Do you have an alarm system? Thoughts about canceling?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lived in Columbia Heights 2003-2008 w/o an alarm and never had a break-in (or attempted, as far as we know).

Well, I'm sure your anecdotal evidence is indicative of the safety of the neighborhood. Oh wait, it's totally not.

[Anonymous]

Splaine Security monitors what used to be our ADT system and we've been happy with them. I agree an alarm system is just like insurance, no matter where you live. There are break-ins in Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase--all the places people think are safer than DC.

[Anonymous]

Brookland. No alarm, two large dogs and I work from home most days.

Totally okay with this setup.

[Anonymous]

Alarm is worth it. I had ADT, they were horrible- I guess it depends on your rep too. Be sure to get the cell service.

[Anonymous]

I could really care less if someone breaks in when I am not here and takes my 10 year old television. However, I set it every night before I go to bed. I do not want to be the house a criminal tries to see if they can get in.

[Anonymous]

I think it is a waste of money. The hassle and stress of false alarms outweigh the benefits IMO.

But the idea of a non-monitored alarm makes sense.

Many people don't even set their alarms.

But some neighborhoods may need it more than others.

[Anonymous]

We bought a house with an ADT system 4 years ago and I never activated it .

I was told the sign and window stickers are the biggest deterrent-seriously.

I'm too jumpy to have an alarm. I'd freak out over any accidental set-off.

I also live close-in. Our neighbors are all very close and there is a lot of activity. When we're out of town -somebody is always watching out for the house. We are also one block from a very busy pedestrian strip.

[Anonymous]

We have one that we use if we're on vacation but not nightly. Only one false alarm and that was from the cleaning person deciding to come a couple days early while we were out of town.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:No alarm. Ccdc.

What's that?

If I lived in DC no matter where I would have an alarm.

The key to your statement is "IF I LIVED IN DC;" you clearly don't live here and have an out-of-date picture of crime in DC!

OP, we have an alarm system in the house we bought but it has no service. I didn't sign up with a company when we moved in. We have a large dog, which will protect us FAR better than an alarm system any day. I say this as someone who has multiple family members in law enforcement. A dog will deter 98% of criminals. An alarm system, not so much. Another tidbit I learned from law enforcement family members, many criminals have been employed by alarm companies!

Oh, please. I'm not the previous poster, but I did live in DC and had an alarm system, and still have one in the 'burbs. Everyone I know who lives on the Hill has had a break-in or attempted break-in. Even in the 'burbs there kid crime. You rainbows and sunshine are super cute, but idiotic. In any urban area.

Not everyone lives in Capital Hill in DC! I have lived in Upper NW both East and West of Rock Creek Park and the crime around me is mainly car break-ins. My neighborhoods have been quiet and well boring.

[Anonymous]

Until October, we lived by Rock Creek Park in CCDC. Never had alarm, but we did have a dog.

[Anonymous]

Yes.

I return home with DS most evenings alone.

I like the piece of mind knowing that no one in IS INSIDE the dark house that we are returning to.

Windows & doors are on alarm.

I worry less about being robbed, as all goods are replaceable, than home invasions or catching/surprising a burglary underway.

Also, I would like a headstart on knowing someone is breaking in downstairs before that person is standing bedside in the middle of the night.

Whole house wired fire alarms also good.

For $100/quarter, money well spend IMO.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, my piece of mind should have written peace of mind.

[Anonymous]

We bought a house with ADT but service is not active and has been off for two years now. When we first moved in it did the beep when a door/window opened, but then stopped mysteriously. Anyone know how to get it to come back?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We bought a house with ADT but service is not active and has been off for two years now. When we first moved in it did the beep when a door/window opened, but then stopped mysteriously. Anyone know how to get it to come back?

Replace battery?

[Anonymous]

To make your doors and windows chime you need the original code card that came with your system. You don't need to pay the company for that or for your fire alarm.

We have had systems in all our homes but never activated them. Didn't need to.