Home security systems...any recommendations?

[AKcharger]

I was thinking "hmmm, most people seem to get a security system AFTER they've been broken into...maybe I should get one before that happens"    There seems to be a ton of systems out there; cheap ones, ones with 24 hour monitoring service, ones with dogs that shoot bees out of their mouths ect. any suggestions?

Funny story; a relative was boasting about his new "impregnable"  security system. Well, after about 20 mins of him going on and on I said " hey, let me see your laptop" I  googled "how to defeat the Z-1000 security system" (I forget real name) and the 1st thing to pop up said:
To defeat the Z-1000 you'll need a pair of wire cutters and a hammer and 2 minutes :
1) With wire cutters cut the outside telephone line
2) Gain access to home through window (break if necessary)
3) Locate Z-1000 in a darkened home by looking for the flashing red light (from tripped motion sensors) Smash Z-1000 control unit with hammer
4) Rob house at leasure

[1970Moparmann]

I'm in the industry, and don't have one for the house.  IF, I get one, I'll program it to my cell phone and have my bat under the bed.   

I can give you horror stories about ADT, so I wouldn't go that route.  Was at the company for 7 years and have many stories......

[twodko]

Just my opinion but do all the basic common sense stuff ie:

Positive, tamper proof window locks. Dead bolts on all exterior doors...bolts INTO studs! You might even consider NY style door bars. These angle up from the floor to the door..... Makes the door a bitch to kick in. Use ONLY solid core steel clad exterior doors. Trim shrubs  so some someone can't hide behind them. Install motion sensor outdoor lighting on all sides of your home. Install a home security camera system with DVR record, multi camera monitor and camera sensor alert so you know when the area covered by the cam has been entered. These are not expensive systems either, shop around. If you have a long driveway, install a driveway sensor to alert you to traffic coming up that also cues the DVR to record.
Finally, have a security system installed. Do the research, find the best bang for your buck. Don't go with an unknown company UNLESS you have a hardcore security background and know what they offer etc.
Buy a shotgun.  

[twodko]

FYI......I recommend a shotgun with as short a barrel as you can legally buy AND semi-auto. A hand gun is simply not practical unless you have ongoing practiced skills. Have yourself a 9 mike if you feel better but a scatter gun provides a greater chance of hitting someone in the heat of the moment. Bad juju happens fast.

[AKcharger]

...I can give you horror stories about ADT, so I wouldn't go that route.  Was at the company for 7 years and have many stories......

Actually I'd be very interested. I've always thought the nationa monitored systems were the way to go?

Thx twodko, I'm well armed, problem is if you really think about it, most of the time guns are useless; 8-10 hours of the day at work, 8 hours sleeping so only 1/4 of the day you're alert and ready to respond to an intruder. 

[bull]

Get a pet tiger.

[2Gunz]

I dont think I would bother with a normal alarm.
If I where going to do it I would build myself a laser perimeter trip wire.

Then a bunch of motion lights. Lots of camera.

And lastly a bunch of signs.

I kinda think the alarm doesnt justify the cost.

If somebody is thinking about robbing the place, once they get to the point where the alarm would go off.... they are kinda committed to doing it.

I would rather them find an easier target BEFORE they decide they wanna break into my joint.

[jb666]

I dont think I would bother with a normal alarm.
If I where going to do it I would build myself a laser perimeter trip wire.

Then a bunch of motion lights. Lots of camera.

And lastly a bunch of signs.

I kinda think the alarm doesnt justify the cost.

If somebody is thinking about robbing the place, once they get to the point where the alarm would go off.... they are kinda committed to doing it.

I would rather them find an easier target BEFORE they decide they wanna break into my joint.

I'm with you.. I have 16 cameras, two separate alarm systems (One with a proximity sensor) and I'm heavily armed. Am I paranoid to an extreme? Sure.. But, good luck getting in (or out). One thing I hate more than people that talk to you like you're dirt under their shoes (seen any ghosts lately?) is a thief... You want something, EARN the $$ yourself and go BUY it.. You want to rip someone off, prepare to deal with the consequences.

[oldcarnut]

An older post but a couple recent break-ins nearby both around noontime prompted a revisit.  I reckon being heavily armed and lighted is great if your home but what about during the day when 63% occur and most are away?  The big lab I had has moved to my daughters house so I lost some barking and teeth.  For some DIY kits, has anyone ever used the X10 and Simplisafe units.  I'd like to install a wireless system without having to go under a contract and another monthly bill.  Any realistic recommendations or do not use thoughts?

[AKcharger]

Id agree with 2 gunz anything to DETER people from even attempting is best...signs, lights, dogs that shoot bees out of their mouths ect.

[mrsskip68]

  The big lab I had has moved to my daughters house so I lost some barking and teeth. 

