Home Security Systems
 

I am not trying to be negative just getting data from Long Time Residents of our Villages.

This never crossed my mind until two years ago while teaching a Adult Education Class.

When I mentioned my retirement dreams of TV a young Man who used to work for builders in The Villages said " Mr, Forward. I like you Man , You better get your pistol permit and a large Dog and a security system. Welcome to Florida

I said why? Were in a patrolled gated comunity! He explained about the thiefs that stalk the wealth and easy pickings of TV residents.

How easy it is to break into a homes back Lani glass sliders. Peep into windows and see computers jewlery and other items laying out on shelves bedroom dressers etc. He said you just may get a visitor in daylight while your watching TV. And you never know who is wandering around in a uniform pretending to be a lawn guy or pest control person or other?

So all you wise ones! I have my Sinkhole coverage. My Wind and Hurricane Insurance, Total home Flood taken care of- So what are your respected thoughts to this? Are there Home systems that work? Any advise.

And please! No you worry to much Herv responses. I am looking as the Police do- Just the facts please no It's all wonderful hype. Crime is everywhere some places worse than others?

Herv

I do not believe that security is an issue in TV. That's one of the main reason's to move here. Maybe your friend was referring to other parts of Florida.

Traps recommended for those down spout snatching wild dogs. :icon_wink:

There are lots of people who carry guns here. They carried guns back home and they are big on that part of the Constitution. I don't think it is necessary is a huge understatement.

Because we are retired, and we do NOT work but move about the community, we are 80,000 eyes and ears watching out for each other. We really don't need guns.

Now this is where the fight begins.

Someone who is good with statistics please post the crime statistics here...which is hard because we are part of a county and Wildwood takes us down a bit. Hawkwind? You are the man...or Bill? Put down your popcorn.

Eyes and Ears
 

I would think neighborhood watch is the best defense. I know when I was looking at homes this July Ruth and I were pulled over at 8.30 in our cart driving thru the model home division.

We explained we were Village Prolerty land owners and w were looking at models before we left the following morning. We were treated like the criminals we were suppose to be. However guess the officer was just doing his job. Were told to get going and get to bed. HA!

For a couple that dirves 75 miles a day in all weather to go to work being scolded by a very young and VERY overweight sheriff for being to far from our property in a cart our late at 8.30 was a weird feeling.

At least we were checked out that was a positive.

A lot of us are young and overweight. And Car? You are just kidding about the "treated like a criminal" aren't you? When we were caught entering the unlocked model in our neighborhood, the Villages Watch-er was very polite to us and locked up after us.

Gracie....... :popcorn: Ha-ha!! I don't have any type of statistics for you - sorry!

Herv, I feel the home security system is going to be another one of those things that falls into the "personal preference" category - if it makes you feel better and sleep well at night, then it's probably a worthwhile thing for you to do. Everyone will obviously have their own perspective on and approach to home security.

Personally, the crime rate in TV is lower than in other areas of FL and other parts of the country as well. We just do the normal stuff - deadbolts on the doors, turn off the garage door receiver when we're away (so the remote chance of a stray signal opening the door is eliminated), stop stick in the sliding door track, and make sure all the windows are locked. That's about it for us!

Bill :)

Bill....what's your address again ??? :loco:

Oh....and I forgot - - - I have the front door knob hooked up to 220V when we're away as well.. Come on over, my friend - help yourself!! :1rotfl:

Bill :wave:

I would not count on them. We see them once or twice a day AT MOST in our neighborhood. That said, I don't think you need an alarm system. First of all, we had one in NM (lived in a very isolated area) and we had more problems with the system going off and breaking down then it was worth. Your best non lethal defense is a dog. A dog who will bark at people coming on the property. My 12 pound mini dauchshund sounds like a 100 pound shephard ( I know...I have had 100 pound shepherds). Thieves will take the course of least resisitance. The houses here are pretty close together and open to view at all times. BTW-was the comment about the sheriff being overweight necessary? Did that have some meaning to you? Just curious....

Secruity
 

We will be getting an alarm system just be be extra safe. I believe that if you have taken every measure to protect yourself and someone invades your privacy then you can't say "I shoulda". But if you don't cover all of your bases, it's too late to do it afterwards. No woulda, shoulda, coulda's for us! Just my personal opinion. I do believe that TV is very safe!

Hey neighbor! I think if there's a Psychologist that reads this forum he'll be sending you a Christmas card and want to see you at least twice a week for a while.

We had a a monitored alarm system in our home prior to moving to The Villages. The only time it was activated was when I set it off by accident. The alarm company called me twenty minutes later to see if I had been murdered in my bed. Don't feel it is needed here. We keep doors and windows locked. We keep nothing in our home worth stealing.

However, peace of mind can be an important factor in the decision. Like someone has already stated, it is a personal thing.

When I lived up north I lived in a neighborhood where B&E’s were not a concern. Then I became a victim then I said that can never happen again but it did. After I got robbed a second time I sat down with the police and discussed the best and most effective design for a burglar alarm system. I then implemented the design. When I moved to FL I do not remember which came first cable TV or burglar alarm. Last week for one night, because of a maintenance issue (back up battery) I could not set the alarm which resulted in a restless nights sleep. My alarm includes a day alarm, an alarm sounds in the house if a screen door is opened or a beam across my garage door is broken. I am free to open my house and enjoy the fresh air without fear of a surprise. Break my boundaries, well you know the rest.

The police told me the last thing is an alarm that dials the phone. You need sirens and flashing lights. A monitor service is not money well spent.

It’s just one more insurance.

Did you mean a psychologist? His concerns are not paranoid...they are valid concerns. We each react to them in different ways.