Hoping to find some recommendations for security systems, both self and third party monitored for an acreage. I know we have a fair amount of acreage folks on the site, so hoping to learn from your experiences as I’m doing my own reasearch too.
Honestly a security system is basically useless because of response times. When our acreage was broken into my dad got some ADT signs and put them up as a minimal deterrent. Cameras would probably help but mostly keep valuables locked up out of sight.
Depends a bit on your layout. If your driveway is the only access then you can do something with a gate. But you do have to leave easy access for emergencies (no special knowledge or tools to open it).
Mine was just broken into a few weeks ago and my simple home alarm with a loud horn kept their visit short. They didn't really get anything, left some really obviously valuable stuff too so I think it scared them off.
I'm adding cameras now. That was the number one thing the RC's told me. Camera's in obvious locations keep people out. I had noticed foot prints around the house a few days before the break in. So I think they may have been looking for cameras and alarms.
My son put in a fairly high end security camera system on their place. They can monitor pretty much the whole acreage remotely. It's kind of funny - they planted a garden last year - one morning they looked out and it was completely destroyed. They went back to look at the camera footage and found that it was a pack of gofers that took out the garden.
I'm going to do the same thing with my place. It's no use getting a security monitoring company such as ADT, because it would take the police way too long to get to our place.
As mentioned above - good lighting and a big dog also work wonders. Also a shot gun in case they want more than just your stuff - ie - want to cause you bodily harm.
Serious response - good lighting, as well as motion sensor lighting, and a German Shepherd or two.
Have a gun in your house to fire some warning shots if the dog doesn't scare them off.
I thought you said serious?
Warning shots are a bad idea, not legal in most jurisdictions, which could lead to criminal charges. You are responsible for every round that leaves the barrel, and if there is a person down range when you discharge your weapon, you could be charged for your actions. Since you knowingly discharged your weapon, with intent, that could be construed as reckless endangerment up to attempted murder, depending how close you come to the individual. Never fire a warning shot. This is not a John Wayne movie. You're better off to drop the person where they are, and try explaining to the authorities how you were protecting yourself.
Best security? Signs, motion activated lights, cameras, a big dog or two, and an escape plan. Gun being the last course of action, and only if you have castle laws in place.
Security options for acreage
