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Intruder alert!
Michael Abramowitz
A home security system can save you from
being ripped off -- but be careful who you choose.
The holidays are approaching. And around
the time the jolly old fat man is crawling through your chimney,
the crooks are crawling in your windows. In fact, December is the
highest crime month on record. Nothing like a few robberies in your
neighborhood to put you in a "Bah Humbug" spirit any time of year.
To get a head start on fighting crime, a home security system provides
an extra safety blanket for your home.
Jetsons-style technology
"It's not just a burglar alarm anymore," says Jim
Callahan, vice president of Ackerman Security Systems in Chamblee,
Ga.
New technological developments in security go beyond
basic theft prevention. Alarms today are now capable of detecting
fire and unsafe carbon monoxide levels, setting your thermostat
and turning your lights on and off from remote locations.
Even with all the bells and whistles, the main reason
people buy alarm systems is to deter crime. And whether you are
inside or out, your alarm may prevent a robbery or assault. For
example, if you notice a prowler as you pull up to your house, you
can hit a button on your key chain which signals the police, turns
on the lights, and blares out "Intruder!" Meanwhile, you can drive
away until the authorities arrive.
Also, a window or door that is either opened or broken
will trigger an alarm. Most systems are tracked 24 hours/7 days
a week by a central monitoring station, where the security company's
computer pinpoints the exact location of intrusion. The police are
immediately dispatched, and if you're lucky, the crook is caught
as red-handed.
Red alert!
Currently, there are more than 101 million homes in
America, only 14 million of which use a security system. But,
home security sales are expected to double during the next five
years, according to Doug Wonkle, vice president of control services
for Protection One in Culver City, Calif. With more systems being
used, the number of false alarms is increasing at an alarming rate.
Wonkle says that one false alarm occurs per residential system per
year and that 80 percent of these are caused by user error.
"We're getting to the point where the police can't
respond to false alarms," says Wonkle. "Police organizations want
some kind of verification beyond a phone call [from a security company
that there is an emergency]."
Wonkle adds that the constant stream of false alarms
has caused cities like Las Vegas to pass laws that require either
the security company or resident to visually confirm that a crime
is taking place. The crime must be witnessed in person or by video
confirmation before the police are dispatched. However, law enforcement
officials in other towns think that requiring a security company
or homeowner to physically sight check a crime is a dangerous idea.
"That would be very difficult to implement around
here," says officer Susan Culin, Fairfax County police spokeswoman in Fairfax, Va. "There would be at least an hour delay (in getting
the police dispatched). Ninety-nine percent of our calls are false
alarms, but we would be putting that one person out of 100 in jeopardy."
To counteract the false alarm problem, Fairfax County
is proposing lowering the number of "freebie" false alarms allowed
by the homeowner and imposing stricter fines on repeat offenders.
Currently, the county allows for two "my bad" alarms, and then it's
a $25 fine that increases up to $150 with each offense.
Safe and sound
If you are willing to risk false alarms and possible
fines, the price of an alarm system can range from as low as free
to several thousand dollars for the Fort Knox of home protection.
Most security companies require a monthly contract ranging from
$18 to $35 a month after installation. Industry experts warn you
to inspect the level of safety that you are purchasing.
"Some mass marketers say, 'All you need is three doors
and windows, a keypad and a motion detector,'" cautions Ackerman's
Callahan. "We agree with the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association
standard -- that you need to secure all doors and all windows."
Callahan also says that many companies require you
to sign long-term leases, similar to the cellular phone industry.
Some of these contracts leave you without ownership of the alarm
at the end of the term or if you move. He suggests that if you go
with a company that offers a lease, you find one that allows you
the right to keep the system when the original surveillance contract
expires.
Mort Feldman, executive vice president of the National
Association of Chiefs of Police in Miami, Fla., suggests that potential
buyers follow some basic rules before purchasing a home security
system:
- Have an independent person do a survey
of your home. This way you have a comparison view from what
the salesperson is telling you. Most local police departments
will do a safety check free of charge.
- Understand that there is no concept of
"standard." A two-story house has far different needs than
a one-floor home.
- Make sure a company has been around for
a long time. Feldman says that a company should be around
for at least 15 years. He recommends doing a background check
on the security firm through your state's Department of Regulation
and Compliance. Be wary of a company that advertises low rates.
Many fly-by-night companies will install a free monitor or charge
$20 for a system. Next thing you know, you're spending $1000 on
the service.
-- Posted: Oct. 9, 1998
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