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Fraggin
Multi-Faceted



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Are Home Security Systems Worth it?
#13226220 - 09/21/10 09:48 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Someone is trying to tell me that the new two-way systems are basically like On Star for your home.
I had one long ago at a rent house and I eventually just unhooked it because it was a chore dealing with it. And when it did go off once, I came home and no one called, the police never showed up, or anything.
Supposedly these new ones are awesome, but I haven't committed yet.
Am I reading that right? You trip the alarm and a voice comes over the speaker and says "Yo B, you gettin' robbed, or what?"
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Anonymous #1
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Fraggin]
#13226423 - 09/21/10 10:40 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Security systems are a great investment in your home. If you are living in an apartment that's a different story.
You should go with a alarm system that is hooked up to a non VOIP phone line and possibly look into a cellular back up for it.
I wouldn't go for a honeywell or GE system. DSC is where it's at.
Ask me questions and I'll try to help you out.
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Alan Rockefeller
Mycologist


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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Fraggin]
#13226526 - 09/21/10 11:04 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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A lot of people get busted because the security system calls the police, both due to false alarms and real intruders. If you have anything illegal in your home and it is not hidden extremely well I would not get one.
Dogs are good for security, something like a doberman which is a really fqn cool dog and also scary if you are not properly introduced.
One of the best things you can do is try to break into your own house and see how hard it is - check all the windows, doors, etc. All doors should have reinforced strike plates, otherwise one kick will open any deadbolt. Needs to be a solid door too. Windows need to always be locked and it helps a lot to put cactus, agave or other really spiny plants under the windows.
A security system that does not make much noise or actually call the the police, but makes the intruder think the cops are being called would be a good compromise. Something like a flashing light, quiet beeping, etc.
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Fraggin
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Never considered that...
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Alan Rockefeller
Mycologist


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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Fraggin]
#13226558 - 09/21/10 11:13 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Yea, if a burglar alarm is going off, that gives the police probable cause to go in and look around, and anything they see is admissible in court.
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Seuss
Error: divide byzero



Registered: 04/27/01
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> One of the best things you can do is try to break into your own house and see how hard it is - check all the windows, doors, etc.
Burglars tend to be opportunists going for the easiest targets. As long as you are harder to break into than your neighbors, then you are probably going to be fairly safe. Of course, if they have a reason to target you, then this means nothing. Simple things can go a long way towards making your place more difficult to get into than your neighbors. Alan Rockefeller gave some good advice. Motion sensitive lights can also help. If you have second story windows, make sure they are secured as well. Also, remove anything that would help a burglar climb up to a second story window. (A lot of people think upper level windows are safe to leave open/unlocked since they are not at ground level. Big mistake.)
-------------------- Just another spore in the wind.
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Fraggin
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Seuss]
#13226859 - 09/21/10 12:37 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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My first floor windows don't open. the 2nd story windows do on the back of the house. My neighbors have two dogs that bark viciously if anyone walks down my driveway that they don't recognize. It's un-nerving.
Thankfully, most of my neighbors are retired, so they are home all day and keep an eye on things.
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Jiggle
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Fraggin]
#13229393 - 09/21/10 10:33 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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I keep a gun (.22 cal revolver under my pillow for easy access) and have a Boxer, seems more than enough security for me and I'm saved from paying expensive monthly rates.
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Fraggin
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Jiggle]
#13230672 - 09/22/10 10:21 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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I can appreciate that.
I have small children and no one is home during the day, so a big dog and a gun is kinda out of the question for me.
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Doc_T
Random Dude




