Locks vs Alarms

With the emphasis now-a-days leaning on good home security, where do we go from here? Many lock experts are telling us that locks are the priority; after all, we want to discourage an intruder before he or she makes their grand entrance. Locks can surely stop a would-be intruder at stage one (a locked door) before they have the opportunity to test the waters in stage two (an alarm system).

Or do they? Careful consideration must be made as to the type of locks you install in your home. There are several types of locks and lock-enhancing hardware on the market, so the consumer must be careful when selecting the right combinations to assure maximum protection against the bad guys. Many homeowners have opted to let budget prevail over security by purchasing cheap locks. Burglars love this mindset, making a break-and-enter quick and easy. Consumers need to realize when selecting good locks they should consult a security professional. Locksmiths are not only able to advise which lock would best suit their needs, but which other security features should be considered.

Maybe you should opt for an alarm system, and forget about the lock upgrades. This will possibly give you the most bang for your buck. Many alarm salesmen are quick to point out that for only $25.00 or $30.00 a month in monitoring fees, presto, you have a monitored alarm system.......just sign on the dotted line!

If you are prepared to lock into a three year contract because you are away from home quite often, perhaps this is the avenue you should be traveling. But keep in mind that most free alarm packages offer bare bones coverage. You may need to spend a little more to guarantee you have the utmost home protection.

If you are sitting in a home with cheap locks and a bare bones alarm system, chances are an intruder could blow through your door, take off with your valuables and be gone long before the police arrive. This is not what I would call good home security; in fact, it's not even mediocre. Good home security involves a culmination of good locks and a well-covered alarm system. The first line of defence is still the locks, so make sure to install good-quality deadbolts with all the strength-enhancing hardware to ensure a stronger defence against physical attack.

Once you have secured your home with all the physical security, it's time to install a good alarm system. Do not get caught with the cheapest system; cheaper is not necessarily better. So don't feel obligated to sign on with any one company right off the bat. Get three or four quotes from alarm companies and ask lots of questions. This will be a learning experience for you and will certainly help with your final decision.

Also, remember that there will never be a winner in the locks vs. alarms skirmish. No matter how you slice it, this bout will always come up a draw.

For more information on your home security check out http://www.yourhomesecurity.ca

Frank Fourchalk is widely recognized for his sustained commitment to education in Home and Business security throughout North America as a result of his syndicated newspaper columns. Mr. Fourchalk has written for The Toronto Star, The Vancouver Province, and several other daily newspapsers including the New York Post.