Burglar alarm system - any recommendations?

alanobrien

Gem+Dave+Kaci wrote:

Thanks for all the replies - e
Thanks for all the tips alanobrien but why wou;dn't you recommened wireless systems? According to the statistics on the site it's got top-notch encryption on it and I know for definite I'd rather have a system that can be linked up without drilling holes and running wires everywhere!!

Personal experience, and to many bad stories from friends working in the industry. The older wireless systems are to easy to jam but as someone already said it depends on what you want it for.

There are a few that are starting to be accepted for
redcare, the better supported makes like Scantronic for instance but the cost of these is as expensive as fitting a wired alarm.

The acid test is to ask an alarm fitter what they have installed at home and in the majority of cases it will not be a wireless system.

I can understand the issue of disruption from wiring and drilling and i agree totally it can be a pain but a decent fitter will minimise this to next to nothing.

Ultimately any system, including for that matter a dummy box is better than none. Bottom line is if it moves a thief on to a less obviously protected house then i guess its done its job.

Statistics ?
Lies, damn lies and statistics. - Mark Twain
Says it all........

raymond

alanobrien wrote:

The acid test is to ask an alarm fitter what they have installed at home and in the majority of cases it will not be a wireless system.

My acid test would be to ask a burglar !!

Seriously, they are the only ones who know what is an effective deterrent.

alanobrien

raymond wrote:

My acid test would be to ask a burglar !!

Seriously, they are the only ones who know what is an effective deterrent.

You may be right but i would not expect a thief to tell me the truth so the next best thing is to rely on the pro's in the business.

At least that is what i would do.

Gem+Dave+Kaci

raymond wrote:

My acid test would be to ask a burglar !!

Seriously, they are the only ones who know what is an effective deterrent.

Actually that isn't a bad idea!

My partner's Uncle is in the nick for armed robbery so he might be able to offer some tips! lol!!

[Deleted User]

You could always buy a dummy alarm box to put up outside. These can be got really cheap for under a tenner.

They look like the real thing.

I got a solar powered one that blinks red LED lights. Slightly more expensive at neary £30 but it looks the biz!

My indoor BT Home Monitoring alarm does not come with any outdoor bits.

peterwynne

Where did you get this ?

got a solar powered one that blinks red LED lights. Slightly more expensive at neary £30 but it looks the biz!

I'd like one!

peterwynne

I've done a bit of searching...
I'd get this:

here
and one of these:

here

My fiance doesn't want us to get a full system for various reasons.. it's a bungalow - we have dogs in the house who would 100% notify us if anyone was getting into our house or in the back garden etc. So I just want a deterant... not bad for under £20...

Gorgeous_George

I've been pondering which system to fit and I have a son-in-law in the business. I shall make it my mission to fit a dummy box this weekend and then investigate a real system that meets my needs. Obviously, I'll need to identify my needs first.

I've been a homeowner for 21 years and not been burgled yet so I'm in the comfort zone. I'd be so angry if I was burgled that the burglars least worry would be the Police.

I like the idea of autodiallers with silent alarms and the dummy box by peterwynne. Also, a hidden camera (or two) recording on a loop system appeals (CCTV). Anybody got any ideas of suppliers of these?

GG

RedOnRed

Gem+Dave+Kaci wrote:

I've seen a pretty good wireless system on the BT website but it's not exactlly cheap. It's called the BT Home Monitor VT 1000) and the deluxe set is advertised as £199.99

Lol, my system cost £1200, but it's a very good system and worth every penny in my book.

You can't rely on batteries to protect your property. I wouldn't go near a wireless system and neither would most decent professional installers.

peterwynne

colleagues at work have setup cctv systems quite cheaply. they have got cheap packages like this .
They are the cheapest option if you have an old PC that you don't mind having running 24/7. There are wireless versions also - but they are a little more pricey... I like the idea of being e-mailed alerts of movement etc.

We have two retired couple either side of our house, with them monitoring alongside our dogs I couldn't justify a cctv system... I have an AXIS Network camera covering my back garden - so I can monitor things from work...