Home security options

[JMDavis]

So my wife and I recently moved into our own home for the first time, and everything is great.

However one thing that still worries her is just the security of the house while we're away. So I've been considering putting in an alarm company like ADT.

But trying to get a hold of these people and compare options is a nightmare. There's no quotes, estimates or options. You literally just get chucked on to a phone with a sales consultant who is just pushing you into picking something instead of helping you see the bigger picture.

So I was wondering if any of you could help me with who may be the best option to go with? And does anyone have a list of pricing per month and initial installation by any chance? Or at least what they paid/are paying for their current options. Its not a big house, essentially 3 rooms, a lounge and a garage that would need any kind of coverage with maybe a beam outside.

Most previous conversations on the matter seem to be outdated and contain rather old pricing.

Appreciate any feedback on the matter.

 

[powermzii]

So my wife and I recently moved into our own home for the first time, and everything is great.

However one thing that still worries her is just the security of the house while we're away. So I've been considering putting in an alarm company like ADT.

But trying to get a hold of these people and compare options is a nightmare. There's no quotes, estimates or options. You literally just get chucked on to a phone with a sales consultant who is just pushing you into picking something instead of helping you see the bigger picture.

So I was wondering if any of you could help me with who may be the best option to go with? And does anyone have a list of pricing per month and initial installation by any chance? Or at least what they paid/are paying for their current options. Its not a big house, essentially 3 rooms, a lounge and a garage that would need any kind of coverage with maybe a beam outside.

Most previous conversations on the matter seem to be outdated and contain rather old pricing.

Appreciate any feedback on the matter.

Where are you located? Most of the pricing could be area dependent.

Paying R350/m for armed response in PTA East - alarm and beams got installed prior - the company just installed their radio. Response is pretty quick too. Also have an Olarm module so can arm / disarm the alarm using my phone remotely

 

[PsYTraNc3]

Look around for other smaller security companies who operate in your area.
Chances are that they would do more regular patrols than ADT and would offer better rates for the installation

 

[Lupus]

Depending on the area, do a drive around see which is the most common security companies, pick one of those. they will generally have more cars and units on the road.

 

[JMDavis]

Currently in PTA East in the Equestria area.

Most of the cars I see on the road seem to belong to a security company called Kabod, but don't really know much about them. Them seem to be more for area security than for personal home security.

Do you mind me asking who you're with for the 350 a month?

Most people I've talked to about this in the area say they even recommend just putting in your own DIY security system and attaching it to one of those panic button armed responses. But honestly this just feels like anything could go wrong if I were to mess up even the slightest thing if you ask me.

 

[Saba'a]

I had Fidelity ADT. After 1st 2 salesmen gave crap standard quotes, I escalated and got a rep who did a proper assessment and quote.

There are various types of external beams. Need to use right one to avoid false alarms.

 

[alanB]

Basic Principles & Elements of Home Security – Self Reliance

selfreliance.co.za

 

[powermzii]

Currently in PTA East in the Equestria area.

Most of the cars I see on the road seem to belong to a security company called Kabod, but don't really know much about them. Them seem to be more for area security than for personal home security.

Do you mind me asking who you're with for the 350 a month?

Most people I've talked to about this in the area say they even recommend just putting in your own DIY security system and attaching it to one of those panic button armed responses. But honestly this just feels like anything could go wrong if I were to mess up even the slightest thing if you ask me.

With Bull Security

Not sure if they extend all the way to Equestria side though. Also a good idea to get onto the CPF whatsapp group for the area, get to know neighbours and have a vigilant eye

 

[Corelli]

Invest in some TP Link Tapo Cameras. They connect to wifi, and get a 128gb memory card for looper recording. Works great and you can talk to the robbers and save images offline. Your phone is also triggered with a message when there is movement.

We ditched ADT, we used to pay R300pm with them. But honestly havent hard a breakin in 10 years.

 

[Corelli]

Currently in PTA East in the Equestria area.

Most of the cars I see on the road seem to belong to a security company called Kabod, but don't really know much about them. Them seem to be more for area security than for personal home security.

Do you mind me asking who you're with for the 350 a month?

Most people I've talked to about this in the area say they even recommend just putting in your own DIY security system and attaching it to one of those panic button armed responses. But honestly this just feels like anything could go wrong if I were to mess up even the slightest thing if you ask me.

Works like a charm. But you can either go TP Link Tapo or EZVIZ (that c3x is really good). We have some in the yard and inside the house ie lounge etc.

 

[chrisc]

I’d suggest you call Spectrum Security who are suppliers and ask them for the names of reliable installers who service your area

ADT used to be very good, but their methods have all been automated so much that unless you are a big spender like a large shop, etc, you get the offer of the month

 

[The_MAC]

Buy a Paradox Wireless System, and install it yourself. Then get the best local security company in the area as mentioned to just come and install the radio link.

