Do I Need a Home Security System?

[Bozley0621]

on top of that get a dog. as much as I hate chihuahuas they make great warning systems as they bark at anything & everything, I of course prefer large dogs like Husky/GS/Pitbulls

We have three dogs, they are terrible watchdogs - three golden retrievers that will ask you to throw the ball and for a belly rub on your way out of the house with the good stuff. They don’t bark. At most, one will whine when he sees a fox he wants to play with.

The boys (dogs) are actually the reason that we have an alarm. We wanted to be notified remotely if the smoke or CO2 alarms are triggered.

Because of the boys, the alarm is set to Home, when it’s armed.

We currently have Ring. It started with the doorbell. Since we had that, we bought a Ring indoor cam. The Ring cam resolution was so much better than the Abode alarm system camera. This parallel Ring and Abode set-up was used for a few years, until we couldn’t tolerate Abode’s alarm glitches any longer. This is how we arrived at having Ring.

The only thing I miss about Abode is the ability to set a geo-fence. When we left our street, the alarm would arm to Home and the door would lock. When we entered the street, it would disarm, the lights would come on, and the door would unlock. The icing on the cake is that the boys learned this meant we were home and would be looking out the front window for us.

 

[44267547]

Security is the most challenging thing in this century. there are a lot of modern devices available in market to protect you from burgles and thieves. For eg: Video door bells, alarm monitoring systems, security cameras etc. In my opinion everyone should install some security systems in your building.

I’m not sure ‘why/how security would be the most “challenging thing in a century”? As a matter fact, it’s the most convenient in terms of ease-of-use with installed applications with CCTV, which of most, can be ported directly to your smart phone to see exactly what’s happening live time in an instant. The most important part of security, is positioning to capture the weakest areas of somebody’s residence or business, and then of course, you need the necessary DVR space to store all the footage.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

To my mind a security system is always worth it as you may lose much more than the price of a system.

I have a similar approach as Relentless Power. Paradox system (wired and wireless), video cameras and security company taking action if necessary within 10 minutes.

 

[Zombotrec]

If you say that you live in a safe neighborhood, then it seems to me that this is not so necessary. But in any case, I think this is a good decision only because it will provide you with peace of mind at the moment when you are out with the whole family. I also live in a safe neighborhood, but last summer there was a series of robberies in our neighborhood at a time when many went on vacation. That's why I decided to use Vivint. The camera was quickly installed and now I am calm for my house when we leave it. I think calmness is most important. Take care of your nerves.

 

[pmiles]

Ask yourself one simple question... what in your home is worth stealing in the first place? Your crock pot? That old Atari ST system you have buried in the basement? If someone were to steal something, who is going to replace it? The security company or your own insurance?

Security systems are nifty little gadgets that serve to make you feel more techie. They don't deter theft. A thief is going to do what a thief is going to do... whether they are on camera or not.

 

[Huntn]

Ask yourself one simple question... what in your home is worth stealing in the first place? Your crock pot? That old Atari ST system you have buried in the basement? If someone were to steal something, who is going to replace it? The security company or your own insurance?

Security systems are nifty little gadgets that serve to make you feel more techie. They don't deter theft. A thief is going to do what a thief is going to do... whether they are on camera or not.

I disagree with your characterization. Nothing is full proof but two points, it‘s about deterrence of a home break in as much as it is about the worth of possibly stolen property. And evidence of an actual system is a deterrent in my guess, most cases, even just a sign.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

If you say that you live in a safe neighborhood, then it seems to me that this is not so necessary.

Titanic was also considered to be safe.

...Security systems are nifty little gadgets that serve to make you feel more techie. They don't deter theft. A thief is going to do what a thief is going to do... whether they are on camera or not.

In nil sapiendo vita iucundissima est.

 

[HDFan]

A home (exterior) camera can be useful. Not confident enough about the security of indoor cameras to use them.

1. They can help you with deliveries. UPS says a delivery was made but I had no package. Checked the camera and no delivery was made. Consequently called UPS and they confirmed that the delivery was made elsewhere, or the package arrived the next day.

2. If there are incidents with neighbors it can be helpful. An abusive neighbor can be caught on camera and the video can be used as evidence for the police.

 

[satcomer]

1. Camera
2. Median or large loyal dog
3. Buy a shotgun, pump style, that sound of the pump scares any robber away!

 

[44267547]

Security systems absolutely are a deterrent, and the last thing a criminal wants, is to be exposed. So when they see cameras, it makes them rethink their strategy or abandon their scheme. Of course, there are some criminals who are careless and not concerned with security systems, but it makes it easier for law-enforcement to identify them if they choose that risk.

The other most important crucial aspect to any security system, is proper lighting. Darkness gives criminals the advantage of opportunity they need, when you have proper lighting that is distributed around your residence/business, that is a major deterrent.

As somebody that did specialize in Business Crime Prevention years ago in my community, lighting is your ally, and will greatly reduce the risk of being victimized by those who are looking to force entry and commit crimes. Anybody can take preventative measures to reduce the risk of being victimized, but it doesn’t totally eliminate the risk, either.

 

[bgiresh]

Having a security system like SimpliSafe with professional monitoring for $15 a month can give you peace of mind, especially when you're not at home. The loud alarm and panic button are also great features that can deter potential burglars.

 

[pshufd]

We haven't had a robbery or break-in in my neighborhood since we've lived here and that's since the 1980s. We live 3/8ths of a mile from a gun store and I assume that most people assume that we're all armed. That's not an unreasonable assumption too. I recall my neighbor getting a large and heavy delivery and I asked him what it was and he said that it was a gun safe.

It seems like every other household has one or two dogs too. I go running around the neighborhood and frequently run into dogwalkers. There are a few places here with surveillance too.