Home security systems - worth the cost? Do they even work? (Sacramento: insurance, felony)

[SacramentoBound]

Backstory: We had a break-in earlier this year and are trying to figure out the best way to improve our home security. Of course, our insurance agent would like for us to put in a home security system - but I'm skeptical about whether it would actually be worth the cost.

There are a bunch of monitoring companies in the neighborhood (we took a walk and noted all the signs we saw in people's yards) and then there are unmonitored systems I could install myself to save the monthly fee. Anyone want to share their experience with alarms, or other forms of security?

As far as the house itself, our windows are always locked, the gates to the back yard are always locked, and the foundation is raised so it's not that easy to get to many of the windows in the first place. Our front porch is visible from the street but that didn't help before when someone kicked the door in, and according to the folks who showed up from Sac PD, it's not much harder to kick in a metal security door either. Plus they're so ugly.

Sadly, a dog is not an option right now.

[maggiekate]

what if you try out that barking dog gizmo they showed on TV a few years ago or just put a sign in the yard
which does say you have the alarm. also get a beware of the dog sign for the gate or window
some people now get just the security camera installed which may help some,

[Malloric]

Steal a neighbor's ADT sign and put it up in your yard since a dog isn't an option.

[bluevelo]

Originally Posted by SacramentoBound

Backstory: We had a break-in earlier this year and are trying to figure out the best way to improve our home security. Of course, our insurance agent would like for us to put in a home security system - but I'm skeptical about whether it would actually be worth the cost.

There are a bunch of monitoring companies in the neighborhood (we took a walk and noted all the signs we saw in people's yards) and then there are unmonitored systems I could install myself to save the monthly fee. Anyone want to share their experience with alarms, or other forms of security?

As far as the house itself, our windows are always locked, the gates to the back yard are always locked, and the foundation is raised so it's not that easy to get to many of the windows in the first place. Our front porch is visible from the street but that didn't help before when someone kicked the door in, and according to the folks who showed up from Sac PD, it's not much harder to kick in a metal security door either. Plus they're so ugly.

Sadly, a dog is not an option right now.

There are more durable door options available - I'm not sure if its Andersen or another company that makes doors that have LONG deadbolts that are both horizontal and vertical, and they are quite attractive. You put a metal security storm door outside that, it sure as hell will slow them down.

I'm not sure if I'm wild about the idea of a monitored system... I think an unmonitored one that has a loud outside speaker is probably as good as anything.

You are correct that one of the best security options of all is a dog. I remember reading somewhere that a survey was taken of 500 Ohio inmates that were in for felony theft, and their universal suggestion of the best way to keep burglars out of your house was "get a dog." Burglars don't want to mess with a dog - not even a smaller one.

[hydro]

Motion lights surrounding the home is the best deterance.

[NinaN]

We use the dog method. Maybe a little overkill but I love my dogs.

[SacramentoBound]

The problem with lights on motion sensors is that they don't do anything during the day, and in urban areas most break-ins happen while people are at work or school.

[caligirlz]

Just curious, what part of Sacramento are you in?

I've never used an alarm. I have a motion detector light at my front door. Thankfully, there has never been a problem in my neighborhood. Lots of people have the ADT signs.

You might want to reinforce the door frame with something like EZ Armor. Lowe's sells it. Armor Concepts | Security That Works

[SacramentoBound]

We live in Tahoe Park, which generally I feel is a pretty safe neighborhood, but we're right on the edge and get a lot of through traffic.

[Bulldogdad]

Something is making your home desirable.

Can criminals peer into your home? Shades/blinds maybe in order.

Check for blocked visual angles from the street and neighboors.

High bushes and trees for concealment, think about pruning and removal.

Cheapo way is to put alarm signs and maybe some fake alarm contacts on the windows.

Any neighbors you think might be ex-cons/junkies?

Install a front and rear security door as well.

In reality what your really trying to do is to get criminals to break into your neighbors instead of you.

Like putting a club on your vehicle, pass on by.