Home Security Systems

[nullbyte]

Anyone got any experience with home security systems? I'm looking into getting one installed but I have a nagging feeling that the monthly monitoring fees for the major companies like ADT are kind of a scam (or at least ridiculously overpriced at $30+/month). I've looked a little bit into do-it-yourself systems like X10's (http://www.x10.com/promotions/sc1200_149_mega_home_security_system.html?SI) and that seems like it might be a better alternative. Thanks in advance for any opinions!

[Nottso]

Get a dog. Even a tiny little yapper. Burglars all say that noise is their biggest concern and a barking dog, even a little yapper, will make them turn-tale (pun intended) and bail much faster than any alarm system will.

[pitchleague]

we've got one thru just a local company (not ADT or anything) and it works quite well. Only $25/month. Simple to use and gives some peace of mind when away. They'll even call you on your cell phone if they know in advance that you will be out of town.

 

Okay, so this wasn't much help. Just saying you might want to check out one of the more local businesses to save some money and get the same services.

[JimH5]

Kudos to Able Security in West Allis.

 

We bought a house 4 years ago that had a Honeywell security system already in it. It hadn't been used in several years, but they were able to bring it up to date, install a couple of extra sensors where we needed, and get us up and running.

 

The system has worked flawlessly, and I'm very happy.

[GoudaBrew]

You can buy "ADT (...etc.)" signs on the web. I have to think the sign in the yard alone will deter almost every criminal. Unless you're worried about someone you know who has been in your house will rob you (handyman or technician, angry neighbor, relative on a crime spree, etc.).

[AZBrewCrew]

Ive had an alarm system in my house for several years,it just wasnt monitored. Well, Christmas Eve/Christmas morning (I was on a 24 hour shift) my house was broken into and left unsecured for several hours. When Phoenix PD came out and did their report they said the alarm itself probably scared them off enough to just grab something quick and bolt (all they got was a busted Wii and some DVDs). That being said, I found a local company here to do the monitoring and they were able to use the existing system, I pay 100 bucks quarterly, but since Im gone 24 hours at a time its worth the extra piece of mind.