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No, I'm not being sarcastic. Just asking an honest question.
We live in new construction. We've never had an alarm system before, nor have we ever felt the need for one. (We had a doberman for many years, which is probably the best protection around). But most of our neighbors do have them, and we are starting to wonder if we should install one. (We do not want another large breed dog, and our current small dog would likely help a stranger in the door if he could.)
But, we KNOW that it takes 10-15 minutes (usually) for the cops to arrive if the alarm goes off. Any experienced thief knows that, right? So what's the real point to having an alarm - just to limit their time in the house to that short period of time?
Any other alternatives that someone cares to mention?
I remember a dog barking alarm years ago. Not sure if they still make it. if I remember right it was a recording of a german shepherd.
I would not recommend a firearm unless you know what you're doing with one. In the heat of the moment, you're tired and disoriented is when you can make a mistake.
Just remember to make it as hard as possible for any would be theif to break in to your house and car. Lock all your doors and windows. they also sell alarm signs you can post on your house. We had some vehicle break ins a few weeks ago in our neighborhood. Only unlocked cars were broken into.
Well, just because it can take 10-15 minutes for the police to come doesn't mean it always does and it doesn't mean that you don't have video cams (many alarm systems come with them) that can catch the intruder, and it doesn't mean that your neighbor (who could have one of the items arsbadmojo mentioned) won't hear your alarm and investigate. Our alarm is very loud when it goes off. It freaks my kids out enough that they want to flee the premises. I imagine if I was a burglar I'd want to get the heck outta dodge, too.
I also just wanted to add if you do get an alarm make sure you read the contract. you can also purchase an alarm yourself and pay just for monitoring. I looked into it and it was cheap, around $10 a month
Have you had a consultation with an alarm company yet? There are various protocols depending upon what happens when the alarm goes off. A "panic" call should receive immediate response. It's too much to explain here, but I suggest a consultation so you understand how the alarm monitoring people and law enforcement react based on the circumstances.
We wouldn't be without an alarm system in this day and age.
We have an alarm because we sleep on the top floor and someone could kick in the basement door and we would never hear them. We do hear the alarm though. Also, its loud enough to scare the crap out of the person. We don't pay for monitoring, just for that reason. The neighbors will call the cops if it went off. In a town-home community there is always someone home around us. I am convinced the signs and stickers are deterrent enough. Any crook will see the alarm signs and just move on to another unit that doesn't have one.
Plus, I have nothing worth stealing. Old laptop, big tube tvs, no jewlery, no cash... :>(
What good is a gun if your not home?? They will just steal your gun and sell it to some other crook. They they will use it to rob an old lady. Thanks for getting my grandma robbed....:>)
some people will never be competent. If they are not competent they can do more harm than good.
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