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Project 37
Citizen
Username: Project37
Post Number: 72
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 11:19 am: | 
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Within the steady stream of "Welcome to the Neighborhood!" advertising filling our mailbox was a flyer for ADT Security. It seemed like a reasonable deal, but you are locked into a three-year contract. Before we sign up, I wanted to check and see if anyone here had experience with ADT (good or bad) that they'd be willing to share. We've seen a number of their lawn signs, but were curious if people were genuinely happy with the service or stuck with the contract.
Thanks in advance!  |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7593
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 12:16 pm: |
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Yes. It was horrible. They let us out of the contract early because they knew they were so wrong. They are local franchises, so there is no Corp recourse if you are not happy.
We changed to Slomins, where we used to be happy, but they are now too big, too. I'd have to say that we are marginally satisfied with them.
I'd look for a smaller, local company with as short a contract as possible. |
Soparents
Citizen
Username: Soparents
Post Number: 290
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 12:59 pm: |
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WE have ADT. I have had good and bad experiences with them. We had a phone line "cut" by some workers (accidentally) it wasn't until I was walking past the alarm panel one day and for some reason looked and it was showing communication error. Called EDT and to cut a long story short, the last two monthly checks thay had done, they had not got readings back, but didn't tell us!!!!! Finally got this sorted. They didn't care in the least that I was annoyed that if we had had a break in the alarm would not have worked. They said that the siren would have gone and a neighbour would have called the police....
On the postive, we were away and something happened which triggered an alert, they called us and we managed to get someone to check.... It was a low battery, but at least they called us.
All alarm companies are much the same. I have handled corporate alarm systems as well as home and bottom line, there is not one I would recommend over another. |
newtoallthis
Citizen
Username: Newtoallthis
Post Number: 252
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 4:13 pm: |
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How important is it to have a home alarm system in South Orange? I know there are break ins at times, just like anywhere else, but I was just wondering if an alarm system was a necessity? |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 546
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 5:08 pm: |
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I despise them! When we first moved here, there was an ADT system installed but no longer connected to the service. I knew we would not be using ADT (friends in Long Island had a terrible time with them) but left the keypads up until we found another alarm company. About a month or so later, we began getting nasty letters from ADT stating that we owed them money for their monthly "service". Mind you, we never had a passcode nor was the system working and/or connected. I argued with ADT for months. They even put us into collections! I ended up contacting one of their big wigs and explained in detail complete with letters that I had sent out and running off times/dates of our numerous calls. After serveral weeks, it was finally resolved, but they were just awful. We use Slomin's now and have NEVER had a problem. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 14136
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 5:11 pm: |
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newtoallthis, I see a lot of houses with no security system and flimsy door locks and windows that are easy to break into. I take that as a sign that most people don't have much to worry about.
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Amateur Night
Citizen
Username: Deborahg
Post Number: 1842
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 5:37 pm: |
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I hated Slomins and ADT. Finally stopped using the security system because it was SO much more trouble than it was worth. (This was in Maplewood).
now I have a dog.... |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 58
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 6:21 pm: |
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Does anyone know if Slomins has a shorter contract? We were about to sign up with ADT, too, but the one thing that concerns us is the 3 year contract. I HATE being in a long contract (ie. cell phones).
Hubby doesn't really think we need the security system, but when he travels, I do feel better knowing the house is alarmed...even if the break in rate isn't that high here. I have friends in Maplewood whose home was broken into in January...during daylight hours! |
Monster©
Supporter
Username: Monster
Post Number: 3114
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 8:11 pm: |
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If you don't want to utilize the services of an alarm company, you can always install your own using items like you can find at SMARTHOME, http://www.smarthome.com/prodindex.asp?catid=109
You can hook your system up to a computer, have the program call, and/or email you when an alarm goes off (or someone else), sound an alarm, flash lights,....
You can put a control box next to your bed (for example) that would enable you to sound an alarm and turn on the lights in the house if you wake up and think someone is in, or breaking in your house.
the same system can be utilized to remote control lights, etc., throughout the house, even when you are away from home via a phone call or over the internet.
there is a lot of cool stuff at SMARTHOME, http://www.smarthome.com/prodindex.asp?catid=109 |
Kibbegirl
Citizen
Username: Kibbegirl
Post Number: 547
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Monday, May 8, 2006 - 8:21 pm: |
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Former Cowgirl, we have Slomin's and I don't know what the contract is at the moment. I don't think it's 3 years, but I could be wrong. I feel you. Mr. Kibbegirl travels extensively and although we have dogs, I also feel better with the system. We have small children and I can look at any keypad and tell which door has just been opened by either the short "beep" and/or the number flashing. I figure alarm systems are like car insurance. You may not ever need it, but when you do, you'll be glad you have it. |
swato
Citizen
Username: Swato
Post Number: 173
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 9:37 am: |
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I want to say right off the bat that I operate a security systems installation company and I am just responding to the post.
