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It's old news that crime rates are on the rise. With the economy in its current state and unemployment at modern highs, many experts believe that robberies and property thefts will continue to increase.
These experts also recommend homeowners do what they can to protect their families and property. There are a number of home security systems available - and some that offer an outstanding value for your dollar. TopConsumerReviews.com reviews and ranks the best home security systems available today.

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HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS

Unfortunately, crime is on the rise in many areas of the country. Over 2 million burglaries occur every year, with the average dollar loss over $2,000 - not to mention the potential harm to personal safety. Many experts point to the nation's current economic troubles and dramatic rise in unemployment as leading indicators for a continued rise in the crime rate.

Safeguarding your home is vitally important to the protection of your property and family. Properly placed exterior lighting and good dead bolts can help reduce your odds of being a victim - but unfortunately, an experienced criminal can generally get through nearly all locks within 60 seconds. As a result, most experts suggest investing in a home security system - preferably one that is monitored by a live service for the utmost protection.

Statistics show that the majority of criminals will choose a home without a security system and bypass those better protected. Security systems can vary greatly in protection and cost. Some systems provide free equipment along with a monthly monitoring contract, while others charge hundreds of dollars for installation as well as monitoring services. Some are flexible with or without home phone line requirements.

Before selecting a home security system it's important to be familiar with all the services available today. Some important aspects to consider are:

•  Equipment and Installation Costs.  What does the company charge for the equipment? How many sensors does that include? Is installation a separate charge?

•  Monitoring Service.  Does the company provide a 24 hour, 7 day a week, live monitoring service that will quickly contact authorities in the event of a break-in?

•  Guarantee.  Does the company provide a money back guarantee or warrantee for faulty equipment?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best home security systems available today. We hope you find these reviews helpful in determining which system will keep you and your family the safest.

 

 

 

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Protect America

 

PROTECT AMERICA

 

5 Stars

 

Cost:

FREE Equipment on all plans

No installation charges

From $29.95 per month monitoring charge

Customer Information: 1-888-951-5127

 

5-star Top Rated Product for 2009

Protect America was founded over 15 years ago and has served over a quarter of a million customers. They provide a state-of-the-art, reliable home security system at an extremely affordable price. You don't have to deal with any annoying dealers or salesmen in order to purchase and install an effective home security system. No one will come to your home and attempt to sell you more than you need. Instead, the Protect America toll-free customer service department (1-888-951-5127) delivers good information so you can make an informed decision without the pushy salesman.

Protect America offers a choice of five wireless home security plans to meet your security needs. All plans come with a good list of equipment, including a Talking Control Panel, Internal Siren and Door Chime, Battery Backup, One Button Arming, Lifetime Warranties, Window Decals and a Yard Sign.

•  Copper - this package comes with 3 entry point detectors and a Motion Detector. The equipment is FREE and the monthly monitoring fee is $29.95.

•  Bronze - this package comes with 7 entry point detectors and a Motion Detector. The equipment is FREE and the monthly monitoring fee is $34.95.

•  Silver - Best Value - this package comes with 10 entry point detectors. The equipment is FREE and the monthly monitoring fee is $36.95.

•  Gold - this package comes with 12 entry point detectors and a Motion Detector. The equipment is FREE and the monthly monitoring fee is $39.95.

•  Platinum - this package comes with 15 entry point detectors and a Motion Detector. The equipment is FREE and the monthly monitoring fee is $41.95.

Generally you'll want to have a sensor located at all entry points and windows on ground level. For most homes, that can quickly add up to more than the 3 sensors provided in the basic Copper package. However, if you live in an apartment or an urban setting, the Copper package may be your best choice.

For most homeowners, we think the Silver plan offers the best value. In this package you get an impressive amount of home security equipment - including 10 entry point sensors - for absolutely no upfront cost. The only fee is the extremely competitive monthly 24/7 monitoring charge of $36.95.

These wireless home security systems are designed to be installed by the homeowner or renter. Directions are extremely straightforward and easy to understand. In case of any questions, the Protect America support staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Providing an easy-to-install wireless home security system allows you to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars from a paid installer.

In addition to the home security monitoring equipment provided in these packages, Protect America offers a long list of additional equipment, including:

•  Motion Detectors

•  Keychain remote control

•  Glass break detectors

•  Flood Sensors

•  Low temperature sensor

•  A variety of X10 equipment

After your home security system is activated, Protect America will send you a certificate of installation. Most insurance companies give a discount on homeowner's or renter's insurance premiums for homes with security systems in place. Providing this certificate gives proof that you have a monitored security system, and can qualify you for their reduced premium rates. This is an excellent way that your home security system can actually save you money.

Protect America sets the standard for home security systems. They offer a variety of packages that provide cutting edge technology and reliable nationwide monitoring. Combined with customer-focused pricing and knowledgeable support, Protect America is your best choice for home security protection.

 

 

ADT

 

ADT

 

4 Stars

 

Cost:

$99 Installation after mail-in rebate (3 sensors)

$42.99 per month monitoring charge

Customer Information: 1-866-305-4104

 

ADT has been in business for many years and most people are familiar with this common name in home security. ADT provides a number of home security plans to fit your needs. These plans can accommodate land lines or cellular users, fire detection, or simple intruder protection. With ADT you can speed several hundred dollars or your life savings establishing your home security system, depending on the amount of security equipment you want to fill your house with.

ADT prefers to send an associate for their evaluation of your home security needs prior to installation. Most of the systems are wireless but hard coding is required with certain add-on equipment. Video surveillance is an option with ADT if you want to personally and visually monitor your home as well.

ADT offers a basic home security package for $299.00 plus a monitoring fee of $34 per month. The equipment in this package includes

•  A wireless touchpad

•  3 entry point sensors

•  Motion Detector

•  Wireless keychain remote

ADT is currently offering a rebate of $200 on this package, bringing the initial cost down to $99 instead of the $299 list price. However, most homeowners will probably want more than the three entry point sensors that come in this package, which means additional equipment cost.

ADT provides a good toll-free customer service department (1-866-305-4104) with a knowledgeable staff that can answer most questions.

Overall, ADT provides dependable home security systems with all the bells and whistles that someone may be looking for. Their equipment is designed to meet the needs of anyone, yet comes at a price point that is higher than others. If you have needs for a very unique security system and don't mind spending the extra money required, ADT may be an option worth considering.

 

 

LifeShield Security

 

LIFESHIELD SECURITY

 

3 Stars

 

Cost:

$299.99 for equipment including 8 sensors

$29.99 per month monitoring (no contract)

 

LifeShield Security provides a hassle-free product without the sales pitch or two- to three- year contract. While you have a much higher upfront cost due to your equipment purchase, you aren't signing up for a multi-year monitoring contract.

With LifeShield Security, you purchase and install all your own equipment from the options provided by LifeShield. They offer a basic package for $299 which includes the following:

•  Two keypads

•  8 entry sensors

•  Keychain remote

Additional equipment can be purchased as needed. Most of their equipment is current technology and they have a good selection of wireless options. After you select the equipment you want from the options provided by LifeShield, you'll await delivery, after which you'll install all the equipment in your own home. Once installed, you contact LifeShield to begin your 24/7 monitoring.

The monthly monitoring fee is $29.99, which is competitive with the top home security systems in our review.

While you must pay upfront for all your equipment, the convenience of no long-term monthly contract is noteworthy. With LifeShield, after you pay for the equipment you pay-as-you-go with the monthly monitoring as needed.

LifeShield Security is a no-frills home security system provider. If you don't want a multi-year monitoring agreement, and don't mind spending hundreds of dollars upfront to purchase your home security equipment, LifeShield Security is worth your consideration.

 

 

Broadview Home Security

 

BROADVIEW SECURITY

 

2.5 Stars

 

Cost:

$155.00 for 3 sensors

$31.99 per month monitoring charge

 

Broadview Security (formerly Brinks Home Security) generally provides the same system as our higher selections, but at a higher price and without the convenience of a wireless installation. Broadview does a good job of charging for options that should be standard. Before the customer realizes it, they are paying significantly more for home security than they ever imagined. Broadview even charges for a warranty on their own product.

The Broadview home security system is hard wired so you need to anticipate damaged walls and wiring concerns. The Premium plan provides a keypad, three sensors, a motion detector, interior siren, control panel, a yard sign and decals. Installation starts at $155.00 and the additional sensors that most homeowners will need are extra. Broadview can monitor for fire and carbon monoxide but those services are extra on top of their monthly fee of $31.99.

Through our research we found dozens of complaints regarding frequent false alarm problems with customers. Many reported a number of occurrences of the police arriving at their homes at any hour for no apparent reason. Some were even charged by local fire and police departments for false alarms.

