual intent and what type of response you truly expect??

Teken . . .

Oh, and a list of the dates you will be out of town, too . . .

 

[Teken]

Oh, and a list of the dates you will be out of town, too . . .

And, please don't forget to take those dogs too! Seriously though, a security audit needs to be taken. Only then can someone provide you with real world details and feed back.

Teken . . .

 

[Tech Guy]

I agree with Teken. Need more info to help you with an audit

 

[jonese]

Can you provide a few photo's of the property along with different views from the vantage point of the house, looking out from the pole barn, and at night?

Also, please describe your actual intent and what type of response you truly expect??

Teken . . .

Now I'm getting that paranoid feeling again...

I'm not looking to turn the place into fort knox here. I've got a pole barn behind the house, about 100feet. I want to make sure that if someone breaks in I know about it as soon as possible rather than allowing them to take their time to take the most stuff and the most valuable stuff. The type of response I was hoping for was along the lines of:

"I've used xyz product to make my detached garage more secure and it has been reliable, easy to use and install and didn't cost a fortune and it makes me feel more secure."

I figured at the very least some kind of alarm hooked up to a motion detector inside the garage would scare someone away if they were to get in. I like the idea of the talking alarm on the outside of the garage but there are a lot of deer out here and I routinely see tracks all around the garage. I would prefer to prevent them from even trying to get in as to prevent damage to the building so I'll be installing motion activated lights soon in the hopes that'll inspire someone to keep on moving.

 

[richtersrodz]

We are building a new place out on acreage. My builder has put up signs, and two video cameras right at the gate to the property, that says it is being monitored. You can't miss the signs, or the cameras. (cameras are mounted way up high on a pole) They are kind of "right in your face", and pointed right at you, when you pull up to the gate. Maybe something like that will work for you. They could be working or fake ones, but only you will know..

 

[Teken]

Well the first thing is physical security no matter what others may suggest otherwise. If the doors, and door frames are not fortified.

You're simply wasting time and money. Good locks, along with a high quality dead bolt. Using more than one at the top and bottom will ensure even load and breach strength.

This product will strengthen and fortify the door hinges and door jambs. http://www.doorsecuritypro.com/index.html

Using 3" long screws on all hinges and lock retainers will ensure depth and bite into the structure. It goes with out saying a good solid steel door is required. Installing a out swinging security storm door will provide you with 300-500% more breach capability.

It has been proven that the amount of force to pull open a door is 300-500% more effort is required to open.

Install one . .

I only use the highest locks sets available from Abloy / Medeco all grade 1 strength. Time and proven in all industries etc to secure a door.

Motion lights are your friend: Installing perimeter lighting will enhance safety and security and alert you and the potential thief their presence is known.

Your budget will dictate what it is you can accomplish. Shopping on line will help alot in terms of pricing etc.

But at the end of the day it is situational awareness. Identify the weak points in the structure, know where the choke points are to funnel and capture movement via CCTV, Sensors etc.

With out identifying the weak points whether it be landscaping, structure, distance, viewable area its a losing battle.

If those dogs are as big and mean (territorial) then let them be stationed at or around the structure. Whether it be inside or out a good dog will trump most security systems.

They are reactive in nature and do not lend to true security. It is simply a method to communicate an action that has come and gone. Proactive security is any and all physical barriers and those which impede the flow of others to enter, bypass, or other wise circumvent a system(s).

Teken . . .

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have a commercial building, installed a system 18 years ago and no trouble since. I found a system that prevents a break in.

Details: The system has a voice module that allows you to record a message, the message plays over a speaker placed outside the building. It is activtated by motion sensors outside, this is preferable because it scares them off before they can break into the building. Also lights go on at the same time.

I like it !

What brand and model.

 

[theoldwizard1]

1) If the alarm is triggered it sets off a very loud siren that is designed to alert anyone within earshot and scare off the intruders.
*Problem I see is if I'm just hanging a $30 battery powered alarm on the wall it could easily be smashed to turn it off and if nobody is home the neighbors wouldn't pay any attention to it even if they did hear it.

