I've had Brinks home security in my home for over 6 months and am pleased to say I'm very pleased with their service.
Over the years, the security industry has morphed from a "true luxury" for the well off, to what many consider a necessity for the masses. 10-15 years ago, in my part of the country, there were four big players. Rollins, which was sold to Ameritech, then ADT; Westec, which was purchased by Edison and others; Honeywell, which became HSM (Honeywell Security Monitoring), which is now part of Stanley Works; and ADT, which still exists. When the industry changed from a high-end product to more commodity-like, like cell phones, etc., much of the "personal attention" disappeared, too. It is generally a fact, that unless you go with a local company, you'll have to deal with. Most systems have consolidated monitoring centers (1-4 company wide) and you have to call an 800#. That's a reality in this day and age.
So, a couple things to consider if you're getting a home security system:
1) Protect your phone lines. I recommend long range radio or cell backup (soon to be satelite based).
2) Have an exterior siren installed. Many companies don't see the need, I do. Would you remain in a house when a siren is blaring thru the neighborhood?
3) Have all entrances to the home, except the one you come and go on programmed for instant. Brinks tried to make my front door and garage entrance both on delay (in the non-instant mode, of course). This compromises your security. Have only one door on delay, if possible.
4) Have the entry delay as short as you can, without causing false alarms, seconds count in this case.
5) Use the system. Many burglaries involve homes with systems that weren't turned on! You have it, use it.
Finally, and to the real point of this post - Brinks is regarded as one of the best run security companies in the country. Their customer service is top notch, but it helps if you know a thing or two when dealing with them. I hope this post is helpful. Also, FYI - they will be changing their name within three years from 2008, since they were recently spun off from Brinks, Inc.
Over the years, the security industry has morphed from a "true luxury" for the well off, to what many consider a necessity for the masses. 10-15 years ago, in my part of the country, there were four big players. Rollins, which was sold to Ameritech, then ADT; Westec, which was purchased by Edison and others; Honeywell, which became HSM (Honeywell Security Monitoring), which is now part of Stanley Works; and ADT, which still exists. When the industry changed from a high-end product to more commodity-like, like cell phones, etc., much of the "personal attention" disappeared, too. It is generally a fact, that unless you go with a local company, you'll have to deal with. Most systems have consolidated monitoring centers (1-4 company wide) and you have to call an 800#. That's a reality in this day and age.
So, a couple things to consider if you're getting a home security system:
1) Protect your phone lines. I recommend long range radio or cell backup (soon to be satelite based).
2) Have an exterior siren installed. Many companies don't see the need, I do. Would you remain in a house when a siren is blaring thru the neighborhood?
3) Have all entrances to the home, except the one you come and go on programmed for instant. Brinks tried to make my front door and garage entrance both on delay (in the non-instant mode, of course). This compromises your security. Have only one door on delay, if possible.
4) Have the entry delay as short as you can, without causing false alarms, seconds count in this case.
5) Use the system. Many burglaries involve homes with systems that weren't turned on! You have it, use it.
Finally, and to the real point of this post - Brinks is regarded as one of the best run security companies in the country. Their customer service is top notch, but it helps if you know a thing or two when dealing with them. I hope this post is helpful. Also, FYI - they will be changing their name within three years from 2008, since they were recently spun off from Brinks, Inc.
This Brink's Home Security customer review has been submitted anonymously by a present or former Brink's burglar alarms client. Please note that Brink's uses a sub-dealer program, which usually means that a local company will install and service your alarm, and Brinks will monitor it. So a review listed here may not be for or against corporate Brinks, but a completely independent local dealer. If you submit a review, please indicate whether the review is regarding Brinks corporate, or the local company who installed your system.
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