Broadview requires that you establish auto-pay for their monitoring service either monthly or quarterly. If you want to add a warranty on their system, you'll be charged an additional $6 per month. Unfortunately, if you don't pay for the warranty your home security system will not be covered should any of the equipment malfunction or break.

We think you'll find that Broadview will charge you more than their competitors for the same (or lower) level of service. They'll automatically deduct their fees from your bank account for 3 years, and a warranty on their product will cost you extra. We recommend you choose one of our higher-rated systems, without all the extra charges and fees.

 

 

Alarm.com

 

ALARM.COM

 

1 Star

 

Cost:

Varies; depends on your negotiating ability with their salesmen

 

Alarm.com is a relatively new company founded in 2000. Unfortunately, although they are a relative newcomer to the home security field, they have a lot to learn. Alarm.com provides a very unfriendly website with only the bare minimum of information. You soon realize that you're forced to locate a dealer and a respective salesman, which will lead to an appointment and too much of your time listening to a long and painful sales pitch.

Alarm.com does provide a system that allows you to control your home security system through a website or a PDA. Alarm.com's system alerts users of activity that is occurring within the home, such as doors opening and closing. No land line is required for installation and usage but that may not be a good thing. A lot of questions seem to exist about the consistency of service if a cell phone is used.

Through our research we also found a lot of unhappy customers using Alarm.com's home security system. Repeated complaints of response time issues related to customer service questions surfaced. And perhaps most alarmingly, we found several instances of notification delays - such as a 6 hour delay from the time the alarm was tripped until the company notified the police. That kind of service level in a monitored home security system in unacceptable.

We recommend trying any of the other home security systems in our review before Alarm.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home Security in the News

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Daily Mail

Thieves don't stand a chance if you own an Apple product
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However, if you want home security and you have an iPhone, get an app called iCam, and some webcams and no thief will stand a chance against this security ...
Man Uses iPhone To Watch Live Video Of His Home Being BurglarisedGizmodo Australia
Man Sees Home Burglarized in Real-Time via iPhonePhone Plus (blog)
'Holy cow, I gotta call 911': How a man on holiday 1400 miles away used an ...Daily Mail
TMCnet -WTNH -DVICE
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Publ.Date : Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:45:20 GMT+00:00

AP Exclusive: Secret testimony reveals stars' loss - The Associated Press

Kansas City Star

AP Exclusive: Secret testimony reveals stars' loss
The Associated Press
Since the break-ins, several of the stars said they took greater caution with their home security. Despite their wealth and sophisticated security systems, ...
How Law-Abiding Lindsay & Paris, Fellow Celeb Victims, Helped Take Down ...E! Online (blog)

all 363 news articles »

Publ.Date : Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:31:21 GMT+00:00

STATE v. OWENS - Leagle.com

STATE v. OWENS
Leagle.com
Because the breach of the home's security system had not resulted in a call from the couple's alarm company, the detective assigned to the case focused his ...


Publ.Date : Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:30:16 GMT+00:00

Cold-call con preys on fears after stabbings - Essex Echo

Cold-call con preys on fears after stabbings
Essex Echo
Basildon Council and local police are warning about telephone sales people who are exploiting fears over recent crime stories to peddle home security ...

and more »

Publ.Date : Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:11:02 GMT+00:00

LifeShield Security Introduces Two Major Additions to Their Innovative Home ... - PR Newswire (press release)

LifeShield Security Introduces Two Major Additions to Their Innovative Home ...
PR Newswire (press release)
LifeShield.com), the first national, all digital, professional grade and professionally monitored wireless home security system, officially launched its ...

and more »

Publ.Date : Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:19:41 GMT+00:00

Security Firm Agrees to Pay Restitution - Wall Street Journal

TopNews Singapore (press release)

Security Firm Agrees to Pay Restitution
Wall Street Journal
A Utah home-security company has agreed to pay restitution and change its sales practices to end a probe into allegations it used deceptive ...
Utah security firm settles with Cuomo's officeNewsday (subscription)
Security firm has agreed to give compensationTopNews Singapore (press release)
Utah Security Firm Settles on Paying Compensatory AmountTopNews United Kingdom (blog)

all 29 news articles »

Publ.Date : Fri, 13 Aug 2010 03:43:22 GMT+00:00