On defeating alarm systems

["Bill" <bill190nospam@xxxxxxxxx>]

Seems to me this is an; insurance, amount of security -vs- cost, and "you
get what you pay for" thing.

In my experience, it seems *very* rare that an alarm system is defeated. And
those who know how to do this already know it and will continue to share
their knowledge with their "buddies".

Insurance companies look at their stats - If there are too many losses, they
will require additional security (which costs more of course). This could be
additional electronic security, additional physical security, or both.

And for the stuff needing protection which *really* counts, it is protected
exceptionally well electronically as well as physically.

And then for extra very high security needs... There are "custom" alarm
systems. No other like them anywhere. One of a kind. The guys at the
security company have trouble figuring out how they work, let alone an
intruder!

So all this nonsense in movies showing an intruder placing jumper wires in
an alarm control box to "bypass" the system is not very realistic if you ask
me. Not going to happen on systems which really count.

To show you the knowledge of your basic intruder. They don't know what
sensors are where. And alarm companies keep them guessing. Sometimes there
are "dummy" exposed contacts, but "real" concealed contacts. They bypass the
"dummy contact", but get caught by the concealed sensor and a silent alarm.

Then there was the case where a business *only* had an alarm in the
ceiling - nowhere else! You could smash the window, walk right in, and never
trip the alarm. Well some clown came in through the ceiling - got caught!
(This business was cheap - had a bunch of ceiling entries, so that is the
only place they wired for the alarm.) But other similar businesses have
sensors everywhere. No telling which business has what sensor or where it is
located, if it is a "dummy" sensor, or if it is real. In the ceiling or not
in the ceiling.

So if you are worried about your system being defeated... Well, systems
which would be targeted by those who know how to do it would have insurance
company requirements which would make doing this exceptionally difficult.
And if you don't have any special insurance company requirements, then
you're likely to attract a lesser skilled type who would smash, grab, and
run (and not know how to bypass the alarm). So your basic alarm will do.

So just keep your insurance up-to-date. They will tell you when additional
security is required and what is needed. If losses are low, for your area
and type of business , then not to worry.