Texas-Wide Home Security Providers:

Smith Monitoring (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, also Atlanta and Los Angeles)

Recent Reviews For Smith Monitoring: (Added Oct 14/11) I installed my alarm system with Smith Monitoring on mid September 2011. About three week later, I decide to give the system a test. I discovered that two of the sensor on my window is not working. I then armed the system to stay then open my window, nothing is happen. I armed the system to away then walk around the house, nothing happen, the motion detector didn't even pick up. Then I open the door, the system finally went off, but the siren didn't even make a single sound. After I found out all this, I was mad so I wrote this review on Local Yahoo.  Smith Monitoring found out about my reviews so they call me and ask if they get everything fixed, would I change my review? I told them yes if they do everything right. It's a week after I notify them about the faulty in my system. They came once but have not got it fix yet. I patiently wait for them to fix my system and will change my review when they get it all fixed. Today, I decide to go back to local yahoo to fix my review for them. I discover one interesting thing. My review is gone. I didn't delete it. Yahoo deletes it? If Yahoo did it, shame on them because I follow Yahoo guideline and write an honest review. The only reviews that are left are the best one. See the issues??? This is also the reason that I decide to go with Smith Monitoring because they get the best reviews. Now that I have a problem and post a review, I discover that a negative review doesn't have a chance to allow customers to see.  Also, in term of customer services, they told me that they had me on their list as first priority. They told me that a services manager will call me to schedule in 24 hours to schedule a fix, but two days has pass and no one call yet. I am frustrated and have no trust for this company. I would not recommend anyone to use them. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added June 14/11) from McKinney,Tx. Great Company!Jared;Ryan and Installer,Sean,have been easy to reach.  Answered my follow-up questions and mailed my window decals. I had a 10 year old Ranger American system they were able to use.Sean installed wireless device;replaced battery at no charge;reprogrammed key pads with no problems. Sean was 45 minutes late but I had a call to let me know he was in heavy traffic. Ryan even advised me to go on line to get my permit that is needed unless you want heavy fines from the City-took me about 15 minutes. Remember to contact your Ins.company /Broker to receive a credit provided the system is monitored. I am paying $34.95 plus tax per month-1ncludes $12 for wireless monitoring & $5 for extended warranty. Roland --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added June 14/11) I was impressed by the overall experience I had with Smith. If your like me, you don't like dealing with service companies but the entire process was smooth and efficient. My wife was the one who called and made the appointment and I was so happy with the way she was treated and the overall service Smith provided that I wanted to take my time to give them this praise. Thanks. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added May 4/11) Bait and switch!!! When you check the website or call them they tell you it only cost $19.95/month, but as soon as they walk in to your house they tell you right away that your control panel is locked out from your previous alarm dealer so they have to sell you a higher monthly plan. Customer service is rude. I regret signing up with them. I just happen to be in a hurry at that point

Walker Home Security (Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston) A.K.A. Guardian Alarms Inc.

(Added Aug 24/11) I called and place my order on a Tuesday for a Thursday 9am app. I called from 10 till 130 every 5 minutes and no answer. Finally the man who sold me the unit answered and I asked what was going on. The installer never called and no one informed me he was hurt the night before. I asked is someone else could come over and was told he would call em right back. I called every 15 minutes till 5 with no answer. One week later I have not heard from them and I am glad I am not doing business with them. GOOD ridence!!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added Aug 24/11) Signed up at beginning of August with Walker Home Security, have been trying to get an insurance certificate for 20 days and yet to have anyone return a phone call or provide me one.  About to be fed up with these people and go get a real company to monitor my alarm.  I would avoid this company if you are looking for alarm monitoring and good service.  Grade of F. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added Aug 15/11) Walker Security is the biggest ripoff.  DO NOT get your service from them.  I have had my system for 10 months.  My key pad went out.  I called and tried to set up service.  They told me the service department would call me the next day.  NOTHING.  So I called back and was told the same thing. AGAIN NOTHING.  So I tried to call back several time and couldnt get through to anyone.  This went on for the better part of 2 weeks.  I just gave up. I am in the process of canceling.  I dont expect anything good.  Robert H. M., TX --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added Aug 14/11) I am submitting this review in the hopes of saving someone else the massive disappointment and frustration I have experienced. In March 2008 I had my alarm installed through Guardian Alarms - who have since changed their name to Walker Alarms. Although my contract was through them, My Alarm Center now holds the contract. My alarm was installed poorly initially and had to be repaired multiple times. Though the aesthetics of the installation was never up to par, the alarm itself did finally work properly after 3 visits until recently of course. Last weekend, the alarm began randomly arming itself. We kept disarming it, but it would continue arming up again. It would set for away then the next minute it would arm for stay. We were prisoners in our own home. Since this was after ours, we called the monitoring station where we were met with absolute rudeness and uncaring attitudes. After several calls to the mointoring station, we finally reached someone who said they would help us and paged the on call technician. Hours later there was no response and the on call technician never answered his pages. I was forced to climb into a closet just beneath the attic to disarm the backup battery as well as unscrew the unsightly battery they had screwed directly into an outlet in my office. I was told an emergency message with the problems would be left for the office and as soon as they opened I should be receiving a call. A week passed and I was never contacted. Now, after contacting them again myself, I have been met with nothing but confusion and on the part of Stephen G. @ My Alarm Center - condescension. I am unfortunately stuck with them for another 8 months despite them not providing the service promised to me. I hope this review will enable others to avoid this misfortune. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added June 4/11) We looked for a long time and ended up going with Walker because they are local, answered the phone when we called and were very helpful. We are very happy with our security system and alarm monitoring service.

