Home security systems?

[bldv45]

I am looking for the right kind of home security system as my neighbour's house was broken in and that really freaks me. I don’t want to take a chance and want to install a home video surveillance system that has smartphone access at the earliest. Now I am looking for the right kind of security system for my house. I contacted many security service providers but they all don’t fit my budget or either have to much accessories that I think I need to have. While googling I came to know about Protection Plus and found it very interesting with the right kind of security devices at reasonable prices. But before I can hire I am looking for your personal opinions and experiences with them. Any ideas and suggestions are most welcome!

[gerapau]

How long have you been working for them?

[Dellwoodking]

Originally Posted by gerapau

How long have you been working for them?

LOL!! Good catch!!

[GreyingJay]

Terrible. Stay far far far away from them!

Just kidding. No actual experience with them. But clearly you're trolling for them, so I thought it was only fair...

[suezuki650]

I'm not sure what city you're in, but if you are in the Ottawa area, I'd suggest talking to these guys:
http://www.homemetal.com/
Don't judge them on the quality of their website, but do have a read of some of the info they have.

I've had them set up my last two places. You pay for the equipment but they maintain it and replace defective items for free as long as you are monitored through them which is a reasonable $16 including tax.

Be wary of companies that offer "free" systems but then you have to spend huge amounts monthly.

My new home will have a system that doesn't use a landline (cause I'm ditching that) and I'm hoping to add some more home automation items to the package.

[GreyingJay]

Originally Posted by suezuki650

http://www.homemetal.com/
Don't judge them on the quality of their website,

Thanks for that. I have seen them mentioned multiple times on this forum in the past, and all good things, but nothing has popped up lately, and frankly their website looks like it was last updated years ago. Wasn't even sure they were still around!

Will likely give them a call.

[WellThatsLovely]

How do cameras provide any kind of protection or security?

[suezuki650]

The only benefits I see to a camera are:
a) picture of the person who broke in
b) a way to see who is outside your door (with some systems you can see who is outside your door from your phone, even when you aren't at home, which is cool).

Personally I look at a home security system as a deterrent to burglars. If the house is making a lot of noise, most thieves will go find an easier target. I don't need a picture of them.

On the other hand, I'm toying with having some way to see who is outside but that may be my like of gadgets more than a real necessity.

p.s. I also have a very large dog which I think is a pretty good deterrent

[GregS]

Originally Posted by WellThatsLovely

How do cameras provide any kind of protection or security?

They don't anymore than an alarm system.

Alarm systems tell you something has happened after it has already happened.

Cameras show you what has happened after it has already happened.

Neither one prevent anything.

However if you want to know if something did happen an alarm can alert you and the camera will allow you to see what was going on.