Are home security systems worth the cost?

Seeking Advice
1

I own a $250k house in a neighborhood with very little crime. Still, I feel like it would be responsible to invest in something to protect my property and safety. I’m not interested in owning a gun, so I think a home security system might be the best option.

Does anyone have experience with home security systems? Are they worth it? I was looking at Frontpoint, which costs $35/month. I can afford it, but I don’t want to spend the money if it’s unnecessary.

2

Remington makes great home security systems! I actually have the Remington 870 security system myself.

On a serious note, I don’t think a home security system is necessary if you live in a low-crime area. However, if it helps you sleep better at night, go for it. Some home insurance companies even offer discounts if you have a security subscription, so check into that.

3

@leecole3
I thought you were talking about this for a second!

4

Terrance said:
@leecole3
I thought you were talking about this for a second!

I actually thought Remington made both guns and home security systems until I Googled it.

5

Terrance said:
@leecole3
I thought you were talking about this for a second!

Sorry, I couldn’t resist the joke. But it’s funny that there’s actually a company named Remington making real home security systems.

By the way, I also put security stickers on my house and a sign in the yard, even though I don’t have a monitoring subscription.

6

@leecole3
Honestly, the stickers and signs are probably the best deterrents!

7

Terrance said:
@leecole3
Honestly, the stickers and signs are probably the best deterrents!

That’s my thinking too. If someone breaks in, the system won’t necessarily stop them. It might alert the police, but they still have time to grab things. It really depends on where you live and what’s in your house.

8

@leecole3
How does the Remington 870 system work when you’re not at home?

9

securetheperimeter said:
@leecole3
How does the Remington 870 system work when you’re not at home?

No system is perfect. Even with a security system, someone could still break in and steal things. But at least when you’re home, you can protect yourself and your family. Plus, this ‘system’ doesn’t have a monthly fee!

10

I work in security, and alarms are great for peace of mind and scaring off lazy thieves. But here are some practical tips that don’t require a monthly fee:

  1. Keep your house well-lit. Install landscape lighting near doors and windows to deter thieves.
  2. Lock the door from your garage to the house. Garage door remotes can be copied easily unless you upgrade to encrypted ones.
  3. Be cautious about who you invite inside. Many burglaries are committed by people who’ve been in the house recently.
  4. Reinforce your doors with longer screws for the strike plates to prevent them from being kicked in.
  5. Use light timers or randomizers to make it look like someone’s home. They’re cheap and effective.
  6. Install a good video system. Avoid the cheap ones at big box stores. Speco cameras are a good option, but professional installation is worth it.

Hope this helps!

11

@JANE123
Do you have a link to a good light randomizer? I love that idea.

12

leecole3 said:
@JANE123
Do you have a link to a good light randomizer? I love that idea.

Here’s one I recommend: Robot or human?. It’s simple and works well.

13

I thought I didn’t need a security system because I live in a great neighborhood. Then someone broke in, stole $85k worth of stuff, and caused $20k in damage. Now I have a system that cost $1,200 to install and $215/year to monitor.

$35/month seems high, though. Just keep in mind, a security system is more of a deterrent than a guarantee.

14

I installed SimpliSafe after two neighbors were burglarized, even though a sheriff lives nearby. It’s affordable, with no contracts, and includes smoke detector monitoring, which is great if you have pets.

We live in an upper-middle-class neighborhood, and burglars still target our area. Better safe than sorry.

15

If you need active monitoring that alerts the police, you’ll need something like Frontpoint. For passive options like alarms or security cameras, you can buy those separately. Many still offer real-time alerts without a monthly fee.

16

Honestly, the best security system is a dog. Burglars hate attention and will move on to easier targets.