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I am just starting to look into this and was wondering if anyone on here had any experience or recommendations for an alarm for a apartment? The websites of the bigger companies don't mention apartments at all and the smaller ones I have found don't seem to have many reviews online, any help would be appreciated.

http://www.vivent.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - they run a wireless system and don't require a landline if I remember correctly. Prices are a little higher, but it's fully automated and run off your smartphone if you have one.

In the mean time, I suggest getting these: http://www.walmart.com/ip/GE-SmartHome- ... k/16561504" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and/or this http://www.securityprousa.com/dobrwial.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Pretty cheap investments that will alert you while you're at home. However, obviously it is not tied to a central system and won't alert the security company which will in turn call the police. It may scare the criminal away, but isn't guaranteed.

Also, look at your lease and ensure that you can add an alarm system. Some apartment complexes will classify adding an alarm system as an alteration. YMMV.

I lived in several apartments the last 6 years (navy moves me a lot), but a few recommendations I have for overall security:
When leaving for an extended period of time:
1. Buy one of these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100685881? ... =100685881" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Setting a few of them inside your apartment at random times gives the illusion of someone inside. I set the one in my living room at 0500-1000 then again at 1900-0100 and one in my bedroom at 0400-0500 and 0100-0130 so even if I wasn't there, the lights would come on making it look like I was moving from the bedroom to the living room and back.
2. This helped too: http://www.faketv.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Same illusion as above.
3. Give your car keys to someone you trust or don't park your car at the complex.
Criminals are smarter than we like to give them credit. After all, this is their "job". They will scope the parking lot out and see if cars are idle for a long period of time and will eventually break into your car. (Unfortunately, I didn't do this and my car was broken into - I was on leave for 12 days.)
4. Remove your insurance card and valuables from your vehicle when you leave.
Luckily, when they broke into my car they did not steal my insurance card. (Though they got my tool kit, medical kit, and really nice ray-bans) This has a lot of information on it that can be used to their advantage i.e. your apt address. If they notice your car is idle for a while then most likely they know that you're not at home and steps 1-3 are useless. They will be emboldened knowing no one is home and can break into your place taking their sweet, sweet time.
5. Give your apartment key to someone you trust or ask management to check up on your place every few days.
Some people may not like this, but if a water leak, air conditioner breaks, or whatever happens.. it's better to catch it after a few days vice a few weeks. Depending on what valuables you have or how much you trust said someone or management you might not want to do this. I, however, put most my valuables in my safe and let the insurance company cover the rest.
6. Finally, move out of your apartment. I know for myself, this was easier said than done. However, living in a home that you rent (preferably own =]) has many advantages. From putting in a dedicated alarm system, more space for guns/ammo/prep gear, privacy, etc... you get the picture. It may not be financially feasible at the moment, but having the goal to save for a down payment and eventually getting your own place is rewarding and liberating.

Hope this helped! If you have any more questions or just want some insight just let me know.. I'll provide as much information as I can and I'm sure there are others on here that will gladly contribute =]

Erick,

Thanks for the information, the Vivint is just what I was looking for and I definitely agree with #6 and am working on that.

I have a Vivint system in my house. Love it. I also opted for a couple of the pan and tilt cameras. Great system and everything has a lifetime warranty, they even come out and change the 5 year batteries when they die.
If you get the system and later move, they come to your new residence and install brand new equipment at no additional charge.
The only downside is a pretty long commitment period (something like 42 months). Not sure if things are different when apartments are part of the equation.

They also have a lot of other gadgets; electronic locks, appliance automation, thermostat control, etc.

jmra wrote:I have a Vivint system in my house. Love it. I also opted for a couple of the pan and tilt cameras. Great system and everything has a lifetime warranty, they even come out and change the 5 year batteries when they die.
If you get the system and later move, they come to your new residence and install brand new equipment at no additional charge.
The only downside is a pretty long commitment period (something like 42 months). Not sure if things are different when apartments are part of the equation.

They also have a lot of other gadgets; electronic locks, appliance automation, thermostat control, etc.

We have security video at the office. We had a trailer stolen a couple years ago. Had the perps on video. The Plano cops acted like we were putting them out to have them watch the video. All they wanted to do was file a report and leave. They could not have cared less about catching the thieves. I suppose the video is nice if you are murdered but they would rather not have to spend donut time watching video tapes of thieves.

03Lightningrocks wrote:

jmra wrote:I have a Vivint system in my house. Love it. I also opted for a couple of the pan and tilt cameras. Great system and everything has a lifetime warranty, they even come out and change the 5 year batteries when they die.
If you get the system and later move, they come to your new residence and install brand new equipment at no additional charge.
The only downside is a pretty long commitment period (something like 42 months). Not sure if things are different when apartments are part of the equation.

