Author Topic: House Alarm?  (Read 4136 times)

zachd

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 102
House Alarm?
« on: February 21, 2014, 05:38:11 PM »
Just wondering what thoughts were on alarms.  Maybe an old thread, but I will say why we have one or keep one..

I guess we got it because we had some contractors break in to our house and steal some checks and a computer and it was a bad situation. But to some degree it was an 'inside job' and we haven't had a break-in in 10 years other than that. But our neighborhood groups reports them fairly often.. usually back door kicked in.

I really don't care about any 'stuff' we own, there isn't that much and we don't have a big t.v. or jewelry or cash laying around.

But I have a dog and 2 cats.  I'm most afraid if someone kicked our door in that our dog would get out and run away.  Hopefully he would bark loud enough that no one would want to break in but who knows.  Even if we did have an alarm, and it went off, our animals might still all take off (maybe to get away from the loud alarm, I have no idea).

Anyways, maybe you can see the dilemma.  It's kind of nice knowing at least if someone broke in I could be home in 15-20 mins to see they were here.
It costs us $40 a month.

I keep thinking about putting a note on our door that says we don't have any cash, no tv, nothing of much value.. but we do have a vicious dog (he's not really, but he barks loud).
Is that an outrageous thought?!

I think the fact our house and cars are pretty plain might help us avoid being a target.  Our neighbors two houses down have had 2 break ins in the last 4 years or so.


LDoon

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 70
  • Location: Austin
Re: House Alarm?
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2014, 05:56:25 PM »
I don't think a vicious dog note would do much.  Your old cars and plain house probably does more already.

If your concern is not immediately alerting the police, perhaps there is a cheaper alternative.  For one, think about increased door security:
http://www.defensedevices.com/door-jammer.html?utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&id=22209859648&utm_content=pla&gclid=CP65_8jB3rwCFctcMgodTE4ADQ

Two, how about a self-monitoring system (thus avoiding the monthly cost):
http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/reviews/pms-guide-to-the-best-in-home-surveillance-gear

Another Reader

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 5327
Re: House Alarm?
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2014, 07:11:58 PM »
Once your contract is up you should be able to shop monitoring companies.  Depending on how competitive your market is, you may be able to get monitoring for under $20 a month.

Eric

  • Magnum Stache
  • ******
  • Posts: 4057
  • Location: On my bike
Re: House Alarm?
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2014, 07:32:26 PM »
You're already paying for the dog.  THAT'S your alarm system!  Put a deadbolt on your back door if you really think it's a problem.  Microchip your dog if you're worried about him running away.  Buy a $3 Beware of Dog sign for the window.  $40/mo invested over 10 years is ~$7000!!

Cromacster

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1695
  • Location: Minnesnowta
Re: House Alarm?
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2014, 07:44:23 PM »
It sounds like you have the right start.

I always tell people the same thing when this topic comes up.  Don't leave valuables in plain sight, keep windows covered, dogs are good.  Other quick fixes are anti door kick devices if you're worried about your door being kicked in. 

www.doordevil.com is the one I would recommend.

Regarding the pets, that is probably the one thing I do worry about.  Not so much that he will run away if the door is left open.  I'd be more afraid of him being dognapped.  Sadly, besides the cars and appliances, hes probably the most valuable thing in my house.  With some training a GSD can be taught how to deter such events from happening.

zachd

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 102
Re: House Alarm?
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2014, 09:14:50 PM »

Thanks, some of these things are things I know I need to do, maybe I need someone to tell me to do it.  $40 is def too much to be paying.  It used to be $60 but when you get broken in to that is when they get you and you'll pay whatever.

I don't know that we have a contract even. 

We have a deadbolt but it could be kicked in.  Need to get one of those anti-kick plates I'd like to think about the person hurting their leg and limping off after trying to kick one of those in.


soccerluvof4

  • Walrus Stache
  • *******
  • Posts: 7161
  • Location: Artic Midwest
  • Retired at 50
    • My Journal
Re: House Alarm?
« Reply #6 on: February 23, 2014, 06:43:32 AM »
100% agree with Eric on this one. Deadbolts and Dogs! thats a good combo

Fishingmn

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 337
  • Location: Twin Cities
  • You never have to recover from a good start
Re: House Alarm?
« Reply #7 on: February 23, 2014, 06:58:01 AM »
My solution is to go on eBay and buy a Brinks or ADT sign & window decals to give the appearance of a security system without really paying for one.