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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Jiggle]
#13230686 - 09/22/10 10:27 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
I keep a gun (.22 cal revolver under my pillow for easy access)
1) discharging a firearm invites many many police over to your house. 2) Get a shotgun.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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Jiggle
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Doc_T]
#13231318 - 09/22/10 01:13 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Doc_T said:
Quote:
I keep a gun (.22 cal revolver under my pillow for easy access)
1) discharging a firearm invites many many police over to your house. 2) Get a shotgun.
I live in the backwoods and the only other house around is my sister & her husband. I'm confident if I shot someone no one would hear it or it wouldn't be unusual, I shoot people things all the time.
Shotgun stays in the gun safe with my other toys.
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Mike711
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Doc_T]
#13231490 - 09/22/10 01:55 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Doc_T said:
Quote:
I keep a gun (.22 cal revolver under my pillow for easy access)
1) discharging a firearm invites many many police over to your house. 2) Get a shotgun.
.22 cal common your just asking to go to jail.
most states have the make my day laws (texas is prob the most liberal) which basically means you can protect yourself inside of your own home if you feel threatened (their coming right for me)
now if you dont kill them in the first 3 shots, or they crawl or fall out of your house you could be up shit creek without a paddle.
now a shotgun is fine but in a home invasion situation its to big for close combat even at 18 1/2" barrel and its hard to consile also when you keep it fully loaded the spring starts to fatigue. so you will want to just keep one in the chamber and rounds strategically placed. so were ever you end up hiding you have ammo.
a revolver is the best i wouldn't go smaller than a .38 and always use hollow points (remember your going for a kill shot its your life or his)
they have bed holsters for them and its hard to miss-fire a revolver unless its pre cocked
now to keep them out you have to be careful not to leave yourself open to a negligence lawsuit but little things like arrow heads attached to window sills or along the to of your fence and electrifying doorknobs and gates. but you said you have kids so prob just best to stay with the flood lights and loud noises. using strobe lights inside will help to disorient the intruder and give you time to do what you need to do.
also any type of dog will help they here things that you wont and
you can get lights that are noise activated as well as motion and heat
so when your dog barks the flood lights go on outside (might not work as well in practice as in theory) rose bushes work great for the perimeter (big thorns)
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Seuss
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Jiggle]
#13233200 - 09/22/10 08:18 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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> 2) Get a shotgun.
Best thing about a shotgun is the sound it makes when you chamber a round. It is loud. It is distinct. When heard, bad people on the receiving end tend to run.
-------------------- Just another spore in the wind.
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Doc_T
Random Dude




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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Seuss]
#13234650 - 09/23/10 06:13 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Yep. 
Less chance of punching through a wall and hitting the wrong person too.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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sherm
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Fraggin]
#13235590 - 09/23/10 12:08 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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See if this software will do what you want. Its free http://www.zoneminder.com/
An old computer + linux / zoneminder + wireless router + as many wireless ip cameras as you want. Then setup appropriate filters, SMS and email notification.
These points were helpful to me. Runs on any Linux distribution! Supports video, USB and network cameras. Multiple Zones (Regions Of Interest) can be defined per camera. Each can have a different sensitivity or be ignored altogether. Event notification by email or SMS including attached still images or video of specific events by filter. Automatic uploading of matching events to external FTP storage for archiving and data security.
"It supports capture, analysis, recording, and monitoring of video data coming from one or more video or network cameras attached to a Linux system. ZoneMinder also support web and semi-automatic control of Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras using a variety of protocols. It is suitable for use as a DIY home video security system and for commercial or professional video security and surveillance."
-------------------- shroomery. not even once.
    
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Fraggin
Multi-Faceted



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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: sherm]
#13235772 - 09/23/10 12:43 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Damn. Thats high speed.
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Alan Rockefeller
Mycologist


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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: sherm]
#13240325 - 09/24/10 12:16 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
sherm said: Event notification by email or SMS including attached still images or video of specific events by filter.
That is the coolest part!
It would also be really useful for collecting evidence in the event of a police raid. They often take your computer and cameras, but pictures on a remote server would not be seized.
Quote:
Seuss said: > 2) Get a shotgun.
Best thing about a shotgun is the sound it makes when you chamber a round. It is loud. It is distinct. When heard, bad people on the receiving end tend to run.
I don´t own firearms because if you have drugs and a gun you will get years in prison instead of probation. I wonder if there is a way to make that noise without actually owning a firearm.
Maybe a shotgun missing an essential piece such as the firing pin, trigger or barrel would make the same sound but not fit the legal definition of a firearm.
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Green_T


Registered: 10/02/08
Posts: 4,042
Loc: UK
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Quote:
Alan Rockefeller said: Maybe a shotgun missing an essential piece such as the firing pin, trigger or barrel would make the same sound but not fit the legal definition of a firearm.
I think (<-disclaimer word) that the part of the gun which is considered the gun is the part of the receiver where the serial number is located.
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Doc_T
Random Dude




Registered: 03/06/09
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Green_T]
#13243864 - 09/25/10 08:04 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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I'd sure hate to get the guy worked up about a shotgun and not be able to shoot him.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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Spooge
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Fraggin]
#13246376 - 09/25/10 07:13 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Good advice in this thread.
I recommend having a system if you aren't going to have anything illegal in your home. I have small children and it makes me feel better knowing that if someone can manage to get into my home, someone is going to be coming to help my family.
The best kind of security is preventative. Allan had good advice. The line I use at work often is, "Be more secure than your neighbours". Dogs are good. So is good lighting.
I'd set your doors up with these:


(for hinges)
Mul-T-Lock Hercular Deadbolt

Roughly, your looking at about $350 bucks for the above hardware. Hardly anything when compared to the price of anything inside your home or the family.
Good lock with the security of your home. Look at it like a project. One window or door at a time.
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Doc_T
Random Dude




Registered: 03/06/09
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Spooge]
#13246487 - 09/25/10 07:37 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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I have to rebuild a door soon, thanks for that info.
-------------------- You make it all possible. Doesn't it feel good?
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Spooge
The Nutter

