Re: System for a (Small) Multi-Unit Building

["Bill" <bill190nospam@xxxxxxxxx>]

An electronic security system usually alerts [whoever] *AFTER* someone has
gained entry. I feel it is best to prevent or discourage them from entering
in the first place.

Fix the fence so it is very difficult to gain access. Install bars or tough
physical security on doors and windows as much as you can [budget thing].
Get dog. Get alarm system signs and post all around your property and fence
even if you don't have a security system. These things will make them go to
an easier target. Get signs at following link or search google.com for
security signs...
http://needdecals.stores.yahoo.net/homsecsigand.html

So far as alarms go, sometimes electronic alarm systems are setup to alert a
person on site (such as a security guard). If there is always someone there,
then the onsite alert or "local alarm" would save you the monthly expense of
monitoring.

If everyone is gone all day or whatever, then monitoring would be best.

As for multiple homeowners sharing the same system, this does not work very
well in my experience. There are technical problems with gaining access for
service. One persons home may be causing problems and they are not there, so
can't fix system, etc. Then who pays for false alarms, service calls, etc.
Best to have separate systems.

<psandler70@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>I am looking for some initial information on the types of security
> systems would be appropriate for a small multi-unit building.  Any
> advice or links to information would be appreciated.
>
> Our garage was broken into a few nights ago.  They forced the doors on
> BOTH entrances to the garage, even though both doors give access to the
> same area.  Nothing was stolen (there is nothing to steal), but we
> obviously don't like the idea of someone being on the property in the
> first place.
>
> It's a four unit building, completely surrounded by a fence and garage
> (that borders the alley).  There is one area where the garage meets the
> fence where it is very easy to hop the fence.  One thought was that we
> could aim a camera at this spot on the fence, since we suspect that
> this was how they got onto the property.  We may just extend the fence
> a few feet to make entry more difficult at that point.
>
> Is there any reasonable way of adding security to the GROUNDS of the
> property, in addition to securing the garage building/doors and each of
> the individual residences?
>
> Also, if all the residents were to agree to commit to a security
> system, would it be cheaper (or even possible) to buy a single package
> to secure the whole property and all residences?
>
>
> Thanks for any info/advice.
>
> Phil
>