Go to the shelter and get a new large breed dog! It helps you and you save a life! 

[Fred]

  The big lab I had has moved to my daughters house so I lost some barking and teeth. 

Go to the shelter and get a new large breed dog! It helps you and you save a life! 

Go to the shelter and get a new large breed dog! It helps you and you save a life!       

[JB400]

I personally disagree with lighting up the yard.  All you did was light things up so the thieves can see what you have make off with it easier.  I think it'd be easier to find someone walking around with a flashlight. 

I agree with going to the shelter.

[Tilar]

I'd say a couple rottweilers and a semi-auto scatter gun. If you go with lighting up the neighborhood, do them on motion sensors high enough so the dogs don't set them off. You could even tie them into one of those large outdoor buzzer or something inside the house to wake you up.

[1970Moparmann]

I've used DMP systems with one of my customers, and never had a problem with them.   With wireless, there are a lot of factors involved if it will work correctly though.  If there is a lot of metal in the building, good luck.  What I like about these panels is you can either use it as a wireless system or as a wired system for the contacts.  If you can't get a motion or door contact to work via wireless, run some wire and be done with it.   Cost should be around $200 - $300 for a set up.   As long as you have a phone line (pots), you can program it to call your mobile phone.   

You can also pick up an Axis M2013 camera, and set it up to send you a snap shot of what is happening when a panel alarms.  The camera utilizes an SD Card so you can record motion directly on the camera without needing a hard drive unit.   You access the camera via your network with a free product called Axis Camera Companion - cool stuff!

[AKcharger]

I've used DMP systems with one of my customers, and never had a problem with them...  As long as you have a phone line (pots), you can program it to call your mobile !

So does this mean it still needs that external phone line? I see that as the "achiellies heal" of theses systems (as described in my story above) but I do like the idea of being your own monitoring system 

[oldcarnut]

I've used DMP systems with one of my customers, and never had a problem with them.   With wireless, there are a lot of factors involved if it will work correctly though.  If there is a lot of metal in the building, good luck.  What I like about these panels is you can either use it as a wireless system or as a wired system for the contacts.  If you can't get a motion or door contact to work via wireless, run some wire and be done with it.   Cost should be around $200 - $300 for a set up.   As long as you have a phone line (pots), you can program it to call your mobile phone.  

You can also pick up an Axis M2013 camera, and set it up to send you a snap shot of what is happening when a panel alarms.  The camera utilizes an SD Card so you can record motion directly on the camera without needing a hard drive unit.   You access the camera via your network with a free product called Axis Camera Companion - cool stuff!

Thanks, I'll look into them  .
I've got guns but they're useless if I'm not there to use them and so are the dogs and other four legged or furry animals if they are in the backyard and not in the front yard or house. Throw'em some poisoned meat to eat and they won't work in the backyard either.  I guess I could put the trunk monkey inside the house while I'm gone but then the car is vulnerable 

[1970Moparmann]

I've used DMP systems with one of my customers, and never had a problem with them...  As long as you have a phone line (pots), you can program it to call your mobile !

So does this mean it still needs that external phone line? I see that as the "achiellies heal" of theses systems (as described in my story above) but I do like the idea of being your own monitoring system 

The $300 panel does have a cellular transmitter in it, so you don't need a pots line.  BUT, you have to add a sim card and therefore there is a monthly charge for the cell service.

[AKcharger]

The $300 panel does have a cellular transmitter in it, so you don't need a pots line.  BUT, you have to add a sim card and therefore there is a monthly charge for the cell service.

That's fair enough...I'm going to have to look into that system! thx!

[Mopar Nut]

Smith & Wesson! Don't worry about them getting in, take care of them before they get out.

[Rolling_Thunder]

Landmines, guard tower, moat w/ piranha, and a small arm of your choice. 

Just saying...    If I was a burglar I would NEVER F*** with a house that had a moat...   

[DixieRestoParts]

I have a system with a local EMC. They rate well when compared to the big guys and only charge $16.95/mo. with NO CONTRACT. Have set it off accidently twice and it took the cops about 5 mins to get here. So, the saying is true. When seconds count, the police are minutes away. No offense to the Police, their job is enforcement, not protection. That's my job.

For someone with kids, the systems (private or commerical) that allow you to monitor via a laptop, tablet, or smartphone are good. You can see what the kids are doing and what's happening at the house. My system goes through my cell phone and internet. You might cut the phone line or internet cable, but that cell's gonna get ya.

Here's a link to a consumer reporter and an article he did on systems:

http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/homes-real-estate/burglar-alarm-buying-tips/nFZn/

http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/uncategorized/how-to-shop-for-a-home-burglar-alarm-system/nFP6/

I think there's more info on his site if you search it.

Good luck !!