2) If the alarm is triggered no siren goes off and instead I am alerted and I can choose to investigate or call the cops or whatever, basically attempt to catch the intruders in the act.
*But, if it's just hooked up to a chime or something in the house and nobody's home then again it doesn't do any good. Unless it sends a signal to my phone but then I'm back to the problem of the no phone line dilemma.

You really need both, plus the "proactive" system the ragguy mentioned !

For #1 the controller needs to be hidden inside. The siren and lights need to mounted high and powered off of a deep cycle 12V battery.

For #2. there are security systems that have dialers built in. Most say they won't work with cell phones because monitoring services wants a "digital message" to talk to their computer. Most of these systems can be programmed to call a number and deliver a voice message.

You can also buy a cell phone "base stations". Disconnect the 2 wires coming in from the phone company and connect them to the base station. Now any hand set can make calls. Not cheap to purchase, but you can put them on your cell phone family plan for $10/month

 

[Falcon67]

There are some portable motion alarms that really put out the decibels. I had one and it worked surprisingly well. I never had a break in, but if you went in the shop and forgot to make a beeline to the thing, you'd need hearing protectors to get within 10' of it. It was very small - maybe 3"x5" so it'd be hard to spot. And it was loud enough that you could not tell where the H it was coming from. All you wanted to do was get out. It was about 2X a smoke detector level sound IMHO. Maybe 3X.

Add motion lights around the perimeter. Floods, way up. Even a low chain link fence around the area - anything that makes you a lesser appealing target. It's sad, but home security is pretty much like the bear chase - all you gotta do is run a little faster than the other guy.

Cameras too - either a cheap DVR setup or wireless. they may not even need to actually do anything as long as they have a nice bright red LED on the nose. In fact, you can do both - real cameras hidden inside and one hidden on the approach with a couple of fakes visible. Let them "disable" the ones they find, and they'll miss the others.

 

[TommyD]

I have Beware of Dog and No Trespassing signs near my gay-raj, we have dogs that don't like strangers. I also have a motion controlled light inside the gay-raj so wind and deer can't/don't set it off, I had the same issues with the outside mounted ones. I think maybe I'll hook up a verbal warning to it with the recorded message like mentioned above. I do need to put some type of bars on the inside of windows that face away from the house. One of my friends has a video monitors directed at his house from various locations, he can log in anytime he wants to see what's going on or record while he's away. It won't stop a break in but he KNOWs one way or another a face or plate will be recorded.

 

[regguy1]

I like it !

What brand and model.

I can't remember, I had a company install it. I think the voice alarm was seperate board, it just gets activated when the motion sensor triggers it, the alarm can trigger siren or lights. I my case it does the voice module and lights.

Here's one, you can attatch it to your system, just need speaker and motion detectors outside.
http://www.homesecuritystore.com/p-1648-sp-3-visonic-sp-3-speech-processor-module.aspx

Here's a PDF instruction for a different model: (gives a good overview of how this works)

http://www.alarmsystemsdist.com/mc_files/3/ACF24AA.pdf

 

[gatchel]

Here is an Optex VX-402REC.

http://www.optexamerica.com/productpage.aspx?l1=2&l2=9&id=22

It has the speaker built in.

 

[6768rogues]

Oh, and a list of the dates you will be out of town, too . . .

Yea, let us know when you will be away and we will watch your stuff!

 

[PatJ800]

I personally am a big fan of exterior lighting. About 6 months ago we were the only house in the rural area we live that did not have cars broken in to in the driveway. Granted - we are in the minority due to the fact we lock our cars every night. (Actually most of our neighbors don't even lock their houses.) But our car alarms will go off if you even try the doors, so obviously they weren't even tried. Every single home for a mile around had cars broken in to that night. The only difference is that we have a significant amount of exterior lighting.

Exterior lighting is an investment both in quality lighting/installation and the continued monthly expense of electricity to operate it. We have dogs, a (cheapo) alarm on our detached garage and shop and barn, alert neighbors, etc. But I have a lot of faith in exterior lighting and I think that is a very wise investment.

Next best would to take an old car hood, prop it against something near the road outside your house, and spraypaint something like "If you can read this - you are in range."

Exterior lighting.

 

[dave67fd]

The best way to set up an alarm system is to design in "layers" if possible. It need not be expensive but your goal is to be fool proof. "Several", or more than one inexpensive methods as previously mentioned by others is the key. If one happens to become inaffective, disabled etc..the next one will hopefully do the trick.

I have the Visonic wireless system from the Security Store. It can call up to 6 different phone #'s including cell and will describe the fault whether it be break-in, fire etc.. but does require a phone line. It has audible and can be armed, disarmed and panic with a keychain remote or by remote phone command. Just some of the 100's of options it has. I purchased this shortly after my Alfa female German shepard passed. The best security system money can buy.

I also have ADP security signs posted on the property and buildings as well as reverse lock deadbolts. If they get past everything else their subjected to meeting the Rugers.

 

[bmwjerry]

Re: simple alarm for detached garage-Cops 1- Badguys 0

Cops: Officer fatally shoots man who hit him after ramming garage door with van (link at bottom of this post)

I have heard this technique has become popular among baddies. We, like many/most in the Chicago & burbs have alleys and detached garages, so alley surveillance is an issue, generally cannot see unless you have cameras mounted and constant monitoring. So good security should address this threat. I'm watching this thread with interest as I complete my new garage.
I have taken a different tack than most on the yard side, I have out-open double patio doors with full windows. I was able to build 1' from property line on two sides, and the alley traffic has no way of seeing this (we wanted our view to reflect more of a "cottage" look than a typical garage, plus wanted lots of light). Yes the windows can be easily broken but that's a technique the bad guys don't like to use, it creates noise and all my neighbors homes have a clear view of this side.
My area has regular reports of garage thefts, in fact it's fertile territory because it's generally very low crime area. So typically the footnote is that the thief gained entry from an unlocked side door or window, people are so complacent around here.
Nonetheless I do plan some type of passive/active system.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/...open-garage-with-van-20120211,0,2546341.story

 

[jonese]

Thank you very much for your input Pat, Dave and Jerry. That article you posted Jerry is something I worry about. In my opinion the driver of that van must have been under the influence of something(drugs, alcohol, whatever). Who in their right mind uses a vehicle to repeatedly ram a building in a neighborhood and doesn't stop even though their are alarms going off? I feel like lights and alarms and even scary dogs are only deterrents for people that are thinking logically. Get them hopped up on meth and they will do completely ridiculous things and take risks they normally wouldn't. Unfortunately where I live I don't have a lot of confidence the police would show up within 15 minutes of me calling them. If I did notice someone breaking into my garage I'd more than likely call the cops and just observe from the house while taking pictures of the intruders. I don't like to advertise what I've got all over the internet but if someone tries to get in the house I don't plan to be as nice as I do have guns within reach of where I sleep and I wouldn't hesitate to use them.

I will be putting up motion lights on the exterior of the shop soon. Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up multiple lights to the same motion detector? I would like to have all the exterior lights on the garage turn on even if the motion detector in the back of the garage is tripped. So I would need lights and motion detectors on each side of the building. Does that make sense? I also want to have some sort of alarm on the inside of the garage hooked up to a motion detector in case they make it inside. My other goal is to put up some blinds or curtains on the two windows.

I know putting down a pipe or board to prevent a sliding door from opening is a popular practice. Has anyone put something similar on top of a window to prevent it from being opened? I'm thinking if a person breaks the window and reaches in and unlocks it they still wouldn't be able to slide it up. This would force them to have to break out the window completely and then attempt to climb through it which would probably result in multiple cuts and a very frustrated intruder.

 

[-dirt-]

Yes, you can use the red wire from the motion detector sensor to daisy chain other lights.