Home Automation

[Dirk]

Thanks for another point of view. Here's an interesting read about it (and you know it's fact, because I found it on the google machine!):

How long should it take the average locksmith to unlock a residential door?

Answer (1 of 8): In general, I think I can agree with the 7-10 minute average suggested by some of the other people who have answered this question. I certainly agree that locksmithing fraud is woefully prevalent, and if a locksmith spent more than about 10 minutes to open your front door I cert...

www.quora.com

I think we can agree that lock picking is not something that one could rely on, in terms of time needed, and for that reason it's something I would think most thieves would not be inclined to do, even if they were proficient at it. I didn't say it takes 20 minutes to pick a lock, "up to 20" means even seasoned locksmiths can't predict exactly how long it might take.

I certainly wasn't trying to imply that folks shouldn't fortify their locks if that makes them feel safer (arguably, they would be safer). I was just saying that for me, it wouldn't. And of course there are faster ways to get into a house, and quieter ones, etc.

I still stand by my over-arching notion. If someone wants in, they're coming in (regardless of my defenses). Security, for me, means making my house a less desirable target than others, not trying to make my house impenetrable. But it's also a personal thing: different for each of us.

 

[YonnyPiscinas]

I have a variety of alarm/sensors systems. I have a main house alarm with a takex laser sensor outside covering the side driveway and back garden. This will detect any person moving, climbing over the wall, walking past the car etc and trigger the loud house alarm and alert the security company who will call us. I have this on when we are sleeping too.
Also I have my own sensors (broadlink) - one down the side driveway and one covering the back garden patio doors.
If these detect movement it will communicate to IFTTT and will call my phone, also have it set up to turn on many lights in the house such as my bedside lamp if I'm sleeping. Not to mention the cameras which I view at work on my desktop and phone app.

 

[jimim]

So I don’t think it’s been answered but Vera is a cheap solution for macro’s. I run 3 vera’s right now cause hai went belly up. The 1 Vera is 10 years old. I have had Very little issues. I control it all. Security, lights, temps, sprinklers.