Home Security systems

[EXWRX]

Being that I was burglarised for the second time in as many months, I am looking into an alarm system for the house. I don't currently have internet or phone service, (just a cell) but am thinking about it if needed for an autodialer, or even a monitoring service. I just can't deal with the feeling that I can't get anything nice, because it will shortly become somebody else's. I had a new TV that was almost 3 weeks old when stolen. They haven't taken enough stuff either time to get over my deductible. . . Police have taken prints, but it seems likely that they are kids and haven't yet been printed. . . :mad:

[manxman]

Being that I was burglarised for the second time in as many months, I am looking into an alarm system for the house. I don't currently have internet or phone service, (just a cell) but am thinking about it if needed for an autodialer, or even a monitoring service. I just can't deal with the feeling that I can't get anything nice, because it will shortly become somebody else's. I had a new TV that was almost 3 weeks old when stolen. They haven't taken enough stuff either time to get over my deductible. . . Police have taken prints, but it seems likely that they are kids and haven't yet been printed. . . :mad:
Well CRAP Jeff!!

I'm VERY sorry to hear that. In your place I would definitely (not definetly- freak-speak), invest in a land line and a perimeter alarm system that calls the cops when the door/window sensors are triggered. Saving one television (modern flat screen, anyway) from thieves will pay for years of alarm service. The other more serious issue is the security of your daughter, Chloe, when home alone. Yes?

There are several inexpensive, but effective, perimeter alarm systems that are NOT connected by phone to Police and Fire Dept. They activate a roof mounted siren when a break-in occurs, but in your situation, I think that law enforcement involvement that is automatic is a very valuable advantage. Ads for these services are all over the TV---- Oh, sorry, you don't have one of those now. Sorry for the joke at your expense. Look in the phone book. Oops, don't have one of those either.

OK, go to Mom and Dad's, get on Internet, look up "Alarm Services, Home Security". Last, (cheap) resort- buy a sign on line and stick it to your door that says:

"WARNING!! All activities are recorded on Video media to aid in the prosecution of any crimes committed against this property!" I have such signs on my property, but I also have 6 security cameras covering all angles of my house, connected to a time-lapse VCR. I also have two wolves on the property. Never had a break-in, and I am surrounded by vacant houses.

For less than a one-year fee for real perimeter alarm protection connected by land-line to the police and fire dept., you can also buy multiple video cameras and a time-lapse DVR recorder, that also comes with the warning signs. But that won't call the cops during a robbery. Look at Costco and Fry's Electronics for good quality, lower cost DVR systems. But if they steal your DVR too, guess which creek you are stranded in???

In your case, you are now marked as an easy target in your neighborhood. You really do need to spend some money in your own defense for the most effective prevention against thieves. Or worse. Remember the last two words.

[manxman]

P.s. Jeff,
If you buy a system that does not come with installation covered by the price, I will help you set it up. I installed my own real bank security cameras, and the cables and VCR- still have the cable tools, as well as a lot of digital video cable too.

Best bet, though, is a system wired to the cops. Second best is cameras wired to a DVR that can burn DVD copies. Ultimate is to have the cops catch the assholes in your house- then they live in jail, not free to come back.

[manxman]

P.p.s.

Pacifists, throughout the world, in EVERY circumstance, are PREY. Proactive people are not. I am at one extreme, and at present, you are at the other. My attitude is, go ahead, break into my house. You will experience a body bag from the inside. I will sue your family for the cost to clean up your brains from my walls, and patch up the bullet holes. I do not rely on the local law enforcement.

You NEED a security system that is obvious to the local thugs who are making you and Chloe PREY. You don't have to be as bloodthirsty as me, but you DO have to be READY.

[EXWRX]

I'm checking stuff out. I was really hoping to avoid adding recurring monthly charges, and Chloe is rarely there alone, but when I came home wednesday at 11 PM, I am almost positive they went out the front door as I came in the garage. Thankfully, I'd taken the new PS3 to my parents with me, so they didn't get that. They did bust in my side garage door, so I'm looking at a prehung steel model and a new deadbolt, in addition to the alarm and probable phone service/internet. I am almost positive that it's one of my neighbors, or someone else, who knows that I am not home a lot. The first night, the cops left about 1, and I woke up around 4am and was so furious, I couldn't sleep for an hour or so.

[manxman]

Security doors are an effective, and affordable, start. But that leaves your windows as the next easiest entry. My security cameras are obvious to professional burglars, but the fake ones are realistic enough to give them second thoughts. The more obvious that you can be in your preparedness, the better.

If you have security doors on all entries that have key actuated locks on BOTH sides, and you and Chloe use your keys to get in and out, no one is going to break in through a window, and leave the same way carrying your TV. Making it hard to get in is step one. Hard to get out is step two. Anything after that is up to what you can afford, and are willing to do.

A perimeter alarm system that does not call the cops and just alerts your neighbors with a siren, doesn't do any good if it's your neighbors who are stealing your TV. A better plan is needed.

