Fcuk

[Broken Wind]

Over the past few years, I've considered buying a home security system.

Wish I had done more than just considered it.

I know, it's just stuff.

Fcuk.

[VITE1]

That sucks. :sadangel:

[Admiral Blue]

Sorry to hear. It probably could not have hurt, but who knows if it made a difference.

****At least you and your family are okay.****

[Broken Wind]

It could have been much, much worse. We were out of town when it happened.

[Ol Timer]

If it makes you feel any better, most of us didn't install a system until after the first event. Glad you OK. :seasix:

[RonC5]

If you install a system now, do not let them know that you have just had a break in. Several alarm companies I had quote after our break in really seemed high. I declined to sign up then. I found that they would keep calling back with a "better" deal as time went on. After around 3 months, 2 were at 50% of the initial quote. I ended up going with a different company than I talked to after the break in.

Be prepared to have patience with your insurance company, they sure didn't pay out as quickly as they expect payment. It was 2 months before I saw a check, and I had to make threats for legal action as well as going to the insurance commission.

[Mike Mercury]

on the other hand, I've always had a security system, but never had an incident. As silly as this sounds... you can start to wonder if one has wasted-money all these years having it.

I can tell you that security systems don't necessarily keep a break-in from happening; though it can reduce the time the perps are rummaging through house.

If installed after the fact, it can provide piece-of-mind.

[xXBUDXx]

If it happened while you were out of town. look closely at those who knew you were gone.

[99 pewtercoupe]

on the other hand, I've always had a security system, but never had an incident. As silly as this sounds... you can start to wonder if one has wasted-money all these years having it.

I can tell you that security systems don't necessarily keep a break-in from happening; though it can reduce the time the perps are rummaging through house.

If installed after the fact, it can provide piece-of-mind.

I think that most perps follow the path of least resistance. If they know a house has a security system they will often pass to hit one without unless there is a specific reason they want to get into your place

[Kerrmudgeon]

What did they get? :mad:

[Broken Wind]

What did they get? :mad:


Stuff that can be replaced immediately if we choose to, and peace of mind that will take a little longer.

[Wathen1955]

That sucks big time. Maybe this will help next time:

http://www.cruising-intl.com/pics/LPS550.jpg

[Chuck A]

i hate burglars
very sad, indeed

[lspencer534]

See if the alarm company can rig up a recording of dogs barking if the alarm is tripped. Burglars do not like to mess with dogs?

Here are some considerations when installating an alarm system:

1. Make sure you don't need a landline telephone for it to work. Newer systems don't require a landline, but many do. Even without a landline, make sure the alarm company can notify the authorities when needed.

2. Check with your local Government to make sure that the police department responds to residental alarms. Lots of Cities don't; they respond only to business alarms.

3. Insist upon a panic button.

4. If you have pets in your home, make sure the motion detectors are aimed high enough off the ground to prevent tripping the alarm.

5. In addition to motion detectors, you may need glass breakage monitors and/or sound monitors.

6. Don't overpay. A good monitored alarm system can cost as little as $25/month.

7. I'm not in favor of wireless systems because of battery life and battery costs. You'l still have a back-up battery for wired systems, but that battery is long-life.

8. More extensive systems also offer protection against hazards like carbon monoxide, temperature change, and rising water. Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, an alarm that detects the gas is essential. A temperature sensor operates differently than a heat sensor because you can set a target range for your temperature. Whereas a heat senor only detects a rapid change in temperature characteristic of a spreading fire, a temperature sensor can prevent food or supplies from spoiling.

9. Some Governments will fine you for false alarms. Check on this.

10. And don't worry about criminals reading your garage door opener's signals. This is an urban myth.

[Broken Wind]

See if the alarm company can rig up a recording of dogs barking if the alarm is tripped. Burglars do not like to mess with dogs?



Here are some considerations when installating an alarm system:



1. Make sure you don't need a landline telephone for it to work. Newer systems don't require a landline, but many do. Even without a landline, make sure the alarm company can notify the authorities when needed.



2. Check with your local Government to make sure that the police department responds to residental alarms. Lots of Cities don't; they respond only to business alarms.



3. Insist upon a panic button.



4. If you have pets in your home, make sure the motion detectors are aimed high enough off the ground to prevent tripping the alarm.



5. In addition to motion detectors, you may need glass breakage monitors and/or sound monitors.



6. Don't overpay. A good monitored alarm system can cost as little as $25/month.



7. I'm not in favor of wireless systems because of battery life and battery costs. You'l still have a back-up battery for wired systems, but that battery is long-life.



8. More extensive systems also offer protection against hazards like carbon monoxide, temperature change, and rising water. Because carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, an alarm that detects the gas is essential. A temperature sensor operates differently than a heat sensor because you can set a target range for your temperature. Whereas a heat senor only detects a rapid change in temperature characteristic of a spreading fire, a temperature sensor can prevent food or supplies from spoiling.



9. Some Governments will fine you for false alarms. Check on this.



10. And don't worry about criminals reading your garage door opener's signals. This is an urban myth.


Check, check, and check. Good summary.

[MrPeabody]

When I was a kid our house was broken into three times. Once while we slept. (none of us woke up)

The only things taken were cash, jewelry and the 8-Track tape deck I used to bring inside so no one would steal it out of my car.:leaving:

We finally got an audible alarm system. This was in the 60s, so pretty low tech stuff. Just a big bell alarm mounted on the front of the garage. After that, no more problems. It occurred to me that just mounting an empty box with an alarm company's name on it in a visible place would have produced the same results. Today's version of this, I suppose, would be dummy cameras.

[Kerrmudgeon]

Remote cameras......direct to your phone. You call the cops from where you are. :thumbs: