Medeco 3, high-security lock?

[MacGyver101]

Monitored alarms are a hole to pour money into.

Funny timing: I just finished reading several interesting studies on the effectiveness of alarm systems.

I'm very much of the "it's not a substitute for locks, but it's a useful security layer" mindset. The arguments in the papers, though, boil down to two (debatable) observations:

(1) while alarm systems do very little to reduce the overall level of crime in a given community, they do have a measurable "diversion" effect (i.e., if you have an alarm system, it's likely that a thief will choose to steal from the less-monitored house next door); and,

(2) even putting up signs that make it look like you have an alarm system can have the almost same effect as actually having an alarm.

However, these studies all rely on the notion that thieves are acting rationally (i.e., that they'll notice you have an alarm, weigh the risk of getting caught, and decide to go elsewhere). Not all thieves act rationally -- and I'd be surprised if an alarm has any deterrent/diversion effect on someone who's just drunk/high/whatever, and looking for some quick cash. As with many things related to physical security, I suppose it depends a lot on who's likely to break in, and who you're trying to deter.

(And, if anyone's interested, two of the papers are available publicly here and here.)

[globallockytoo]

with the quantity of alarms out there, most people blindly ignore an alarm sounding, so I guess this is a + for monitoring companies. But being that an alarm can sound and police might arrive quickly (doubtful), if there is no sign of forced entry, they cannot forcibly enter themselves. If a burglar is lying in wait for the police to depart, then they have all the time in the world to ply their trade, no?

Ooops....another false alarm at that property again.....we'll just get our dognuts and coffee first before we go back and look again.

[vov35]

Neither a monitored alarm system nor a good lock (and physical barriers) are effective without the other present. Obviously no physical barrier is insurmountable, it's just not possible. The objective there is to slow down an individual attacking that physical barrier for long enough that with an alarm going there will be a human response.

The medeco lock is probably overkill, as any thoroughly bump resistant, paracentric keyway lock will slow a thief down.


Anyway, I do feel like a thief is more likely to make their way through an out of the way window than a decently secured door. This means both basement and second story windows as well! Contrary to popular belief thieves can climb.

[af_newbie]

...If she worries about her security, she should install an alarm, put up stickers on every window and front lawn. Monitored alarms are probably the best bet to scare all the potential would be burglars....



...monitored alarm and cameras *might* discourage determined burglars.

Monitored alarms are a hole to pour money into.
...
These monitored alarms are great arent they?

So are the high security locks It all depends what will make you feel secure.
I also think monitored alarms are rip offs. Better to get a decent, trained German Shepherd, a loaded 45ACP under a pillow and a 12 gauge under the bed. Some things are more convenient than others.

The question was about his female friend situation. Monitored alarms will probably be the right thing to install in her case.

[globallockytoo]

...If she worries about her security, she should install an alarm, put up stickers on every window and front lawn. Monitored alarms are probably the best bet to scare all the potential would be burglars....



...monitored alarm and cameras *might* discourage determined burglars.

Monitored alarms are a hole to pour money into.
...
These monitored alarms are great arent they?

So are the high security locks It all depends what will make you feel secure.
I also think monitored alarms are rip offs. Better to get a decent, trained German Shepherd, a loaded 45ACP under a pillow and a 12 gauge under the bed. Some things are more convenient than others.

The question was about his female friend situation. Monitored alarms will probably be the right thing to install in her case.

If you're home, at the time of the attack.

An alarm will not prevent unauthorized entry, but a pick proof/resistant lock combined with window security film and a door frame strengthener will, in most cases.

If you want to be notified of an unauthorised entry and you want authorities having jurisdiction to also be notified, then by all means get a monitored alarm. But they cannot and will not prevent a condition from occurring.

[af_newbie]

globallockytoo,

You are right in that they will not prevent.

IMHO, they lower the probability that your home will be burglarized. Assuming of course, like other people said, that bad guys act rationally. I personally think that half of them do, the rest is on drugs/alcohol or teenage testosterone.