Another Breakin - Security monitoring company or Security camereas

[redo75]

Another breakin at the house directly across the street from us today in afternoon. Took usual computer stuff, personal items and car keys.
Wife is upset and wants to call a security monitoring company and wire up the house. But who do you guys use and do they really call the police if there is a breakin in progress or are cameras a better way to go?
Thanks.

[Stephen06GT]

Good question. Earlier today I was talking about ditching the monitored system and going to a camera based one, but I'm not sure if that is the right move.

[FABMAN]

I have both an Alarm with monitoring and cameras all around the house. In the end they are all deterrents and nothing more. I still had someone rummage through one of our cars that we forgot unlocked one night. Only difference was I got to watch the video the next day.

Gave a copy of the video to the cops and never heard anything about again.

[Ponyryd]

We had monitoring at my old shop, and I was one of the contacts. I set the alarm off a few times while working there and what happens is this: the alarm goes off, 1-5 minutes later they call the shop, I don’t answer, they call again, I answer and give my info, they shut it down and do nothing more. So yea, it’s good if someone is going to be there a while, cuz by the time they call you, then the cops, then the cops get there it’s been a bit of time.
I’d get cameras, but currently I just use my dog.

[True Blue]

I have both a alarm and cameras around my place.

If you don't have an alarm, get some alarm stickers. Get a big SS dog bowl for the front porch and "beware of dog" signs for your fence gate(s).

[Clutt gt]

I use the Mastiff 130 system. It doesn’t do anything but consume food, but most thieves won’t chance it.

[Minaccia]

Get a big dog and you're good to go.

[Uncle Buck]

I have a monitored alarm, a couple of Nest cameras and a big dog.

I think stickers in the windows are the best deterrent.

A veteran cop told me once that security stickers in the windows, a beware of dog sign and a big water dish on the porch keeps most thieves away. You don't actually need a dog.

With these in place, thieves will tend to go to your neighbours instead.

[redo75]

Sorrry dog option is out - looking for home security not long dog walks with huge "pick-ups" every morning at 7AM.
Looking for your experiences with major companies. Looking for home security only no smoke alarms, no cameras in door locks, etc. Perfer wireless that I can install.
I have 12 windows on my ground floor and i am worried about how the sensors work on opened windows or if windows are jimmied with a crow bar? No smashed glass.
In London.

[JZ67]

Sorrry dog option is out - looking for home security not long dog walks with huge "pick-ups" every morning at 7AM.
Looking for your experiences with major companies. Looking for home security only no smoke alarms, no cameras in door locks, etc. Perfer wireless that I can install.
I have 12 windows on my ground floor and i am worried about how the sensors work on opened windows or if windows are jimmied with a crow bar? No smashed glass.
In London.

Stickers on the windows are a great deterrent. If you choose to go with a wireless monitored system (I have used Alarm Force) you don't have to secure each window with a sensor. Well placed motion detection will do an effective job. The likelihood is that an intruder doesn't want to deal with broken glass anyway and would opt to kick in a door.

BTW, those 7 am walks are very therapeutic not to mention the loyalty a dog offers is its own reward. Bending to pick up landmines is a great stretch exercise too.