Just ask if you need help.

[EXWRX]

I will still be getting an alarm. I may not need as tough/expensive of an alarm, since I just heard that the police have the "suspects" in custody. :D I just hope that they didn't have time to fence my stuff. We'll see what happens. . .

[manxman]

I will still be getting an alarm. I may not need as tough/expensive of an alarm, since I just heard that the police have the "suspects" in custody. :D I just hope that they didn't have time to fence my stuff. We'll see what happens. . .
Good on all counts. Signs that warn of video surveillance and alarm systems are cheap, and might do some good with thieves who can and do read. I would bet that this is the height of the season for burglars. But of more concern is the growing number of home invasion robberies. Good luck Jeff!

[claymore]

The best cheapest burglar alarm is a dog. Any kind will do as long as they make noise burglars I interrogated hate them because they draw attention. And if your place allows them and your home situation is ok with a dog the bigger the better.

[VillageIdiot]

I agree with a large dog as the best security..... The only negative is that if you have an effective breed that will defend his property you will not have liability coverage for your property.....My dogs were at 1st and 2nd place of the breeds that my insurance company will not sell liability coverage to the owners of..... Thats cool, no one will dare come on my property anyway.

[manxman]

There is one MAJOR problem with a dog, or a dozen of them. If the house is empty most of the time, dogs will seek their own entertainment and stimulation. You may keep your TV, but you won't keep your sofa or carpets. After 28 years of pets, I will guarantee bad results from lonely dogs.

Just a thought, there IS an alarm that sounds like a big dog. It doesn't eat anything, including your furniture, and won't generate big Veterinarian bills. ?????

[EXWRX]

I'm not there all the time, which is much of what makes the house so attractive to thieves. I now have a few lights on timers that are staggered, and windows covered, so you can't see in to see if there's anyone actually there. A dog is out for now, until I'm there every day, or very nearly. So I'm looking at adding a tougher door, and some more motion sensing lights to the perimeter, in addition to an alarm.

[manxman]

All of that should provide some deterrent to first time visitors casing your house. One more suggestion: add a cheap, plug-in radio to the mix of timer-operated stuff.

[EXWRX]

yeah, that's on my list too

[VillageIdiot]

I left Dallas almost 22 years ago and haven't had any crime problems since .... I applied my knowledge of behavioral psychology learned while supervising a behavior modification unit at a state hospital to training dogs professionally and when in the house my dogs go into their crates when told and stay until told to come out.... I wish children were as easy to train. We do have to vacuum the floor more frequently but no more than we would for kids.... The property at the south east due east and due north is owned by state, county, and a retired city police officers and one is a K9 officer..... I feel pretty safe up on this hill with a clear field of fire and difficult to navigate drive way to the dirt road with one way in and out.

[manxman]

To EXWRX-

Hey Jeff, how is it going? I haven't checked with UPS, but I assume that you received the A/V receiver. How secure is your house now? Did you get a perimeter alarm installed, and armored doors?:cool:

[EXWRX]

I did receive the receiver. I haven't set it up yet. I need at least a few more speakers to really set it up. I hope to have my alarm set up this weeked. I also have a 4 camera surveillance system that I will be setting up shortly. and replacing the side garage door(currently nailed shut) I have internet finally coming to my house next Weds, so I'll be able to access the surveillance system remotely, once I get it set up. Lots of changes at my house in the next week or two. :D

[manxman]

I did receive the receiver. I haven't set it up yet. I need at least a few more speakers to really set it up. I hope to have my alarm set up this weeked. I also have a 4 camera surveillance system that I will be setting up shortly. and replacing the side garage door(currently nailed shut) I have internet finally coming to my house next Weds, so I'll be able to access the surveillance system remotely, once I get it set up. Lots of changes at my house in the next week or two. :D
Good work! Next, you need a war surplus Bazooka or an RPG, and maybe a "Street Sweeper" shotgun.

[claymore]

Yea lets hope you catch the jerks on your camera like the lady on TV did. That was great watching the jerks wander around the house until the cops showed up.

[EXWRX]

Good work! Next, you need a war surplus Bazooka or an RPG, and maybe a "Street Sweeper" shotgun.

I was thinking land mines. . . As long as I and my invited guests know where not to go. KABOOOOM!!:eek:

[manxman]

I was thinking land mines. . . As long as I and my invited guests know where not to go. KABOOOOM!!:eek:
Now that is amazing! I was going to add another post with that exact same idea (but give your friends and relatives a map to avoid the mines), but decided that the Street Sweeper shotgun made me sound blood-thirsty enough.

[claymore]

Mines .... mines... did someone mention my name? :rolleyes:

[manxman]

Mines .... mines... did someone mention my name? :rolleyes:
No, not this time. A "Claymore" in the front yard would take out friends and relatives even if they HAD a map. And, EXWRX would have to get a custom made fat garden gnome to put over the claymore just to hide it.

Change your name to "Bouncing Betty" and you would be more of what he needs.