Question: We are shopping for home security and the two major services offered in our
area are Brinks and ADT. Does anyone have any personal experience with
either of these companies mind sharing their opinions?
Answer:First of all, we used ADT, since we got an installation and monitoring
discount through our insurance company. We've been very satisfied
with the equipment and monitoring, having only a minor problem with
on-site service due to a scheduling error in the local office.
Make sure you've got good deadbolts on the doors, good locks on the
lower floor windows, shrubbery trimmed so that windows aren't hidden,
and external motion detector lights. Then, you can consider an alarm
system. We chose a motion detector, two smoke alarms, door sensors,
glass break sensors, external horn, and a monitored service.
When considering an alarm system, the primary goal is deterrence, not
necessarily protection. You want a burglar or home invader to go
somewhere else. You don't need to go overboard with the fanciest
gadgets.
No matter how good your system is, it can be defeated or ignored, if
the gain is worthwhile. If you've got your house surrounded by a
battalion of Marines, I can get in ... it just would take a regiment
to do it.
