any good experience with Alarm companies?

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

I've always been a skeptic. Other than a sticker on your window I'm not sure what they do for you.

But with the new house a few years back one was thrown in and the monitoring was cheap, so we did it. My wife liked the idea as well, so that never hurts. (it's not as cheap anymore)

A little while back though I got a call from my alarm company that confirmed my suspicion.

I'm out with the wife and kiddies and my cell rings. It's the alarm co saying my basement window alarm has been tripped. The chance of this being an actual break in on a Sat afternoon in my neighborhood are slim and none, but whatever.

Then they ask what I want to do. I say I don;t know, they are the alarm company, what do they suggest?

She says they can send a car (part of the service I pay for)...if I want...and it's pretty clear she doesn't really want to do that.

I say hell yes. It might be a one in a million chance I'm being robbed but that's what this silly thing is for right.

She says ok, it'll take at least 30 mins. 30 mins! By that time I'd be cleaned out (or chopped into little bits if we were home).

So then I ask what would have happened if I did not answer her call. Turns out they try the house and cell, and if there is no answer they leave a message. That's it. I suppose if the axe-weilding home invader my wife is afraid of is good enough to answer and request the cops, we'll be ok.

In the end I went home, shut off the alarm, and when the guard didn't show after about 45 mins called and cancelled it so we could go back out.

So, now I'm deciding between cancelling the whole shot, or just switching companies.

Does anyone have an alarm company that actually does something, or are they all like this?

[REDVAN]

I am unsure about alarm companies too... we don't use one.

At first, I would say to try another company if it is very important to your wife.

[Daryei]

good luck cancelling. I had to sign a 4-yeal contract, moved to England after 1 year, and am still paying for the damn thing. they want their full contract price, period.

[Bobblehead]

I've wondered the same thing. The "monthly monitoring fee" is the thing that gets me. $20+ a month and all they will do is call?

"Yeah, we're just letting you know you are being robbed. Thank you for your patronage."

I think I'd rather just have something that makes a loud noise for 2 or 3 minutes and gives the neighbours a reason to take a look.

[604flames]

"call 1-800-267-2001... Alarmforce!"

[Mccree]

We use Voxcom...I think it is a waste of money but if the Wife likes it, I guess we need it.

Happy wife = Happy home

[Nufy]

I still have the stickers on my basement windows from the previous owner's alarm system.

Three years and no issues.......That I know of........

5 Yeasr in my previous house and no issues as well.

Maybe I just don't have anything worth stealing............

[SeeGeeWhy]

We're putting a Chubb system into our place for the fire monitoring aspect alone. 99% of the theft deterrance of an alarm system can be duplicated with a handful of stickers, false bars on the windows, and a fake keypad near the door... and a dog with a loud bark.

Alarmforce system sucks. It's a box that they connect to your phone line and then plug into the wall. Then they hide the box under a couch or something.. Wow... seamless.

[Ryan Coke]

Interesting, I've been having this debate too. Since I just hate the never-ending monthly fees (I have enough already), I am leaning towards a system that makes a bunch of noise and flashing lights, and then calls up to 5 phone numbers that you want. Sounds like this is almost the same as what we get for the monitoring fee, just without the $30 a month.

On a related note, I have a real issue with door-to-door alarm salespeople that the first thing they want to know is if you already have a system in your house. Seems like a great way to decide where you would hit next as a thief.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Ha. So everyone gets screwed the same way? Well that makes me feel....better.

Fortunately, the contract is long over. I pay in advance but they have no hooks in me.

Forgot about the fire insurance. Wonder what that's worth.

What's the system that calls 5 numbers...that might be good. Who want's to be in my 5? CP alarm services. I'll check your house out if the alarm goes. You check mine. And we'll all save $300 a year.

[arsenal]

Originally Posted by Bend it like Bourgeois

What's the system that calls 5 numbers...that might be good. Who want's to be in my 5? CP alarm services. I'll check your house out if the alarm goes. You check mine. And we'll all save $300 a year.

Not at my rates buddy