AD**** Security

ErnieDeBord

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Me & the Wife are semi-retiring soon. We plan to travel, We like to go to shooting matches, see the kids, etc etc. We are of modest means and want to keep & take care of what we have.My firearm collection is modest, but I have some very nice stuff that took me years to aquire. Things in this area are getting worse. Question to those of you that may have one. We are thinking about something like ADT system,basic package is 30 bucks a month, I also want to be able to view my "man cave" with my Iphone. Any pitfalls? Likes Dislikes? A dollar a day don't seem to bad..............Regards Ernie
 
We're happy with our ADT system - and also with the security patrol our homeowner's association hires.

Edited due to discussion that follows: also happy with the safes. ;)
 
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Do you have a safe to keep your valuables, guns, etc? If not, I would buy a safe before spending the money on a monitored security system. The safe can make it more difficult for things to be taken while a security system merely informs the security company when someone is in the house. At that point, you are relying on them or the police to get to the house before the thieves escape with your treasures. It is probably best to have a security system AND a safe if you can afford both.
 
Forgot to say, we live in a semi-remote area, have neighbors about 1/4-1/2 miles away, (good and bad). I know wont do good "after the fact" .I want the neighbors to know we have it,to help deter breakins, its been on my mind a LOT latey, As I said earlier, things are getting worse. Regards Ernie
 
I don't have a safe...............I would guess a decent one would start out at 1500? I been putting that off TOO LONG. Don't have that much extra cash rightnow, guess I better get it tho.But we have to much to put in a safe, but it would help. Regards
 
Ernie--I did not have one either--finally got a Liberty Fatboy-- single best money I ever spent. I can't recommended to you more strongly getting a safe. It is a dream knowing all your guns and ammo are stored, organized and locked away. Put some black powder in it (along with warning stickers) and any fool who tries to cut into will blow themselves to the moon. A local sheriff told me he has never seen one touched with black powder stickers. You will be amazed at how many other uses you find for it too--jewelry, documents, computer back-ups, knives, heirlooms, etc.
 
Ernie, I recommend both a safe and ADT. With ADT you can let them know when you leave and as soon as the alarm trips they will call the police. You can also have the length of time between when alarm sensors activate and when the alarm trips set very short. May not be much help but better than coming home to find things gone. The safe, as has been said will cost a trashie time. That's the one thing you don't want them to have.
 
Security systems are good. Safes are good. Only caveat to what you're considering is that any digital camera surveillance system that can be accessed by you via online connection can be accessed by any decent hacker, too, and of course by anyone in the security company that provides the system.

The risk of being "watched" increases significantly with this set-up.

Consider a closed outside/inside camera system that records to a main and backup hard drives secured in a safe, hidden location inside the house.
 
You also have to remember that a land line system can be defeated by cutting phone lines. A determined thief would just make a second trip and cut the line and silence the outdoor alarming device.

They cost more but the dual network systems work off cell phone sim cards. ADT I think has the wireless system or you can buy a self install system which you can get you own sim prepaid card, just make sure it's compatible. The home install systems are simple to install now a days just keep a eye on the batteries.

A safe and alarm are good first line defense against burgerlies but if they want in they will get in, just make sure you have your insurance up to date to cover any losses, and shut your water off if your going to gone awhile, you don't want to come home and find out a water hose broke and flooded your house. Also trail cameras set to record vehicles entering your property helps with identification of anyone or vehicle that might be suspicious.

A decent self install system Dual network on Amazon cost around $389. You own it, monitor yourself, which ADT is only monitoring and if a problem they notify LEO which you can do your self and the self install system will also notify up to 6 numbers so you can have it call you and someone you trust near your house so they can watch the driveway and record vehicle and tag numbers if some one leaves.

