Burglars are wising up to security systems

More than 14,000 burglaries have been reported to the NYPD in 2007, and the bad guys still have another four months to add to the total.

Making sure you protect your home or apartment from a break-in may require more than just a deadbolt and window locks.

Security systems typically come in two varieties: Companies like ADT that back up their home-security systems with monitoring centers that call 911 if they detect something amiss, and a cheaper, do-it-yourself system of cameras and sensors monitored from the property owner’s computer.

Paula Marshall, editor of the Better Homes and Gardens book “Home Security: Your Guide to Protecting Your Family,” had lots of advice to safeguard your home. She recommended practicality above all else when picking out a security system.

“You don’t need one, necessarily,” she said. “Your main reason is just peace of mind.”

But once you’ve decided that yes, you do want or need one, you have to address your vulnerabilities. Alleyways, fire escapes or just a shadowy corner of the yard are all places for a potential burglar to start.

“Look at how vulnerable those places are,” she said.

Many people only choose to get a home security system after they’ve already been a victim of a burglar. Marshall said that this vulnerable moment is not the time to take the first deal an alarm seller offers.

New Yorkers are lucky, because the NYPD has a crime prevention staff that offers free consultations on weaknesses in their home or apartment’s security without the pressure of someone trying to make a sale.

“They can help you make the first step,” Marshall said.

Once that consultation is complete, you’ll be better informed before you make a decision and a purchase.

For most homes, a private security company might work best. They can provide motion detectors and magnetic sensors on the windows. Fancier models can even include laser trip wires, all controlled from central panels that need a keycode.

The price goes up with the number of gadgets involved, but don’t get suckered in by the idea that more is better.

“Get what you think you need,” Marshall said.

Professionally installed alarm systems can start at several thousand dollars, with a monthly subscription of $50 or more to a call centers. These call centers are supposed to call the police or the fire department if the alarm sounds, making your home that much safer, right? Wrong, Marshall said.

“The damage is done by the time the police get there,” she said.

“Once they hear the alarm, they’re going to grab what they can and run,” she added.

Also, the call centers you subscribe to may be in another country as often as they are in the city, often leaving phone operators with a lack of local knowledge that could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.

For city dwellers, common sense can be the best deterrent. Keep your locks locked and keep the chain on the door at night. “It’s probably what New Yorkers do anyway,” Marshall said.

But for added security, especially for the traveler who moves around a lot, the do-it-yourself X10 wireless system might be the way to go. X10 refers to wireless technology that allows security components to talk to each other and your computer.

The components, which include cameras, motion sensors or shattered glass detectors, are becoming more and more popular as their prices plummet. You can program the components and monitor security from your home computer or laptop, using software like ActiveHome Pro or iWatchOut.

Some homeowners use the technology to time indoor and outdoor lights, or to play music systems.

Each component is wireless, and you can add more or take away as your budget or practicality allows. Users lose the call center advantage, but you gain all the recorded footage you need to try to press charges after the fact.

“Even if you can’t prevent it with X10, you can get better follow-up than even with [a company such as] ADT,” Marshall said.

Forget about the phony stickers and fake cameras, Marshall said. Burglars have seen them and don’t fall for the bluffs.

Finally, Marshall offered simple but obvious advice for people who purchase alarms.

“If you buy it, turn it on,” she said.

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