With home break-ins on the rise, do you trust your current camera or security setup to really keep intruders out? Do you worry it might not be enough, especially if you’re asleep or away?
Cameras and sensors are just for notifying you; they don’t physically prevent break-ins. For that, you need things like reinforced doors and deadlocks.
It’s like confusing cover with concealment—they’re not the same!
@Zane
Good point! What type of reinforcements would you recommend?
My setup is part of a larger security plan. I don’t get unnecessary alerts—I don’t care about people on the sidewalk or deliveries. Only get notifications if someone gets within 10ft of the house while we’re asleep. Many people have notifications set too high, which becomes a distraction. For me, it’s about personal security, not monitoring Amazon packages!
I have PoE cameras with a UPS battery backup in a steel server rack bolted to the basement wall. Combined with laminated security glass windows, I’ll have time to move my family and watch what’s happening before deciding what to do if they try to break in.
@Rafe
Makes sense, but do you get bothered by false alarms?
Bao said:
@Rafe
Makes sense, but do you get bothered by false alarms?
False alarms don’t really bother people—they become used to them and start ignoring them. Then, when there’s a real alert, they might not take it seriously. That’s the dangerous part.
@Rafe
What kind of laminate is that? Is it something you add to windows or get pre-installed? I’m updating mine soon and want them as secure as possible.
Darwin said:
@Rafe
What kind of laminate is that? Is it something you add to windows or get pre-installed? I’m updating mine soon and want them as secure as possible.
Mine are 1/4 inch thick with laminate between the glass. Aftermarket films added to thinner glass aren’t as strong. You usually have to request them if you don’t live in a hurricane zone where it’s part of the building code.
Where I live, nobody really pays attention. Cameras just let you see who’s trespassing, that’s about it.
Fallon said:
Where I live, nobody really pays attention. Cameras just let you see who’s trespassing, that’s about it.
Ignoring cost, would having someone monitor your cameras for you help at all?
Unless your camera has a gun, a bow, or a flamethrower, it’s not stopping anyone.
Pax said:
Unless your camera has a gun, a bow, or a flamethrower, it’s not stopping anyone.
Haha, I actually heard of someone attaching pepper spray to theirs!
If someone really wants to get in, they will. But cameras can give you enough time to prepare. I set mine to announce “BACKYARD” if anyone enters. Gives me time to check the footage and see what’s up before they even reach the door. Alarms are crucial too—better to wake up to a warning than to be caught off guard.
@Frost
Thanks, sounds like the alarm is more important than the camera.
Bao said:
@Frost
Thanks, sounds like the alarm is more important than the camera.
They work best together, but securing your property helps too. A 6-foot fence, burglar bars on windows, and solid doors can make them go for an easier target. But even with that, cameras help you stay alert, and alarms add another layer of security. Sadly, you have to spend to protect your stuff these days.
After going through a home invasion, I realized that I can’t fully control if someone tries to get in. All I can do is make sure I’m aware as quickly as possible and try to slow them down.
Fane said:
After going through a home invasion, I realized that I can’t fully control if someone tries to get in. All I can do is make sure I’m aware as quickly as possible and try to slow them down.
I’m sorry to hear that. I went through something similar, which is why I’m here looking for better solutions. Have you found any methods that help with awareness?
Yep.