Home Security Systems
- Joined: Oct 31st, 2006
- Posts: 465
Has anyone installed or had someone install a home security system while being in Beijing. The system obviously will not be connected to an alarm company, so we are mostly thinking of an Alarm that would scare people away if they try to get in (we live on the 2nd floor). Although we feel mostly safe, we are thinking it might be worth the investment. We are the homeowners, so the investment will be totally for our benefit. Along with that, can anyone recommend a company that specializes in windows and the screens for windows.
ocpaul20
Re: Home Security Systems
I have not seen any micro cameras publicly on sale here like they are in the US or UK for example. Maybe I am wrong, but I suspect that the authorities want to keep this technology for themselves and do not want us installing wireless cameras the size of matchheads all over the place.
Metal window covers are probably made and installed by the local metal-window-cover-maker, but I live half way up a building so it does not effect me.
a dog might be a good investment but there are limits on size here.
To quote H.L. Mencken...
The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.
New Year - New Hat.
Herbz
Re: Home Security Systems
If you are homeowners, i'd rec getting a system that recharges and runs from your mains electricity but has its own battery+fail/low charge alerts, make sure its properly fused so it can't be overloaded or short circuited. Stickers warning of the systems presence are an added but not on their own deterrent. In apartments, the breakers are often outside the door so a mains only system on its own, is useless.
Motion activated outdoor lighting is kinda common sense if your place has grounds/garden, it isn't expensive, shocks the hell out of thieves, draws attention and ruins their night vision. Getting them to go elsewhere is preferable.... if your place has bushes, even more so.
There are a few security shops between Xinjerko and Xidan but better to make sure the system is installed properly before you part with your cash, they are really tough to install and next to useless if the homeowner leaves the key in them or in a place where they can be found.
TCL are a local company that make reasonable programmable timer switches for turning on and off lights furthering the impression that someone is in, their power bars aren't bad either.
Re: dogs, Yes if you live in the countryside away from neighbours or have no letter box/gap where they can feed it something. Window grills and cages are common here but the problem is that once the floor below has them, everyone above has to put them in or it all becomes a climbing frame.
Drain pipes: a few dollops of free used axle grease from any local garage, end of story, impassable.
Cameras are great if continually monitored but id'ing the entrants from a recording surely will be next to impossible unless you
a. recover the recording
b. know the entrants personally
c. whoever investigates the theft can help you id them
just some ideas.....
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expat13
Re: Home Security Systems
Thanks for the ideas Herbie. The grills are not an option, that would not be allowed and is not something we want to do. Motion activated lights are a good thought and possibly something like that along with an alarm would be the best choice I think. Any deterrent is better than none. Its not for material loss protection but for family (young child) protection. I will do my research this weekend.
Herbz
Re: Home Security Systems
Thats good, watch the prices on motion activated lights, they shouldn't be expensive.
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coco-nuts
Re: Home Security Systems
You said you live on the second floor, so I'm assuming your biggest need is the bars to keep the nasty truants out. If your complex won't allow them, there are some vendors that will install it indoor along your window frame. Make them show you samples so it doesn't destroy your property whilst installing.
I don't know about an alarm though. Unless you have some neighbors who really would care enough to do something if they heard it (or security in a ritzy complex), I think the cultural tendency is for people to follow the source of the alarm noise, come look, stare and find out, and then do nothing about it. They don't want to get involved. They will watch the thief empty your place out. So not sure how much that will benefit you. A passive device like the bars keeps them out in the first place.
expat13
Re: Home Security Systems
I agree, often people will just see what the commotion is and then go away. However, we do have a multitude of security people around who will react from what I have seen in the past, even a car alarm will get them scurrying around. I think a loud alarm would frighten a would be intruder to go away and that is my intention. Don't really care for the indoor or outdoor enclosures. Thanks for the input.
coltleader
Re: Home Security Systems
I know this thread is a little old, but I want to reopen the discussion because I am in the same situation as you. I have been deciding what type of security system to put in my house. I came across some information on adt home alarms and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with their systems? Thanks again for the help!
coco-nuts
Re: Home Security Systems
ADT is useless here even though they do operate on the mainland. Under this system, the police is informed and a patrol is set out immediately to check on the situation. Don't count on this happening in Beijing. No one would care unless a death or injury was involved. I agree with the bars to keep out the intruders in the first place. Either bars inside the window (they don't have to be industrial strength prison units to do the job), or a steel reinforced door with a solid lock.