Yes - I am well armed... two Glock .40 S&W and a Mossberg 500. and my dog... I had my home monitored with ADT until my divorce and was looking for ways to save $ so I terminated the contract. Been a few break in attempts in the area. Looking for some recommendations for home monitored home security systems...wasn't real thrilled with the ADT install or customer service... Live in the Columbus, OH area..

I started a thread about a month or so ago on this topic. If you want to see some of the responses

its here.>> thread

I'm looking into tying in video now, but recently purchased a z-wave system for two homes.  The manufacturer of the hardware is 2-gig Technologies and the software vendor is alarm.com. 

Several services sell the hardware and monitoring service.  The install is all DIY and very easy. 

I have a lot of different detectors (door, smoke, fire, CO, motion, glassbreak) lighting control and door locks on the system.  It's expandable pretty much infinitely.  Remote access on your smartphone.  The z-wave technology has really taken home automation and alarms to a new level.

I'm very pleased.  Take a look at Titan Alarm and discountalarm.com to source the hardware and the monitoring.

Good luck

My friend just mounted this in his bedroom by the door for quick access yet great security to prevent others from using it.   I am not a gun advocate, but I would feel comfortable with this in my home with my children.

http://www.gunvault.com/speedv...ric-svb500.html

You may want to consider a moat.

Home security is for paranoid buffoons. What a way to waste a dollar.

CASHdog296 wrote: Home security is for paranoid buffoons. What a way to waste a dollar.

Says the guy who has never had a break-in,vandalism or a burgalry. Apparently.

TheShank wrote:

CASHdog296 wrote: Home security is for paranoid buffoons. What a way to waste a dollar.

Says the guy who has never had a break-in,vandalism or a burgalry. Apparently.

You could probably add "lived away from his parents" to that list.

It is a little tricky in Ohio because there is no state requirements for private security work. I live in VA and it is mandated through the state DCJS that all companies be licensed and all workers registered with back ground checks. I have sold and installed every type of low voltage security equipment from access control to cctv to burglar alarms for the last 15 years. If you get a lead and wanna pm me I will be happy to tell you what I think of it.

CASHdog296 wrote: Home security is for paranoid buffoons. What a way to waste a dollar.

You could probably just say "home security is for the paranoid" and not make it an inflammatory comment.  Depending on where you live, family situation, or past experiences I think that is totally understandable.
Peace of mind is worth different amounts to different people.

A fair point, chiro. I invest my time in finding a safe area to live, having a safety plan for myself and whoever lives with me, and always having a cell phone at my side. Beyond that, I see paranoia. But if its important to you, sure, whatever, go for it. The private security industry will gladly take your money.

I tried finding some stats on the national trend of home break-ins. Ironically , out of the top 10 cities for burglaries, the top 4 are in our own backyards !

1.Cleveland
2.Toledo
3.Columbus
4.Cincy

According to this site >>>Burglary Statistics.


I didn't bother to check multiple sources so take it for what its worth.

CASHdog296 wrote: A fair point, chiro. I invest my time in finding a safe area to live, having a safety plan for myself and whoever lives with me, and always having a cell phone at my side. Beyond that, I see paranoia. But if its important to you, sure, whatever, go for it. The private security industry will gladly take your money.

I would venture to say that for most people who purchase security cameras, its not for the fear of someone breaking in on them.

Its for watching over your property while you aren't there. Most of these low-lifes who break-in or vandalize, watch and learn when the residents aren't home, then they strike. Thats the whole purpose of getting cameras and a hard drive.

Difficult for me to rationalize how you see survellence as being paranoid.

My seven video camera setup allows me to do much more then satisfy just my "paranoia". I can see if the maids are working their two hour time that my wife pays them for. I can see what the weather is like at home if I'm away on my motorcycle, so I can decide whether I should come home yet or wait for the rain to subside. I can see if my family got home okay while I'm away.

They will also come in handy when my 18 month year old is out of her crib soon and I can see if she is sneaking out of her room at night. My wife likes to keep an eye on us too when my daughter is home sick and myself or grandma is watching her. 

I'm sure a thief is going to get what they want when you are not home with just about any security system. Having cameras gives me piece of mind to know what is going on while I'm away, and they may provide information needed to get the thieves if I get robbed. Plus I'm a technology geek so they are fun to play with.

See my post in the previous thread that was mentioned. I'm really happy with my setup.

TheShank wrote:

CASHdog296 wrote: A fair point, chiro. I invest my time in finding a safe area to live, having a safety plan for myself and whoever lives with me, and always having a cell phone at my side. Beyond that, I see paranoia. But if its important to you, sure, whatever, go for it. The private security industry will gladly take your money.

I would venture to say that for most people who purchase security cameras, its not for the fear of someone breaking in on them.

Its for watching over your property while you aren't there. Most of these low-lifes who break-in or vandalize, watch and learn when the residents aren't home, then they strike. Thats the whole purpose of getting cameras and a hard drive.

Difficult for me to rationalize how you see survellence as being paranoid.

I think the term "paranoid" has a negative connotation that isn't meant (by me). The only reason to want to look over your property would be because you are afraid something will happen.  Could be, as pointed out, you're afraid the maids aren't doing their job.  Could be you are afraid the kids left the doors open in a storm.  Or you could be afraid someone is breaking in. 
People don't like to think of themselves as scared, paranoid or afraid because it's considered "weak" or something.  Fear is a normal human emotion.  If someone doesn't feel like they have control (i.e. being at work) and want to have some control over their home or while they are at home feel like they need an arsenal of weapons then that's fine.  It's whatever gives you piece of mind.

CASHdog296 wrote: A fair point, chiro. I invest my time in finding a safe area to live, having a safety plan for myself and whoever lives with me, and always having a cell phone at my side. Beyond that, I see paranoia. But if its important to you, sure, whatever, go for it. The private security industry will gladly take your money.

If that means suburbia, you have it backwards, CASH.

TheShank wrote:

CASHdog296 wrote: A fair point, chiro. I invest my time in finding a safe area to live, having a safety plan for myself and whoever lives with me, and always having a cell phone at my side. Beyond that, I see paranoia. But if its important to you, sure, whatever, go for it. The private security industry will gladly take your money.

I would venture to say that for most people who purchase security cameras, its not for the fear of someone breaking in on them.

Its for watching over your property while you aren't there. Most of these low-lifes who break-in or vandalize, watch and learn when the residents aren't home, then they strike. Thats the whole purpose of getting cameras and a hard drive.

Difficult for me to rationalize how you see survellence as being paranoid.

TheShank <-- has better stuff than me.