Hi all, my first post but Mumsnet has been a great source for me for years.
We are doing a complete refurbishment in a relatively affluent neighborhood in north London. The choice of security system came up. I am sure it has been discussed many times but thought to check what everyone's view is.
As far as alarms are concerned, I can see the choices of either traditional/wired monitored/police connected systems offered by the likes of Banham or local specialist stores, or wireless systems (Ring, SimpliSafe etc) ranging from monitored (Ring) to completely unmonitored, though none are police connected or insurance approved.
I wonder if people share my feeling that the traditional systems are becoming less competitive, given 1) Wireless kits have progressed so much, yet most traditional systems are dated 2) the chance of the police actually turning up is extremely low. I cannot stop feeling that I am paying a traditional system largely for the industry's high entry barriers (NSI certification, policy connection and insurance eligibility).
We do have a local security firm that can be a quick and guaranteed first respondent (they are local hence will definitely show up when called), obviously at a cost. I am contemplating combining the local firm with a Ring monitored system. Would people recommend this?