06-25-2007, 10:07 AM
quote:
There are many good sites to read about in terms of home alarm systems.
Some things I found while researching is to be sure the home alarm system has a remote keypad that is not integrated with the brain of the alarm. The reason is, if a thief breaks in, he/she will go straight for the keypad to disable it. The cheap home alarm systems have an integrated unit, where the keypad and siren are built into one, very easy to disable.
Be sure the connection between the brain of the alarm system and the telephone jack is hidden. Some home alarm systems have this connection in plain sight, which the thief can easily disable the communications of the alarm system to the outside world with a cut of a wire.
Stan
I just retired after 23 years as an officer in Calif. I have seen thousands of home burglaries and I found that it is very common for the crooks to cut the phone line and shut off the power first thing. Ok, given I live (for now) in one of the highest crime areas in the nation (Stockton, Ca) but if you want to avoid this, the alarm companies have a service called "cellular backup". This helps, along with the mentioned dog and most important, good neighbors that you know.
I have a camera system set up, bought the cameras from Amazon and Tiger Direct, they are hardwired into a computer in my garage.
4 cameras and the video capture card cost around 500 bucks.
Edited by - ricklt23 on 06/25/2007 14:10:32