Home security system

[saintsfan]

After multiple break-ins in our community, we are contemplating installing a security system. Right now we deciding between installing a commercial system vs. installing a closed loop camera system. If you use a system which one would you recommend?

[rlpzzz]

I have a Honeywell system monitored by Smith and Wesson Security and have zero complaints. It may be beneficial to shop a few companies like ADT, S&W, Smith Thompson, etc. Some offer free installation or reduced prices when signing up. 90% of the companies require a 12-24 month contract for monitoring.

[Bill]

I'm told the stickers are 90% of the effectiveness of a home security system. Most home break-ins are in-and-out in less than a minute. They go straight to the bedroom, use a pillow case and fill it with jewelry box and armoir contents, plus they check the 'usual' places people hide valuables. I have a 'dummy' CCTV camera on the side of my house where a perp would walk to break-in a side or rear window or door. So far-so good.

Here in SJ, unless you can catch the perp on a security camera, the police will not even respond on a home break in, zero chance to catch the thief.

What I'd advise as well is to make it hard to get into the house: on all external doors replace the short screws in the door jamb with ones long enough to screw into the 2x4s framing around the door, install an upgraded dead bolt on external doors with a metal trim piece that's not really ugly (I did home handyman services and I've seen garage doors kicked-in and jimmied with a big screwdriver with the lock's bolt breaks right through the door as it opens), and if you have sliding patio doors and sliding windows, put either a nice piece of stained wood, or an ugly but noticeable piece of 1/2" pvc in the track to prevent the door from opening.

Use the longest screws you can with this, or drill through and put a brass decorative nut on the inside to make sure it's as strong as possible.

[Txjourneyman]

I have seven dogs and live at the end of a dead end. People don't get out of the car when they come to visit unless someone is home to get the dogs. Even the meter reader drives around the house to read the meter.
The dead end road is good because a thief doesn't like not having an escape route.

[saintsfan]

Thanks to all for the input. I will look into the upgrades to doors.

[hogwash]

both

[kornsqueezer]

My system is with ADT. Best $30.00 a month I have ever spent.

[Rocket15]

We have an Adt system. No problems but thinking about
Switching to Vivint. They have a wireless system that works
With smart phones.

[Johnny Dangerr]

My system is with ADT. Best $30.00 a month I have ever spent.

We do also - just a looooong contract.

Dogs broke out couple of months back. I beat the cops to the house and told them to say put while I clear the house. {Big Scary Dogs}

When he saw the dogs he thanked me......

[Patton]

I have seven dogs and live at the end of a dead end. People don't get out of the car when they come to visit unless someone is home to get the dogs. Even the meter reader drives around the house to read the meter.
The dead end road is good because a thief doesn't like not having an escape route.

Live at a dead end also, we dont even lock our doors at night...

[Swampa]

Smith thompson is $16/month with no contract.

[CoonStalker]

Smith Thompson....

Smith thompson is $16/month with no contract.

X 2

[Bill]

We had a bunch of burglaries in SJ several years ago and they would kick in the builder grade side doors into garages, and then jimmy the door from the garage into the house.

I replaced the garage side door with a steel one and no window. The screws were not in the middle of the 2x4s framing the door, so I put this piece of hardwood in, both glued plus screws.

There are 4" decking screws holding the brass plates to the door jamb. It could possibly be kicked in, but 1/2 the wall would have to come out at the same time.

We heard on the radio this am that home burglaries are up 30% over last year. The police are so short staffed they don't respond so the crooks are running wild.

[berto]

I have a camera system and IMO I wasted 700 buxs. Can't make anything out. It's only good to see of someone's coming or if there is someone in the yard because of the alarm.

But it gives my wife peace of mind when I'm not home so it's all good

[Dejashoot]

I have a security system and a camera setup at my house in town. That and good neighbors make me feel better about things.