ADT advice

xssc32x

Hi,
Hoping for some advice, experience of ADT. Looking to get a wireless burglar alarm system in our house and have been quoted for the following from ADT
ADT intruder alarm system: ADT interactive wireless package, keyholder response package (ref Visonic PM360R) £199
Response: Keyholder, Monitoring by ADT: via mobile network (set-up charge: £0.00), Maintenance: All Inclusive service cover,
This is for an 18 month contract for a monthly cost of £30.99 per month, i was told that after 18 months I can have the option of staying on same contract, downgrading package for lower cost or leave completely and having the stand alone alarm.
I have been quoted £750 by a reputable local company to fit a wireless alarm (no monitoring) but if I was to go with ADT and leave after 18 months I will have paid just over £750 for the alarm but with having the added monitoring aspect of it and no additional cost for servicing and free call out for repair replacement. Trying to understand the pros to going with the local company fitting over ADT.
So not sure what to do any experience advice appreciated.
Cheers
Si

Dedekind

Went through the same recently. Exactly same dilemma with the added element of Verisure as an option.

I went locally. Had a couple of issues which were resolved fairly quickly. What drove my decision mostly was that I decided I didn't need/want monitoring by keyhokders since I deemed it useless. If I went with ADT it means changing providers, new installation in 18 months, etc..

Rusty_Shackleton

since this is MoneySavingExpert, save yourself all the money and don't bother with a burglar alarm.

In all seriousness, what do people do when an alarm goes off? They turn the TV up and moan that someone hasn't turned the bloody thing off.

Monitored sounds good, until you think about the state of the police in the UK, and realise anything less than a murder will see you waiting several hours for them to arrive. I suppose ADT could get you your crime number for you?

That anyone gives companies like ADT money astounds me. If you want the deterrent effect, just buy an actual ADT box off ebay for as cheap as possible!

Dedekind

They help a bit. As a deterrent they are better than a fake box. Also if they do break in and the alarm sounds, they will not stay half an hour going through all the house but rather just quickly grab couple of things and go. I see the use there.

Also if all your neighbours have one, it's silly not to have one and be the target

Browntoa

My neighbour had one that was continuously false alarming

Nobody bothered even looking out their windows in the end.

A good burglar will be out of your property in 10 minutes max with all the jewellery , passports , birth certificates etc they can carry. Police will never arrive in time so wasted money

Dedekind

He will not risk staying for 10 minutes with an alarm sounding. Burglars are not risk avid people.

It's also a bit of peace of mind. I would prefer a dog than an alarm but we work all day and don't want to leave the poor dog alone all the time..