They also have a lot of other gadgets; electronic locks, appliance automation, thermostat control, etc.

We have security video at the office. We had a trailer stolen a couple years ago. Had the perps on video. The Plano cops acted like we were putting them out to have them watch the video. All they wanted to do was file a report and leave. They could not have cared less about catching the thieves. I suppose the video is nice if you are murdered but they would rather not have to spend donut time watching video tapes of thieves.

I hear what you're saying. These are motion activated and saves the clips offsite. Very easy to retrieve and email.

jmra wrote:

03Lightningrocks wrote:

jmra wrote:I have a Vivint system in my house. Love it. I also opted for a couple of the pan and tilt cameras. Great system and everything has a lifetime warranty, they even come out and change the 5 year batteries when they die.
If you get the system and later move, they come to your new residence and install brand new equipment at no additional charge.
The only downside is a pretty long commitment period (something like 42 months). Not sure if things are different when apartments are part of the equation.

They also have a lot of other gadgets; electronic locks, appliance automation, thermostat control, etc.

We have security video at the office. We had a trailer stolen a couple years ago. Had the perps on video. The Plano cops acted like we were putting them out to have them watch the video. All they wanted to do was file a report and leave. They could not have cared less about catching the thieves. I suppose the video is nice if you are murdered but they would rather not have to spend donut time watching video tapes of thieves.

I hear what you're saying. These are motion activated and saves the clips offsite. Very easy to retrieve and email.

Heck... We gave them a DVD. A week later I called to see if any luck. The person "in charge" of our case tells us they had no record of receiving a DVD.

Here is the best part of the story. We watch the perp handling a crow bar to manipulate the trailer. He leaves it behind. No way his prints aren't all over the thing. I actually watched the captain pick it up with his bare hands and chuck it in the back of his SUV. His boss denied he did that. I sent a video of him doing it. They again act like they didn't get it. I finally gave up. Like I said... Donuts take priority.

No... I'm not bitter or anything.

03Lightningrocks wrote:

jmra wrote:

03Lightningrocks wrote:

jmra wrote:I have a Vivint system in my house. Love it. I also opted for a couple of the pan and tilt cameras. Great system and everything has a lifetime warranty, they even come out and change the 5 year batteries when they die.
If you get the system and later move, they come to your new residence and install brand new equipment at no additional charge.
The only downside is a pretty long commitment period (something like 42 months). Not sure if things are different when apartments are part of the equation.

They also have a lot of other gadgets; electronic locks, appliance automation, thermostat control, etc.

We have security video at the office. We had a trailer stolen a couple years ago. Had the perps on video. The Plano cops acted like we were putting them out to have them watch the video. All they wanted to do was file a report and leave. They could not have cared less about catching the thieves. I suppose the video is nice if you are murdered but they would rather not have to spend donut time watching video tapes of thieves.

I hear what you're saying. These are motion activated and saves the clips offsite. Very easy to retrieve and email.
Heck... We gave them a DVD. A week later I called to see if any luck. The person "in charge" of our case tells us they had no record of receiving a DVD.

Here is the best part of the story. We watch the perp handling a crow bar to manipulate the trailer. He leaves it behind. No way his prints aren't all over the thing. I actually watched the captain pick it up with his bare hands and chuck it in the back of his SUV. His boss denied he did that. I sent a video of him doing it. They again act like they didn't get it. I finally gave up. Like I said... Donuts take priority.

No... I'm not bitter or anything.

Sounds like you should have bought them a few dozen donuts.

I live in a small enough community that our action starved LEOs would be all over it. Ok, maybe not.

That was not the first time I found myself a victim of theft. The time before that the whole complex was hit and every truck in the parking lot was torn up from the amateur entry efforts. There were a few before that I have forgotten. My truck was hit in my own driveway by a thief. Did more damage than the value of what they stole. They hit five other vehicles on my street that night. Again... Cops didn't care. My neighbor was demanding finger prints be taken... . The cop said there was no point. He almost got himself in trouble arguing with the cop.

I really believe they just figure insurance will cover theft and they are simply there to provide proof it is not fraud.

Thank goodness I office and reside in a "SAFE" area... LOL. Plano isn't exactly the hood but I suppose petty theft is rampant everywhere these days. EXCEPT FOR THE DONUT SHOPS!

