Over the years, I’ve heard many of my associates drone on about how a home isn’t protected unless every window and door on the property has a sensor. I couldn’t agree less. In fact, I wonder how many of these companies put a magnetic contact on the window and call it securerd? Or for that matter, a glass break detector that may or may not activate, giving the client a false sense of security. (Glass break detectors are a matter for a future article)
Granted, a home security system with a full perimeter does offer more protection than just a basic “happy meal” system, 3 doors and a motion detector. In fact, a system complete with full security screens on all windows can detect an intruder while he is still outsite, before the glass is broken. But does this mean you should either lay out $150-$200 per window or get nothing? I think not.
A standard security system, with a well placed motion detector or two can mean that, when you or your family members come home from work or school, it greatly reduces the chances of them walking in on an intruder or burglary in progess. That alone justifies the $200 (or less) that was spent on the basic system. Add smoke detection, and cellular communications, and you’ve added another layer of protection.
I’ll never forget one of the first home alarm system sales calls I went on back in the late 80’s, in Baytown, Tx. As I sat in the living room, and asked on of my well rehersed lines, “So, have you or your family ever experienced a break in?”
I wasn’t ready for the answer.
“Yes, the prospect replied. Just two weeks ago we came home and surprised an intruder. He shot my husband in the head as he ran out the door. My children watched him die on the front porch.
Perhaps, if they had a standard home security system, it would have sounded, the intruder would have grabbed the VCR and jewlery and left, and this dad would have seen his children graduate.
The answer to the quesstion, how much is enough? It depends on your goals and your budget, and what gives you peace of mind.
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