Need Info on Building Security Systems

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

Any security experts out there?

I'm moving my business into a new building. Part of it will be a large warehouse/workshop for my cars. It is in a good location, but is somewhat rural. I need to put some sort of security system in, but need some ideas. Do I just go with ADT or one of the other big name services and let them do the whole thing? I have no idea what the monthly fee would be on that? What about DIY security cams with a DVR - those are cheap these days? Other suggestions? Exterior lighting is OK, but could be improved. Same with door hardware/locks - just OK.

I prefer not to fence the property or even put a gate at the road.

URY914 · 03-09-2008, 06:33 PM

Put up a bunch of "Beware of Dog" signs.

Cheap, low maintenance, and you won't get called out in the middle of the night.

stomachmonkey · 03-09-2008, 06:38 PM

Get a quote from ADT or similar outfit.

Then check with your insurance co and see what discount it gets you.

The math will tell you if you need to keep looking.

Hugh R · 03-09-2008, 07:23 PM

No expert here, but as stated put up a pit bull with HIV sign, look into internet cameras and such, I know someone with a vacation home in Oregon who did that and connected it to his house and an alarm to his cell phone. Someone came by and rattled a few doors and he got a notice, checked it out on the internet and called a PA system at the house and said "Hey, WTF are you doing at my house, I'm taping this for the police." All within a few seconds/minutes.

javadog · 03-09-2008, 07:34 PM

I prefer to use a small local company, as opposed to the national ones like ADT or Honeywell. I have found them to be considerably cheaper. My yearly monitoring costs, for both my house and warehouse, are in the neighborhood of $350-400 per year.

JR

CurtEgerer · CurtEgerer's Garage

I've considered putting up the 'Pit Bull Breeding Facility - Do Not Enter' type signs, but would the low-lifes trying to break in be able to read the signs?

I'm thinking my insurance company (Hagerty) may require a formal alarm system.

chris57 · 03-10-2008, 08:38 PM

Look into Sonitrol systems. They use audio recording of break ins. My business was broken into and the police were there in four minutes from the time they called me. Unfortunately, this was a smash and grab so they were gone when police arrived. The officers told me that the audio was played to them live by dispatch so they get pumped and moving. The typical motion sensor calls are so commonly false they dont get amped up to make an arrest. I guess the point is you will not limit the actual break in but limit the amount of time the crooks will be able to go through your stuff.