Here is one from Amazon

Amazon.com : PiSECTOR 3G/4G Cellular & Landline All in one Wireless Security Alarm System DIY kit with Dual Network for Simultaneous Double Protection GS08-M20 : Home Security Systems : Camera & Photo
 
I have to laugh when I see the ADT commercial on TV where the operator sees the burglar on camera and says 'Intruder, leave the premises now'---and he leaves. If he has the balls to kick your door in without knowing whether someone is home or not, the operator's harsh command isn't going to drive him away.
Get the safe and several trail cameras, which are on 24/7and record in both visual and infrared ranges. Then, if you have the money and the inclination, get the security monitoring system. It just seems like alot of continual monthly bills for not much protection to me.
 
A good supplement to surveillance of your collection is to also make the guns difficult to even *find* in the first place. AKA "hide in plain sight".

Some thoughts on this topic:
http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/hiding-guns-in-your-home/
Secret Rooms Secret Compartments: Jerry Dzindzeleta: 9780967113906: Amazon.com: Books

I bought a trailer back when. The guy that built up the property had lots of hidden compartments. I was siting there on day and my friend found one purely by accident. I think the guy was a boat builder from the way he did things.

It was a cool little trailer built in '59. Real wood and quite well made, the only problem was the wiring. It was scary.
 
Safe, Huskies, German Shepards, and Rotweiler's roaming in the acreage left to eat what they kill while your gone should do it, and guarantee you a warm welcome home.
 
Well again, this place is the greatest (Sip included)! I think a safe is gonna be a must, Adt? I dunno maybe a extra bill for nothing........Yall gave me some insight I hadn't tought off. I really don't want the extra monthly bill. More thinking to do. My Insurance prob aint the best there is, I better ck on that! I am after peace of mind when where away ( I have to take the wife SOMETIMES!) regards Ernie
 
buy a bigger safe than you need at the moment. they have a way of filling up.
 
We have a safe anchored in a closet of a spare bedroom. Guns and computers go in when we go camping. ADT basic package, turn on and leave. I don't see a need for the package that allows for camera views

What are you gonna do if your hours away, watching someone shopping in your house?
 
Get good insurance to cover your guns.

One thing about a monitored alarm is that you can get a discount from most insurance companies if you have a smoke detector. Might pay for the monitoring.

Check with the BBB concerning the local alarm companies and check around before buying a system.
 
I would trust a safe more than the fellers at ADT.
 
What are you gonna do if your hours away, watching someone shopping in your house?

Well, officer...evidence? ;)

Well if you see them you could call your local LEO and report a break in and when they get there after a hour or two then you can use Hapworth suggestion if you have recording capabilities. Sure would beat getting into a gunfight over stuff and spending lots of money for a lawyer.
 
Here are some facts.

ADT is the biggest but not necessarily the best. Shop around.

Safe's can be defeated or carted off. Even when bolted down.

Cameras are almost useless if you're not there to monitor them.

As mentioned previously, do both. Invest in a good safe and get an alarm system. Don't put too much faith in one over the other.

Record all serial numbers on items of value. Photo items without serial numbers. Keep such information safe.
 
Don't get Vivent....

Me & the Wife are semi-retiring soon. We plan to travel, We like to go to shooting matches, see the kids, etc etc. We are of modest means and want to keep & take care of what we have.My firearm collection is modest, but I have some very nice stuff that took me years to aquire. Things in this area are getting worse. Question to those of you that may have one. We are thinking about something like ADT system,basic package is 30 bucks a month, I also want to be able to view my "man cave" with my Iphone. Any pitfalls? Likes Dislikes? A dollar a day don't seem to bad..............Regards Ernie

Vivents national service is good, but their local service is non existent. They've been subject of a lot of accusations of shady activity. We now have Power Home/ Monotronics and we are pleased with the service and they are much more visible, available and up front than Vivent ever was. Vivent used to be APX and they were even stupid about how they handled that. I could go on, but no use...
 
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Huskies, German Shepards, and Rotweiler's roaming in the acreage

Unless they are specially trained, dogs can usually be distracted with food. Or, to be more direct, they can be shot in the head with a long-barreled 22 rifle and one of the quieter flavors of ammo.
 
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