Best security system for rural home? I paid much for security system that's not working well.

Hi! We checked out and installed motion-sensor security systems about 10 years ago. We are on a farm, and it turned out that the thief was the power meter-reader, who came every couple of months in a small van (as permitted), checked who was around, then tucked away everything he fancied in his nice little van. We had been suspecting the wrong person. However the system was a serious pain. Virtually anything set it off, and it recorded in real time, so that there were hours and hours of tape to check. We don’t bother with it any more, and rely more on locks. I am fairly sure that there are much better and cheaper systems available now – we see advertisements for them regularly – so it may be worthwhile just checking around. Also don't believe everything in advertisements.

By the way Teddy, what kind of security system did you pay for that is not working well?
It may help me and others that live in rural areas to avoid the same problem.
Thanks

While I was in Ca caring for my Aunt, my brother installed a Ring floodlight cam.
It chimes on your phone every time it senses motion.
Although it chimed for every cat or raccoon etc... I was able to see the video and know exactly what was going on.
I liked it so much that I have a handyman coming to install one for me.
Not yet sure if it will work the same way in my "very " rural setting as it did in California, but I can keep ya posted!
I also have a big dog, but don't know how reliable he would be with an intruder! Lol

Although I agree a good protective dog is the best safety for when you are home, a security system can provide a different kind of protection. I use mine to help monitor my mother's actions in our home.

Do you internet service at your home? Good cellular service?

I have cellular based internet service and recommend either SimpleSafe or Ring systems; SimpleSafe will call out on a cellular network if you don't have dependable internet but you will need internet access to view camera feeds. We were able to get an easy conviction when the internet streamed camera feed sent the offender's face as they swung a gold club to take out a camera into cloud storage. Although the intruders found and took the security system's DVR, they could not get to the cloud storage copy. I use two cameras so they can "cover" each other; you cannot take one down without your actions being recorded on the other.

Both systems come with lots of different options, can be self-installed and send text message and email messages, and have zero dollars to inexpensive ($15-20/month) monitoring services available. Both systems allow you to add sensors/cameras as you wish. Please remember if you choose to install something like this to _change_ the default system passwords (published on the internet with the system's user guides) so anyone who cares to cannot access your system.

Our BEST alarm was our Border Collie. If she knew the person who was at the door or in the yard, she'd not even react, except to greet them, tail wagging and wanting a belly rub.

On the other hand--if it were so much as a feral cat in the yard, she would go ballistic and chase that intruder.

I have never felt safer in my life, than when we had our Nina.

She would also go out 'check the perimeter' of the yard during the night, either of her own accord or if we said "Nina, go check the yard' and she was off like a bullet. And, mally is right, good guard dogs have different 'barks'--we learned Nina NEVER barked for no reason--!

Now I am so sad for missing her.

As far as burglar alarms?? My MIL has been robbed 3 times and she has a real state of the art system--which befuddles her. Her problem was that she is cheap and hired super cheap cleaning ladies whose acquaintances would then note when she was due to be gone and break in and rob her. Once she was actually home in bed and they stole a ton of stuff and she heard NOTHING. Her alarm was blaring so loud it was the across-street neighbors who heard and called the police.

My one daughter who does have a lot of valuables has motion sensors and cameras all over the place. They get a hoot out of watching the raccoons coming over their fences and trotting across the yard, every single night!

For a rural home--your best bet is a dog, bigger the better. A couple of them.

My dog cruises the house and barks only at people or other perceived dangers; not at deer or normal things. She has a loud, bark and I hear her immediately, which is all we need, a warning.

What do you need the system to do for you?

If you want it to warn you of strangers on the property, Guinea Fowl will make a huge racket. If your dog is small she may bark but not be very intimidating.

Do you want motion activated lights? A monitored alarm that will send the police?

Do you have outbuildings that have valuables in them?

Do you have close neighbours, that would hear a loud siren or alarm?

The best security system to prevent theft is a big protective dog. Hugs and kisses are a great fringe benefit.

I recommend doing one yourself. You can set it up to send you texts or emails if you have any alarms, you can do doors, windows, glass, motion and fire detection. The system will tell you what alarm has been set off and you can determine if you need to call the police. You can also do cameras that you can remotely view. Just e sure to change the security codes.

I recommend lots of motion sensors and a very loud alarm, obviously smoke and fire detectors and every window and door should have sensors. Doing it yourself is about 1/4 of the cost and no monthly monitoring fee. You will need reliable internet service.

That is what we did and we have been so happy with the results.

Teddy, the best system is whatever system works the best. Time to shop around and talk to reps who sell other systems. Don't go overboard is a lot of bells and whistles that become complex in learning. Simple is better. Nothing worse then coming in your house and forgetting what is code to turn off the system.

At first I was going to say get a dog, but I noticed on your profile that you already have one :) Is the dog a good watch dog?

I don't use a security system. Instead, I have a bunch of auto light timer lights that go on and off during the night, so it looks like someone is always home. I always have one light one upstairs to make it look like someone is up all night working. Outside auto sensor lights are helpful. If you have a long driveway up to your house, I believe there is a senor that rings letting you know that a car is coming up your driveway.

Hope you find a security system that works perfectly :)