A security system is like insurance it provides you the homeowner with peace of mind should you ever need it. But security systems are a lot more than just door/window contacts and motion detectors. I like to think of them as life safety systems because in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak they can save your life or the life of a loved one. Can you put a price on that?
Most alarm companies require a 36 to 60 month contract, but some companies don’t have a problem with month to month contracts if the customers purchase the system outright. But a lot of folks want a free or low cost system with no long term contract and that my friends will not happen. And when an alarm system goes off inadvertently it means that something is wrong and it needs a visit from the alarm doctor.
 |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7610
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 9:51 am: |
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Monster is right. I'd forgotten that I put a DIY in my mom's home when I got rid of her dog. I'd programmed it to call her cell phone, but she was always setting it off, so I turned that feature off.
I bought a GE system for about $250. Personally, I think it gives her peace of mind more than anything, given where she lives. I wouldn't do the GE system here. Monster's site may have more sophisticated euqipment.
I like having it because we leave windows open sometimes and the alarms can be set in several positions. We also have the smoke detector connected to the system, which makes sense if you are going to bother with the system.
They aren't necessary here, but I like having it. I think it's silly to get the cheap, minimal system, tho. If someone is going to break in, they're going to find the unalarmed window. Either do all windows, doors or don't bother. |
Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 907
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 8:29 pm: |
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If you are looking for a top-notch hardwired burglar/smoke/heat detection system call B&H (908) 277-0070. I've never experienced a false alarm in over 7 years, yet it works exactly as it is supposed to - backup battery, central station monitoring, the works. |
Former Cowgirl
Citizen
Username: Formercowgirl
Post Number: 61
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 - 9:00 pm: |
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Pdg: what's the contract commitment with B & H? |
prodworks
Citizen
Username: Prodworks
Post Number: 41
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 11:42 am: |
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I have ADT and have never had a major problem. AND when somebody attempted to break-in our house in the middle of the night, I was very glad that I had ADT. The minor problem I have is that our motion detector in the basement is very sensitive. I think spider or mouse sets it off sometimes. In general though I think ADT is fine. |
Politicalmon
Citizen
Username: Politicalmon
Post Number: 150
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - 4:54 pm: |
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We use Supreme Security, they are in Union. We've used them for 12 years and have never had a problem. The system was in the house when we purchased it and the contract was with Supreme. We just continued the contract and they've been quite professional and helpful whenever I've had issues with the system (usually backup battery related). In hindsight having paid for the service for 12 years and never having had an incident I wonder whether it's worth it? We rarely engage the system at this point, only if we are away for a weekend or vacation. Have never had an issue and we live just 4 blocks from the Newark border in Montrose.
One comment I found interesting is that our plummer (local long time SO resident)told me that when a perp checks out a house they look for the box or horn for the alarm system on the outside of the house. He told me that as long as you have the box and a couple stickers the probability is that they will leave your house alone. I tend to agree with him given our track record and 12 years of accumulated knowledge about people who have had their homes hit. |
Project 37
Citizen
Username: Project37
Post Number: 77
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 3:55 pm: |
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Thanks to everyone for taking the time to share such helpful feedback! I'm glad we waited before signing on with ADT (whew). I'll look into the local companies mentioned here. Thanks again! |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7663
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 11, 2006 - 4:30 pm: |
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So, I would love to get someone local. But, I am not up for the whole rewiring thing. Why is it that companies always insist that they can't use someone else's equipment?
Methinks it's a scam. Any thoughts? |
swato
Citizen
Username: Swato
Post Number: 174
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 5:36 pm: |
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Green / Project,
The only time our company Metro Alarm will not take over an existing system is if you are under contract, your system is a proprietary system or when it is locked out. ADT, Slomins, Brinks and most local companies lock out the programming portion of the alarm system this keeps the end user from inadvertently reprogramming the system but most important it is from keeping other companies from accessing your programming information and account numbers. The lockout is needed to default the system back to the factory settings so that it can be reprogrammed to the new company’s central monitoring station. Even if the end user owns the equipment the account number that is assigned to that subscriber belongs to the alarm company and it needs to be deleted out of that system or we the alarm companies have to continue to pay the monitoring station for that account until it is reused. If I can not access the system you can still use the alarm components you just need to replace the panel. If anyone needs any additional info you can PL me or call we are listed as a MOL advertiser.
Thanks...
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Smoochie
Citizen
Username: Smoochie
Post Number: 57
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Friday, May 12, 2006 - 11:22 pm: |
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All I'll say is this, even with an alarm you can still get robbed! It happen to me. A word of advice.. DO NOT keep all of your jewelry in one place regardless of value. I lost a few sentimental pieces as well. First place the #*&^* looked was the top 2 dresser drawers, and the jewelry box in the center of my dresser. Yes, I apparently am that stupid, I thought the alarm would potect me. I guess even criminals know that it takes time for central station to call the police dept and for response. I will say it prevented more from being taken, but that's just the way it is. |
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