Security on a Budget!

7993 Views 29 Replies 18 Participants Last post by manChild_762, May 2, 2009

ministerofdeath

Discussion Starter · Jan 15, 2006

Alot of us don't have the dough to shell out for an ADT, Brinks, etc. security system and service so I thought I'd start a thread where we could share what kind of cheap security devices we use and work well for us.

I've invested in some door/window contact alarms and have found that they are very loud (90 db), but have draw backs in that they are kept in place with sticky tape that can contract when it gets really cold and fall off. Had one door contact alarm fall off at 3am once and had a chance to see what a home intrusion would be like as the alarm was screaming. The other draw back to them is that its impossible to leave the house and set them without having them scream super loud until you get the door closed. Oh yeah, and if you have them set while you're gone and somebody trips them off you better hope it scares them off, because there is no signal to you or the police sent.

Anyways, I know there are alot of cheap security cameras at wally world and other things like motion detectors and alarms that can be purchased for little money so please share what ya know and maybe learn something new as well.

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jimmythesaint

· #10 · Jan 17, 2006

FightDesigner said:
I've wondered about our garage door sometimes, since you can get in through there to my shop if either I don't lock the chain I installed or if you don't mind smashing though a hollow-core door... and from there you could get into the bedroom.

How hard is it to get into one of those automatic garage doors? How secure are the codes for that?

Hate to say it, but if you don't mind breaking things, most houses aren't that hard to get in to.

Actually, if you have windows in your garage door, it's extremely easy because most people leave the pull rope attached. So, theif breaks window, reaches through and pulls release... garage door's open.

There are alternatives to the big ADT/Brinks type company. Look for small local companies who don't charge an arm and a leg for monitoring. You get the same coverage, but for half the price. I have a friend who's company charges 16.95 per month as opposed to ADT's 30+ per month here in Denver. Plus, with the discount on HOI, monitoring costs like ten bucks a month. Skip McD's a couple of times, and your house is protected.

Also, like mentioned before, visual deterents (sp?) are the best front line of security. Most, and I stress most, home burglaries are targets of opportunity. If thieves are canvassing a neighborhood, are they going to attempt a breakin on a house with what they perceive as an alarm, or go next door where there isn't one?

So, long story short... Good exterior lighting, quality locks, minimal blind spots (trim those shrubs), and a sign or two will go a long way without breaking the bank or shedding all over your couch 8)

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