With home burglaries on the rise, do you feel secure with your current camera or security setup? Can it actually help stop an intruder? Or is it more of a warning system? And what happens if it doesn’t activate right when you need it?
Cameras and sensors alert you and can scare people off, but they won’t physically stop anyone. You need stuff like stronger doors and locks for that.
It’s like mixing up warning with real protection; they’re just different tools.
@Fortness
Yeah, makes sense! Any specific reinforcement ideas you’d recommend?
Yep, it’s one piece of a bigger system. I keep my alerts on low – I don’t need pings for people walking by or deliveries. Only if someone’s right near my house, like 10 feet or closer, and it’s nighttime.
I have PoE cameras hooked to a UPS backup, all secured in a locked server rack in my basement. With security glass on my windows and a solid alarm, I get time to check cameras and act if someone tries to get in. Alarms go off, notifications pop up – if they kick a door or hit a window, I’ll know right away.
For me, it’s about gaining time to keep my family safe, monitor, and if needed, be ready to defend my home.
@Roberto
Got it, but what about false alarms? Don’t they get annoying?
felix said:
@Roberto
Got it, but what about false alarms? Don’t they get annoying?
False alarms don’t just annoy people; over time, people ignore them and get less alert. Then when a real alarm happens, they don’t respond fast enough. It’s risky.
@Roberto
What kind of laminate are you using? Are these special windows, or can you add laminate to regular ones? I’m planning to redo my windows soon and want extra security.
Peter said:
@Roberto
What kind of laminate are you using? Are these special windows, or can you add laminate to regular ones? I’m planning to redo my windows soon and want extra security.
Mine are the 1/4-inch laminated glass ones, with the laminate sealed between the glass. The films you can add yourself aren’t as strong – they’re more of a quick fix.
If you’re not in a hurricane-prone area, you’ll need to order them special. In some places, though, they’re part of the building code.
People around here don’t seem to care much. If someone trespasses, you’ll see it, but that’s about it.
Francis said:
People around here don’t seem to care much. If someone trespasses, you’ll see it, but that’s about it.
What if you could pay for someone to monitor your property? Would that help at all?
Unless your camera’s armed with something like pepper spray, it’s not going to physically stop anyone.
janiceyelth said:
Unless your camera’s armed with something like pepper spray, it’s not going to physically stop anyone.
Haha, I actually heard of someone attaching pepper spray to a camera once!
If someone wants to break in, they probably will, but cameras can give you time to see what’s up. My system has alerts that wake me up and say ‘Backyard, backyard!’ so I can check if someone’s outside before they reach the door. Alarms help too, because if they break in, it’ll sound right away, giving you a heads up to act.
Cameras also help when I’m at work to keep an eye on things, especially in areas where strangers might be passing by. It’s better than being clueless and finding out after it’s too late.
@Alex
Thanks! So would you say the alarm is more crucial than the camera?
felix said:
@Alex
Thanks! So would you say the alarm is more crucial than the camera?
Both are important, but also think about securing the perimeter with something like a tall fence. Make your place a bit tougher to get into so they go somewhere else. I’ve got burglar bars on the windows and strong doors – it’s all about slowing them down so the alarm can alert you. It costs, but it helps protect your home and stuff.
I went through a home invasion, and the big lesson was that I can’t stop someone from getting in. All I can control is how quickly I know they’re inside and how long I can keep them from getting to us.
@Sophie
I’m really sorry to hear that; I’ve been through it too, which is why I’m here looking for advice. Have you found any tips that make you feel more in control?
Yeah, definitely.