03Lightningrocks wrote:

That was not the first time I found myself a victim of theft. The time before that the whole complex was hit and every truck in the parking lot was torn up from the amateur entry efforts. There were a few before that I have forgotten. My truck was hit in my own driveway by a thief. Did more damage than the value of what they stole. They hit five other vehicles on my street that night. Again... Cops didn't care. My neighbor was demanding finger prints be taken... . The cop said there was no point. He almost got himself in trouble arguing with the cop.

I really believe they just figure insurance will cover theft and they are simply there to provide proof it is not fraud.

Thank goodness I office and reside in a "SAFE" area... LOL. Plano isn't exactly the hood but I suppose petty theft is rampant everywhere these days. EXCEPT FOR THE DONUT SHOPS!

That's how it was with my house burglary. They deputy that arrived did take some fingerprints but it was clear who the thief was, my maid service.. Gave them all their info and they NEVER contacted them to even interview.. I doubt my guns are even in the database. And insurance didn't cover everything due to max limits. Was like 2500 on guns, 5000 on jewelry, etc.. It hurt.

Ericstac wrote:

03Lightningrocks wrote:

That was not the first time I found myself a victim of theft. The time before that the whole complex was hit and every truck in the parking lot was torn up from the amateur entry efforts. There were a few before that I have forgotten. My truck was hit in my own driveway by a thief. Did more damage than the value of what they stole. They hit five other vehicles on my street that night. Again... Cops didn't care. My neighbor was demanding finger prints be taken... . The cop said there was no point. He almost got himself in trouble arguing with the cop.

I really believe they just figure insurance will cover theft and they are simply there to provide proof it is not fraud.

Thank goodness I office and reside in a "SAFE" area... LOL. Plano isn't exactly the hood but I suppose petty theft is rampant everywhere these days. EXCEPT FOR THE DONUT SHOPS!

That's how it was with my house burglary. They deputy that arrived did take some fingerprints but it was clear who the thief was, my maid service.. Gave them all their info and they NEVER contacted them to even interview.. I doubt my guns are even in the database. And insurance didn't cover everything due to max limits. Was like 2500 on guns, 5000 on jewelry, etc.. It hurt.

Same story.. Over and over again. The whole theft issue has become a big joke. The police officers that respond to thefts of this nature usually act like they are put off by having to fill out the paperwork. I would not be surprised to find being assigned to the theft division is form of punishment for not writing enough tickets.

B"H
Try SECURE SURE. B4 having a contract they are very nice. After, just reasonable.

jmra wrote:I have a Vivint system in my house. Love it. I also opted for a couple of the pan and tilt cameras. Great system and everything has a lifetime warranty, they even come out and change the 5 year batteries when they die.
If you get the system and later move, they come to your new residence and install brand new equipment at no additional charge.
The only downside is a pretty long commitment period (something like 42 months). Not sure if things are different when apartments are part of the equation.

They also have a lot of other gadgets; electronic locks, appliance automation, thermostat control, etc.

What alarm company monitors your system?

Protection One?

carlson1 wrote:

jmra wrote:I have a Vivint system in my house. Love it. I also opted for a couple of the pan and tilt cameras. Great system and everything has a lifetime warranty, they even come out and change the 5 year batteries when they die.
If you get the system and later move, they come to your new residence and install brand new equipment at no additional charge.
The only downside is a pretty long commitment period (something like 42 months). Not sure if things are different when apartments are part of the equation.

They also have a lot of other gadgets; electronic locks, appliance automation, thermostat control, etc.

What alarm company monitors your system?

Protection One?

Wasn't sure. Found this:
"On November 1 of the same year, Vivint acquired a central alarm monitoring station from CMS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Protection One, along with 83 new employees.[13] This central station is located in St. Paul, Minnesota.[13] On Dec 3, 2009 Vivint opened a new corporate headquarters, in Provo, Utah.[14] This building also houses an internal monitoring center which began operation in April 2010.[15] In September 2012, Vivint announced that they had entered into an agreement to be acquired by Blackstone Group for in excess of $2 Billion.[16] This acquisition by Blackstone Group was finalized in November, 2012.[17][18] Vivint's rapid growth was recognized by Forbes magazine in its annual ranking of America's Most Promising Companies for 2013, marking the first time the Provo, Utah-based home-automation/home-security company was named to the exclusive list, with a ranking of 46 out of the 100 privately held companies listed.[19] AlarmSystemReport.com, a leading source of information and consumer reviews on the home security and alarm market, named Vivint Security to the top of the list of best home alarm system companies for 2013.[20] In 2013, Vivint's Kristi Knight was awarded the SAMY award for overall excellence in marketing and sales, due to leadership in driving the company's rapid increase in business.[21] Vivint continues to plan expansion into other fields through continuous innovation at its Vivint Innovation Center.[22]"