Security Alarm Monitoring

[jackcat]

Anyone have a good reference (or two) for a company to monitor our security alarm? I think Guardian installed the system (3 yrs old), but never has been monitored. I want to start monitoring, and see there are a BUNCH of options w.r.t. companies.

Any recommendations?

[tulsacyclist]

We use TNT and we've been more pleased with their service and monitoring than we were with ADT prior. Also, it's around $19.99 a month which is significantly cheaper than what we paid for ADT.

I can give you the name/number for the TNT sales guy we used if you decide to go that route. I think one or both of us would get a month free or something.

[Ibanez]

I use ADT.

[sgrizzle]

I use TNT and so does everyone I know with an alarm. Monitoring is $15.99 and as I understand it, they are the only company who does all monitoring from Tulsa.

http://www.tntsecurityservices.com/

[tulsacyclist]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

Monitoring is $15.99

This is correct, I said $19.99 previously but now that you mention it.. I remember it is $15.99 - even better.

[brunoflipper]

i use advance alarms, great service...

[Wilbur]

quote:Originally posted by brunoflipper

i use advance alarms, great service...

Probably one of the better systems and they have the least false alarms.

[sgrizzle]

I shopped around and advance estimated everything higher than TNT and said he would get me a final estimate for install and monitoring and he never did.

ADT makes their money by selling free/cheap alarms and then charging $30+ for service. AT&T used to do similar things and lock people in to contracts as high as 7 years.

[AMP]

If you own a cell phone, most alarm systems are capable of programming in more than one number to call when activated.  Just have it call your cell phone number, and others in line.  Then you or whoever can call the police to have them dispatched.   Saves you the $15 per month fee and accomplishes the same results most times.

Biggest down side to hard wired phone activated alarm systems is the thieves know to cut all phone wires entering the building prior to breaking and entering.   Thus eliminating the ability of the dialer software from gaining a dial tone.  

Unless you have a cell phone or wireless system sending out the call, your alarm system is compromised by use of exposed hard wired telephone methods.  One could bring in the phone line underground and through the floor to the dialer circuit.  

Other thing the thieves do is damage any outside horns or signaling devices.  Then they typically take a hammer to your alarm box inside, smashing it to pieces.  

We have been burgalrized over a dozen times at various locations both residential and business and I have seen several methods used.  Through the front door glass with a brick, through the front door aluminum frame with a pry bar, through the wall with hammer, through the ceiling tiles from an next door business, prying the windows, prying the doors. Hiding inside and then throwing a heavy object through the window from the inside out.

Cutting the tops off fire proof safes with gas powered portable quickee abrasive saws.   Dragging vehicles down the street using chains and another vehicle.  

Been there and had all that done to us.

[sgrizzle]

I know TNT has a cellular based service to prevent the phone line cut. They also call the house, then my cell phone, before dispatching anyone.

[AMP]

Problem with the cell phone deal is if the thieves get a caller ID list if that line has ever phoned the main number.  Cell phones, wireless cameras, and other security equipment is easy to jam with a 5 watt hand held RF signal close to that frequency.

Social Engineering is typically the downfall of all types of alarm systems.  Many times there is an inside person that is providing info to those in the field.  

In one incident when our office was hit, the people doing the burglaries ring leader had worked for the alarm company and had a list of all the companies that were monitored by that firm and what types of alarms they had.  

Those guys simply went down the list going from business to business disarming the alarms and stealing items.  Believe when they finally were caught they had hit over 120 Tulsa businesses during their crime spree.  We lost 4,300 in cash, negotibles, safe and damage to our doors and alarm system and phone lines.

[Steve]

Quit wasting your money on alarm systems and get a dog with a loud bark!  Surveys and crime statistics have shown that a barking dog is much more of a burglar deterent than any electronic alarm system.  Many of my close neighbors have monitored alarms systems, and I have yet to see any police or human response to these alarms over the past 10 years when the alarms have been tripped.  Save your money and get a good guard dog, a good family pet and companion to boot.

[AMP]

I owned a trained German Shepard who was 5 years old.  I bought the dog from Cathy at Valiantdale Kennels, she breeds and trains dogs for several police departments.  My dog had access to the inside and outside of my home.  He was a super good guard dog with a very loud agressive bark.  Thieves broke the window on the rear door in the kitchen area during the day, and entered.  Cleaned out most of the house of anything of value, left out the front overhead garage door.  My dog was standing in the garage when I came home from work that day.  

I don't think there is a system that is 100% effective.  The sheriff told me that the majority of times in burglaries it is someone that lives nearby or that know you and knows your routine, alarm systems and dog.  So where an alarm or dog may deture the wandering down the street type thief from taking something out of your garage when you leave the door open at night, doubt if they will slow down or stop the wiser determined thieves.

Very smart man I once knew always said "Locks only slow down honest people."

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by AMP

Problem with the cell phone deal is if the thieves get a caller ID list if that line has ever phoned the main number.  Cell phones, wireless cameras, and other security equipment is easy to jam with a 5 watt hand held RF signal close to that frequency.

Social Engineering is typically the downfall of all types of alarm systems.  Many times there is an inside person that is providing info to those in the field.  

In one incident when our office was hit, the people doing the burglaries ring leader had worked for the alarm company and had a list of all the companies that were monitored by that firm and what types of alarms they had.  

Those guys simply went down the list going from business to business disarming the alarms and stealing items.  Believe when they finally were caught they had hit over 120 Tulsa businesses during their crime spree.  We lost 4,300 in cash, negotibles, safe and damage to our doors and alarm system and phone lines.

They make up 5% of the burglars. If you have half the houses on the block with alarm signs in the yard, they will go after the other half first. Bushes under windows are even known to deter burglars. Keep in mind, only 15% of burglars will even bother with a window if they can't get in the door.

[AMP]

Good idea, where do you get an alarm sign and those window stickers?

http://search.ebay.com/HOME-SECURITY-Signs-STICKERS-ALARM-DECALS-Brinks-ADT_W0QQfsiZ1QQsatitleZHOMEQ20SECURITYQ20SignsQ20Q26Q20STICKERSQ20ALARMQ20DECALSQ20Q20BrinksQ20ADT

http://www.betterhomesecurity.com/products.htm?ref=ag21a1