[erdocdd]

Recently had an attempted break-in.

Have an ADT alarm system. Was wondering if anyone could suggest a home protection service- someone to look at doors, windows, etc.
I'm in the Tampa area.

Need something to protect the home when I'm not there with my little buddies.

 

[Paladin]

I can't answer you question but I can express my displeasure with ADT. I finally dropped them as they would take too long to call or not call at all when the alarm was activated. I have no use for them.

 

[NkmG19]

I use Brinks and they are on the money when it comes to monitoring. They call all contact numbers as soon as the alarm goes off. If they get no answer then 911 gets the call.

 

[Paladin]

Thanks NkmG19. I've seen the Brinks commercials and I didn't believe them based on my experiences with ADT. It's good to hear your experience and I'll look some more at what Brinks offers.

 

[RadTek]

Sorry I didn't catch this thread sooner...

I'll add one more positive vote toward Brinks. I've had them for the last 7 years, in two different homes....they've always been Johnny-on-the-spot when it comes to calling on alarms. Their equipment is tops as well IMHO. The only issue I've ever had is, one evening, somehow the cat managed to snatch one of the door sensors off the bottom of a door. Brinks was out the next day and not only repaired it, moved it to the top of the door. Which, naturally, meant rerouting the wire... :thumsup

 

[FireCracker]

Your local LEO will send someone to eval your security.

 

[OLDJEEP813]

A good locksmith will also give some advise. Of course first they are gonna mention good deadbolts on all exterior doors that function properly. Window locks, also exterior lighting, keep bushes trimmed down so as not to provide cover for people trying to get into your house. Things like that. Good Luck I'm gonna send you a PM

 

[boyscoutgunguy]

My service is the shotgun in the closet and the pistol under my bed:ak

 

[J T]

My service is the shotgun in the closet and the pistol under my bed:ak

You never leave the house?

 

[timo]

Recently had an attempted break-in.

Have an ADT alarm system. Was wondering if anyone could suggest a home protection service- someone to look at doors, windows, etc.
I'm in the Tampa area.

Need something to protect the home when I'm not there with my little buddies.

I have had Brinks for a few years, and their service is fine. I am looking at replacing them, however, because they require a land-line phone for monitoring. I want a system that will use either cellular service or internet/IP based monitoring, and they don't offer it. Right now I'm paying for a landline just for Brinks, which essentially doubles the cost of the alarm.

 

[timo]

I take that back! I just called Brinks and they have just added the option of monitoring over cellular or the internet. I'm going with cellular, which is great because even if power or phone lines are cut, the alarm will still dial out. That way the police will be there in time to draw chalk lines around whoever was breaking into my house.

 

[Big Coop]

A.P.B.T. American Pitbull Terrier is what I use when not at home.:thumsup

 

[NkmG19]

I take that back! I just called Brinks and they have just added the option of monitoring over cellular or the internet. I'm going with cellular, which is great because even if power or phone lines are cut, the alarm will still dial out. That way the police will be there in time to draw chalk lines around whoever was breaking into my house.

What's is the price of the cellular monitoring from Brinks?

 

[RadTek]

What's is the price of the cellular monitoring from Brinks?

X2. I too am paying for a landline I don't need just to keep Brinks happy. Since I'm in the process of moving, and Brinks will move you for free (basic system anyway) this would be an excellent opportunity to get onto THAT train.

 

[timo]

X2. I too am paying for a landline I don't need just to keep Brinks happy. Since I'm in the process of moving, and Brinks will move you for free (basic system anyway) this would be an excellent opportunity to get onto THAT train.

I called and politely told them I was going to drop them because of it. When you call Brinks, select the option as if you are going to cancel your service. That puts you through to their customer retention unit, the guys whose job it is to convince you to stay.

The cellular service is $3.00 a month more than standard (well worth it). The new equipment is $300 list price, but I was offered $150 including installation (which is probably what they sell it for almost every time). You do need to sign a new contract. Anyway, it's a lot easier than getting one system removed and replaced with another.

I think the Internet/IP option was a little cheaper, but if the powers off at your house, no alarm call would go out. I'm getting the cellular installed on Thursday... I'll post some results.

 

[RadTek]

Great. Thanks. If the Cellular is only $3 a month more, that's very good actually. Because I can cancel the $50 a month stupid landline. :thumsup

Also, for those who ever need it, Brinks moves you for free. I've moved our Brinks a few times now over the better part of 10 years. We've been THAT happy with them.

So long as you've been in contract a year or more, they'll install the basic system (three triggers, control box, keypad, motion, and siren) for free. They just leave your old stuff at your old house. It's not worth the time, energy, or money to remove them. Also, you get 50% off anything else you want, such as additional sensors, keypads, etc. Sometimes, if you treat your installer right, get em a cold drink now and then, maybe order some pizza while he's there and ask very nicely, he'll conveniently "forget" to mark down a few extras and not charge you for them.(My guess is they have some "leeway" in that department) When we moved a few years ago, we racked up $500 worth of extra sensors, glass break detectors, extra keypads..etc... and I cut him a check for $100 as he headed for the door... :thumsup

It helps if you sign up for "automatic debit" and their equipment protection plan. I think they get props for getting customers to sign on. Fine by me, saves me cutting a check every month and their protection plan covers labor and parts even for lightning...which isn't an IF, but WHEN in Florida.

 

[brownie]

I've got Brinks coming out tomorrow at noon to look at setting up a system to my liking. It has to be wireless and it has to go to my cell phone.

I'll know more tomorrow on what they can do for me. I get it my way or it's the highway for them as I'll not compromise on this one bit.

Brownie

 

[FL2011]

I've got Brinks coming out tomorrow at noon to look at setting up a system to my liking. It has to be wireless and it has to go to my cell phone.

I'll know more tomorrow on what they can do for me. I get it my way or it's the highway for them as I'll not compromise on this one bit.

Brownie

Wireless as in you need the sensors to be wireless or wireless as in using a cell connection for alarms?

 

[brownie]

Sensors have to be wireless as well as connection to my cell service to be notified if t goes off.

I had ADT back east and I'd be on the phone with the local dept before they had officers at the house.

I want that kind of service out here.

Brownie

 

[FL2011]

Gotcha. Used to do low voltage installations (home automation, security, etc..) and so I've decent wireless systems, and not-so-decent ones that were just a constant pain. I'm sure you will or have already done so, but ask around for others that may have a similar wireless setup as you're looking at and see what they think and if they've had any maintenance issues.

Sometimes running wires is just out of the question, but when able to it's just more reliable. People are surprised where we can get a wire to.

The cellular connections are just plain cool. Got out of the industry as those were really catching on so only done a few (and those were mostly cell as a backup and not the primary communication means) but haven't had any issues with the ones I've seen. I'm really NOT a fan of internet based monitoring, unless there's a landline or cell backup. We all know how reliable our internet service is......

The other little detail that is nice is to use recessed window contacts IN the actual window frame, instead of being surface mounted. Hides the contact and you don't worry about the contact falling off if the adhesive fails. Probably applies a little more for new construction, but we've put some of those in on existing construction/retros.