House Empty, Need security ideas

[tranger2]

A family member had health problems and had to move out of her house and might get to go back home in a six months to a year. She lives in OKC in a decent area, but not the best. She has some things in her house that I'm sure would give some turds a reason to break in.

She has an active telephone line in the house. She also has motion sensing flood lights on the driveway.

I placed a dummy security camera above the door that looks real. I used electrical timers to turn lamps on and off at random times. I used a photo eye socket to turn on the porch light at dusk and off at dawn. The mailman told me the neighbors are good people but sometimes their visitors are not so reputable. One of them dropped their driver's license in a house down the street that got broke into. That's why I put up the fake camera and told them we installed a video/security system.

I don't want to install a security system that requires a 3 year agreement. I am looking into a "dialer" that will call my phone number if motion is detected or a door is opened. Has anyone ever used one of these and if so, any recommendations? If activated it calls a programmed number, a prerecorded message plays then it opens the phone line and you can hear what is going on in the room.

Any other ideas or recommendations?

[SMS]

Is there an internet connection at the house? How about some of those IP based video cameras?

Like this, sends you a snapshot when motion is detected: http://www.smarthome.com/75790/Smart...-Vision/p.aspx

[davek]

Put the valuables in a storage locker so if/when a break in occurs there's nothing to be stolen.

[flatwins]

I believe you can get a basic phone-monitored system installed that only requires a one year contract. You do have to pay for the equipment up front though.

[Keelty]

http://www.amazon.com/Mace-80355-Wir...=home+security

[tranger2]

No internet connection at the house. Therefore, cameras that transmit are out.

We do plan on getting a safe and bolting down in the garage. Still don't want people tearing crap up and stealing stuff that won't fit....

[Powerman620]

Put up motion activated lights in house, in place of lights have it turn on an siren or horn instead. Won't notify but may scare someone away

[Shoot 1st]

Depending on where you lived, I would have no problem going and checking on the house a few times a day, I know this wont prevent everything but its an idea. I know you probably have family neighbors that can also do so, but I have prior training that could possibly help if a situation arises.

Other options video based camera's with a battery backup?

[pstmstr]

Find someone trustworthy to live there a few months, pay the utilities and small rent payment. They would need to understand they would need to vacate on short notice when your friend is ready to come home.

[-Pjackso]

A security system is a very good start.

I'd also recommend:
Remove all sentimental stuff and high-valuable stuff. ...not everything - just stuff that insurance can't replace.
Also talk with your insurance company. They don't like insuring houses without tenants.


When I put my house on the market (to sell) it was vacant. I had to buy extra insurance because it was vacant. (Extra insurance was cheap)
It came it very handy when the outside AC condensor was stolen.

[jrusling]

http://www.amazon.com/Mace-80355-Wir...=home+security

If you get any systems like this, also get an UPS unit so that it will still work during a power outage.

[FullAuto]

Watch Death Wish 3. There are several ideas in that movie.

[yukonjack]

Don't be cheap. Just get the alarm system.