Hello OzB,
Hoping someone can recommend the best value, most effective ways to deter and monitor for intruders in a vacant home.
The home is my parents' old family home, it's vacant and getting prepped for sale. In the meantime, there have been two break-ins in the last week - junkies had themselves a couple of parties in the house and thankfully a neighbour called the police. We are getting a locksmith to quote on adding bolts to the windows as the latches aren't keeping these people out. But I want to make sure a break-in isn't attempted again and that the house isn't damaged.
Things I'm considering:
* Motion-sensitive floodlights (doesn't help with alert and response?)
* Motion-sensitive security camera that sends alerts and media via SIM (is that a thing?)
* Back to base alarm eg ADT or Chubb (are they reliable? Are they good value, particularly in a temporary situation like this?)
Criteria - the kickers:
* The house has power but no internet.
* Lack of people on the ground: my parents are old and not really mobile or with it, and I live in a different state. I could probably fly over to do an install if it was basic enough, but the ongoing solution would need a third party alerted to attend. I am also happy to get a third party to install if it's cost-effective.
* [Edit:] The house is empty and unfurnished at the moment so it's not set up for someone to move in temporarily, Airbnb or housesit.
* We want to sell the house ASAP so don't really want to spend that much, especially on a permanent solution, but do need to make sure it's not damaged before sale (or settlement, I guess).
Am I on the right track? Am I overthinking it? Please let me know what you've done in a similar situation. Thank you!
Buy a Lynx.