I can suggest DSD Security for the Paradox System, they will set it up, program it, you literally just need to connect 6 wires, power it up and mount the beams and sensors, it's half a days work and you save quite a bit of money.

Dynamic Security Distributors

5 Migmatite Dr, Zwartkop, Centurion, 0046
012 643 1333

https://g.co/kgs/np7cHT

 

[lexor]

I'm not a security expert but during the course of my work I often deal with victims of house robberies(or the family of the deceased victims).

This made me a bit paranoid about safety "while inside the house" , even though we stay in a rather safe area in the Western Cape.
If you get this right you will also be better secured when you are away.
Although I would prefer them breaking in while I'm not at home ( can always replace items and claim from insurance).

My setup ( far from perfect but works for me) :

• Spotlights around my house
• few wifi cameras outside - linked to phone
• electric fencing
• Roboguard sensors outside
• alarm system inside
• sleeping areas secured with burglar bars in front of the entire windows
• security gate in passage to keep sleeping areas separated from rest of house
• licensed radio, directly linked to security companies in my area
• some items to protect myself and family with
• belong to "emergence only" whatsapp group for our area.
• belong to Outsurance SOS service
• dogs - inside and out

At least I sleep better with all this in place.

No, I don't live in fear or feel like a caged dog at night .
I will rather over secure than having regrets later.
They can steal my stuff but not touch my family.

 

[dusi]

One of the best deterrents is security cameras. Criminals are more reluctant to break in if there are cameras always watching, no cameras means no recording of evidence, and less chance of prosecution.

 

[The_Traveller]

Quad4 Security Solutions > Home

www.quad4security.co.za

 

[MidnightZA]

I'm not a security expert but during the course of my work I often deal with victims of house robberies(or the family of the deceased victims).

This made me a bit paranoid about safety "while inside the house" , even though we stay in a rather safe area in the Western Cape.
If you get this right you will also be better secured when you are away.
Although I would prefer them breaking in while I'm not at home ( can always replace items and claim from insurance).

My setup ( far from perfect but works for me) :

• Spotlights around my house
• few wifi cameras outside - linked to phone
• electric fencing
• Roboguard sensors outside
• alarm system inside
• sleeping areas secured with burglar bars in front of the entire windows
• security gate in passage to keep sleeping areas separated from rest of house
• licensed radio, directly linked to security companies in my area
• some items to protect myself and family with
• belong to "emergence only" whatsapp group for our area.
• belong to Outsurance SOS service
• dogs - inside and out

At least I sleep better with all this in place.

No, I don't live in fear or feel like a caged dog at night .
I will rather over secure than having regrets later.
They can steal my stuff but not touch my family.

Good list. Id also suggest 24h active passives inside the ceiling if single floor premises.

Entry by removing roof panels has become a common trend in a few places. Happened to 3 of our neighbors within the last 2 years give or take

Edit: Also slam lock gates, you will never forget to lock your gates and you can quickly lock your gates behind you if you notice some suspicious activity when entering the house. Thieves can sit in the bushes waiting for someone to disarm the alarm and unlock the doors/gates

 

[deweyzeph]

Buy a Paradox Wireless System, and install it yourself. Then get the best local security company in the area as mentioned to just come and install the radio link.

I can suggest DSD Security for the Paradox System, they will set it up, program it, you literally just need to connect 6 wires, power it up and mount the beams and sensors, it's half a days work and you save quite a bit of money.

Dynamic Security Distributors

5 Migmatite Dr, Zwartkop, Centurion, 0046
012 643 1333

https://g.co/kgs/np7cHT

Excellent advice. Paradox alarm systems are up there with the best. They are not cheap that's for sure, but the quality of the equipment is worth the cost. And it's pretty easy to install it yourself and program it with Babyware on your laptop. Set it up exactly how you want it, and get a security company to install the radio link.

 

[The_MAC]

Excellent advice. Paradox alarm systems are up there with the best. They are not cheap that's for sure, but the quality of the equipment is worth the cost. And it's pretty easy to install it yourself and program it with Babyware on your laptop. Set it up exactly how you want it, and get a security company to install the radio link.

All my beams are also wireless, and it has been so handy. I have moved a few beams multiple times until I hit the sweet spot in terms of detection and false alarms, like only later noticing that the beam is exactly in line with a cat route etc. I have also renovated my home by adding rooms, the wireless system is so easy to place the beams in new locations. It's super flexible

 

[Saba'a]

Where are you located? Most of the pricing could be area dependent.

Paying R350/m for armed response in PTA East - alarm and beams got installed prior - the company just installed their radio. Response is pretty quick too. Also have an Olarm module so can arm / disarm the alarm using my phone remotely

Thanks for sharing. Approached ADT Fidelity and got a better rate! Starting October.

 

[Lupus]

One of the best deterrents is security cameras. Criminals are more reluctant to break in if there are cameras always watching, no cameras means no recording of evidence, and less chance of prosecution.

Sadly not true, they just that the dvr if it's one of those.