Security Systems

Does anyone have any experience with local security system providers? We are looking at having one installed in our Southern Walk VM townhome and are looking at Apex/Honeywell and ADT.

Any thoughts -- pros or cons?

Many thanks!

 

We have the ADT system. I like the system a lot and the price was not that bad.

Unfortunatly the one time that our system went off it took over an hour and a half for the police to arrive. The alarm went off because Van Metre was blasting behind our house which shook the glass causing all of the glass breaks to go off. It was not ADT's fault that the police tooks so long though. They had tracked us down within 2 minutes of the alarm going off and contacted the police within 3. My wife and I got home and I even contacted ADT to make sure that they contacted the police after we checked the house over. I waited and waited and as I was leaving I saw the cop car pull up. I honestly could not believe how slow a response we had. The funny thing was that without asking me who I was he looked at the house and I told him that we already checked it and he said ok and drove off. Makes you feel real secure.

I have heard that this is not normal but I did file a complaint but never heard anything about it.

 

We use Brinks ... one time our alarm went off due to our front door opening while we were away ( we did not shut it all the way as it turns out [] )
And we got a call on our cell phones ( secondary contact numbers ) from Brinks saying our alarm was on. Told them we were away from the house ... So, they called the police.

By the time we came home ( 10 minutes away from the house ), two Loudoun county sheriff was in front of our house. They asked who we were. We provided our driver license. After that, they went in and checked out our house.. all three levels ..and told us there was no sign of forced entry. We were pretty surprised at the friendly and quick response from the police. ( BTW this happened on Saturday afternoon )

 

Thanks for the info. LOstSoul, why did you choose ADT? And snoopy, same question for Brinks? Any particular reason for your particular choice?

Thanks also about the police response info. One slow and one fast. I guess that is to be expected.

Anyone with experience with Apex?

 

I chose ADT because I had them at my previous house. My insurance company also has an extra deal with ADT and I get more $$ off for using them. I even got some money off installation because of my insurance companies ties to ADT.

 

Our home inspection company had referral program with Brinks..so we got free installation ( with additional key pad / motion sensor ) .. and got reduced rate if you prepaid for one year ... so just went with them ... hope this helps ...

 

Thanks for the info snoopy and LOstSOul. Really appreciated.