Many of us are very skilled at completing projects around our homes and thereby saving considerable money in the process. Your home is also likely to be your most valuable asset so of course you want to protect it from possible burglary.
* Most DIY systems do not have the capability of being monitored by an alarm monitoring centre. This is very significant because NSW Police statistics support the fact that a Monitored Alarm System is the greatest deterrent to break and enter, theft and malicious damage offences.
* A monitored alarm system means that the monitoring centre can respond to an alarm signal around the clock and can quickly take action prearranged with you. You or your nominees can be contacted or a security patrol can be sent to your premises to investigate. Emergency services can also be notified if required.
* A monitored security system has the capability of detecting a power failure at your house if you are away. This means that you can be notified and need not come home to a fridge or freezer full of spoilt food.
* The technology used in many cheaper DIY kits is often very poor and can fail after a relatively short period of operation. The detectors will only have a limited range of operation and with be restricted to sensing motion rather than also having infrared detection capability.
* A local alarm that is not monitored often relies on neighbours or passers-by to respond if you are not at home or cannot be contacted. This is in spite of the fact that almost half (44%) of all Australians do not investigate or call the police when they hear a home or business premises alarm.
* An incorrectly installed, poorly positioned and cheaper alarm can either fail to detect intruders or raise false alarms which tends to annoy the neighbours and make them less likely to respond if you are away.
* Parts for DIY security systems are often hard to buy because different models are always coming on to the market as cheaper alternative suppliers are found.
* Fake alarms and cameras which have no functionality and are purely designed to act as visual deterrents very rarely have the desired effect because burglars know what is real and what is fake.
* Cost has historically been seen as the biggest barrier to homeowners investing in monitored security solutions but this is becoming less of a concerning factor.
* A number of insurance companies now offer discounted premiums to customers who take precautions to protect their home, with added incentives to homeowners who invest in a monitored home alarm over a less effective stand-alone (local) alarm.
When it comes down to it, you need to make a decision about whether you want to trust the security of your home and family to a DIY kit. Nothing can compare to the expertise of a licensed security technician who can install tried and tested equipment backed by product and service guarantees and supported with a scheduled maintenance program.
