Existing burglar alarm installed by a leading major alarm company had radio backup dialer if telephone wires were cut. The telephone wires were plainly accessible from ground level. During a break-in, the telephone wires were cut and the radio backup did not work. The system was not “supervised” meaning there was no indication of wires being cut or radio not functioning. We were contacted following break-in and per our recommendation, the home owner rerouted telephone wires to enter at attic level, not ground level. We identified that the radio dialer was the wrong type to function in the non air-conditioned space where it was located, the glass break sensor was on wrong wall, and a motion sensor was in the wrong location. A “mock strike” by the original alarm company would have revealed these deficiencies without the loss of over $200,000 in uninsured collector’s valuables, and the anguish and the time associated.
Business operated from pier and had guard at gate but it was impossible for guard to see what would happen 1,000’ away on water side of the building, especially at night. The guard was unarmed and did not wear a Kevlar vest. We recommended electronic security that would do a more effective job and save $50,000 per year compared to cost of guard.