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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Doc_T]
#13247359 - 09/25/10 11:31 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Doc_T said: I have to rebuild a door soon, thanks for that info.
no problem. I'm not an extreme expert, but I know enough. I'm a locksmith by trade, so ask away if you have any other questions
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Stonehenge
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Spooge]
#13258316 - 09/28/10 09:52 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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There are reinforcing bars that go inside the house and make it almost impossible to kick in a door. You use it when you are home or leave by another door. It props against the floor and the door.
The best burglar deterrent imo is a motion detector hooked up to an ordinary light. The burglar looking for an easy hit approaches the house, light goes on. He figures someone inside saw him and turned it on. Have the light stay on for a few minutes after activating. Even if the burglar is sure it's just a motion detector, neighbors might see the light go on and look. He is now visible and anything he/she does will be seen. Put one or more in front and in back with a time delay so they stay on a while but do go off. It gives cops no probable cause to go inside but does a fairly good job of scaring burglars. Best of all it's dirt cheap. I've seen cheap motion detectors for as low as $5. Get a nice one and hook it to a light you already have or hook one up. Put them by doors and windows. Get the dual spotlight and aim each light. As an added benefit, you could activate a tape recording of a dog inside along with the light. If the burglar isn't scared of the light, the dog may do the job. And you don't have to feed it.
-------------------- “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” (attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville political philosopher Circa 1835) Trade list http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/18047755
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Alan Rockefeller
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Stonehenge]
#13258736 - 09/28/10 11:39 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Stonehenge said: The best burglar deterrent imo is a motion detector hooked up to an ordinary light. The burglar looking for an easy hit approaches the house, light goes on. He figures someone inside saw him and turned it on.
Great idea. Burlgers would not really expect a motion detector to turn on a floor lamp or ceiling light inside.
Could even put a TV or radio on it too.
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Stonehenge
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Thanks. A light inside would probably do the job but i was thinking of an outside light. It illuminates the burglar and signals the neighbors. Inside, you want a tape or some type of sound player with several segments of a dog barking. Each activation sends it to the next segment or makes it play 20 seconds or so of an endless loop of dog sounds. You can get the infrared motion detectors to stay on for a certain amount of time and shut off or to stay on.
If you were a burglar and came up to a house, suddenly the lights went on outside and you heard a dog barking inside, would you say "this is a good place to break in" or would you get the hell out?
-------------------- “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” (attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville political philosopher Circa 1835) Trade list http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/18047755
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Stonehenge
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Stonehenge]
#13264145 - 09/29/10 11:17 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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A burglar is skulking along in the shadows looking to grab something and run unnoticed. Suddenly a light goes on and he is like a bug under a flashlight. He quickly scurries away into the darkness. If he hears a dog bark inside he is even more afraid. He will avoid that whole neighborhood.
-------------------- “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” (attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville political philosopher Circa 1835) Trade list http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/18047755
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Jiggle
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Stonehenge]
#13266702 - 09/29/10 07:41 PM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Stonehenge said: A burglar is skulking along in the shadows looking to grab something and run unnoticed. Suddenly a light goes on and he is like a bug under a flashlight. He quickly scurries away into the darkness. If he hears a dog bark inside he is even more afraid. He will avoid that whole neighborhood.
Maybe, but any not novice burglar would scope out locations ahead of time and would know about dogs in the area plus it'd have to be hooked up to a pretty good system in order to replicate the decibels that a typical dog bark is at. Not to mention it might get pretty annoying if you have rabbits or something of the sort in your area. I live in an area with a lot of feral dogs/hogs/bears for instance and if I heard loud ass barking in the middle of the night from my recorder and it woke me up for a bunny I'd throw it out the window.
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Stonehenge
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Re: Are Home Security Systems Worth it? [Re: Jiggle]
#13269191 - 09/30/10 10:03 AM (13 years, 7 months ago) |
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You can set up the sensitivity to any level you want. You can reject small objects and have it go on for larger objects like dog size on up. You could also turn off the sound when you will be home. The light is the main deterrent and that may be all you need. Hearing a dog bark from inside will discourage them plenty but is just another bell and whistle.
Have a light with motion detector by each door and ideally by each window. One light might illuminate several windows and a door. A bank of aimable spot lights can be set to focus on spots you are concerned about. Most burglars don't like working in a bright light and get nervous when one is switched on suddenly. It looks like someone inside spotted them and turned on the light. Even if they are fairly sure it's automatic, a neighbor might see the light go on, a cop driving by might look over, etc. There is an easier house somewhere else. They will not stick around to think it over, they will think it over while rapidly departing.
-------------------- “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.” (attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville political philosopher Circa 1835) Trade list http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/18047755
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