Asklemmy

When looking to secure your house, you should use a "defense in depth" strategy of which an alarm can be part of it but I don't think you should solely count on an alarm to keep you safe. Many crooks can kick in your front door, get in, go through your bedroom, and be out in five minutes well before anyone can get there and do anything.

So it could help, but only as one part of a multi-pronged strategy.

An alarm that makes noise (but doesn't necessarily call the cops) can help if someone breaks in and you are home (which, IMO, is the best argument for it) or even to encourage them to get in and out quickly as they know they've called attention to themselves.

You want to do several things that will deter a burglar so most just decide that your house is not worth the effort. This is no guarantee (as there are some stupid but opportunistic criminals out there) but for example:

• not having hedges that hide entry points to your house
• getting a dog that barks
• not establishing routines that say "I'm not home" (like, for example, your garage door is always open when you are home but only shut when you leave)
• don't leave boxes out front that had expensive things, etc..
• Make sure your house is well lit
• Lights on a timer when you are away
• Security Cameras or even fake alarm signs
• Don't leave your garage door open unattended
• Don't leave valuables in your car
• Good locks and a strong doorframe

None of these things will stop a burglar, but a combination of things may make them think that your neighbor is a better target. And, regardless, have good insurance.

If someone does break in, don't keep valuables in your bedroom/main closet or bath as that is the room most likely to get tossed. Have a safe in an obscure place that bolted down (like under the sink in a bathroom), or maybe have something a little valuable out in the open so they grab that and run.

Aside from cost, there is also privacy to consider. Subscription home alarm systems don't fit into my threat model, personally. I focus on hardening physical access points as compared to my neighbors, and good insurance.

Just like how I only need to outrun my hiking buddy instead of trying to outrun the bear, my house simply needs to look like a more challenging target with lower yield than my neighbors. I am not going to get robbed when my neighbor leaves their patio door unlocked with valuables visible through their always-open windows.

Nah. I live in the middle of nowhere, so it'd just be an annoyance with no benefit.

I haven't locked my front door or car in years.

I have an external camera facing the front entrance to our property, and then some motion detection cameras inside, one pointing at each external door.

They don’t dial anywhere, just recording to surveillance rated SD cards. I have an option for them to call my phone when motion is detected, and I tried that out, it works fine. I only turn that in if we’re staying away from home.

This seems to be suitable for our area.

i guess that would depend on if you have a lot of home break ins in your area and if you a gone from home a lot.

Alarm systems keep honest people honest. The actual career criminals can bypass it easily if they want to.

Your smoke alarms and CO sensors could also be integrated into the system, which is why we have a monthly service. The panels usually have buttons to directly dispatch Fire/EMS/Police if needed.

Security systems might get you insurance discounts too. But I've been of the assumption most break-ins will be opportunistic (unlocked entry points or things laying around). Even fake signs and cameras can help be deterrents. Only people I've personally known with problems though were either vehicle break-ins or stolen packages.

I've got the Ring set up and it was pretty cheap along with a few stick up cameras on the exterior. Been nice when I got on vacation and lowered my home insurance. Lots of similar ecosystems. Also, bedside pistol safe and family code word.