(Added May 1/11) Walker Home Security(DALLAS, TX) - They do not care about customer service nor answering any questions.  I called on March 30, 2011 to check them out.  I never had a security system and I had been just checking around on prices and services. Mike the represenative on the phone started off just fine but, when I started asking more indepth questions about service, response times, call center, power interruption and/or general security issues - he became very agitated with me.  He said "I am the owner of this company, I do not have to answer your questions, and I do not want to deal with you".  WOW!  That is really all I can say.  I was so stunned I did not say anything. I have never been treated that way by just asking a service guy on the phone questions.  He was rude and so anti-customer service it made me pissed.  If this was in fact one of the "owners" of Walker Security Systems in Dallas, then why was he trying to run away customers?  It is all about customer service now days.  <edited for language>.  I recommend that if you are a customer to check out any security system before you sign a 36 month agreement. Also do not take the "cheapest of the cheap". I guess Walker Home Security can't afford to train their staff or even owners on customer services. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added Dec 30/10) Do NOT get your alarm monitored through them.  I had called up a little over two years ago and the sales person was quite nice and so believably assured me that I was going with a great company.  I should have known better.  After telling them what system I had at the time, they immediately said that it was out of date and that they couldn't use it.  I just took their word for it so they proceeded to pitch the 3-year contract so I wouldn't have to pay for the equipment up front.  I didn't do enough research on how much alarm systems cost so I took their word for it that it was pricey so I opted for the 3-year contract.  After the technician showed up late looking rather unprofessional and even acting less he just seemed hurried and going through a routine rather than setting a security system catered to the needs of my home (after all, the bones were already there he just needed to connect the panel and keypads).  They gave me the cheapest (I know now that since I've done research for my new home) system they could get their hands on and didn't even provide the number of yard signs and stickers not to mention a motion detector that they had promised.  Anyway, as things went along one of the contacts went off line and they said it was a magnet and that they'd just send out a couple of magnets (like it wasn't any big deal) but a month later I got an invoice for two magnets totaling almost $20.  After calling several times, they actually took off that charge which was ONE decent thing they did.  By the way, the magnets weren't even the right kind/size.  So now that I'm moving to a new house, I called to inquire if I could transfer my service and they said first off that they'd have to send a tech out to inspect the new system at $85 an hour plus $69 transfer fee.  When I signed up, I knew that there was a possibility I would soon purchase a new house so I asked how hard it would be to transfer service.  They said it would be rather easy, so I guess I should have asked HOW MUCH. I may as well just pay them off and not have to deal with them ever again. This company is a ripoff and it's not surprise to me that they aren't really BBB listed because they would receive a failing grade. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added Nov 13/08) Please do not buy their service.  I realized the type of business they were within the 3 days grace period in June 2008, and as I gave them my checking account to withdraw my payment every month, they try to remove money from bank my since June.  We are in November 2008 and every month they take $32.27 from my bank without my permission, I cancelled my service in June 2008.  It takes about two weeks for them to return my money every month.  I am tired of this company to withdrew money from my bank accountant. I do not have services with them any more for 5 months. They are liars and thieves. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added July 18/08) Please do not purchase your alarm system from this company.  You will live to regret it.  I guarantee it.  I had a similar experience as another reviewer.  My equipment stop functioning a short time after installation.  I also had been informed by the installer that I had a one year warranty, only to find out that it's 90 days and if I wanted my system serviced, I would have to pay an $85 service charge.  The customer service representative was rude and unprofessional.  I am reminded of the adage, that you get what you pay for!  For your family safety, please consider paying the extra $10 to $15 a month to go with ADT or Brinks. This is a very shady company.  You have been warned. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Added July 10/08) I was supposed to have a system installed by Guardian. I waited for 1 1/2 hours after the appointment time to call and see when the tech was going to show. They said I did not have an appointment. After talking to two different people, I was informed that I did not qualify for a system and would need to put it someone else's name. If I qualified for an FHA loan for a brand new home in my name, I think I should be able to qualify for a Guardian alarm. They never even called and said there was a problem with my application. I also can't figure out how they ran a credit report when no one asked for my social or told me that I needed approved credit.

Intrepid Security & Protection

Recent Reviews For Intrepid Security & Protection: Intrepid Security & Protection has been monitoring my home for 5 years, and I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a dependable alarm security company.  From the beginning, I found their staff to be knowledgeable and professional, and I continue to be satisfied with their service.  I was so impressed with them that I even referred my employer who is now a loyal customer. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I recommend Intrepid for your security system. I was referred by a friend who currently uses them and I am very pleased with their customer service. I am leasing my home and had a system already installed by the previous owner and Intrepid was able to switch operators with no hassle. Two thumbs up! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I use this company for my home and business. They had great references (they do the security for the Alamo in San Antonio) and my sales person was very professional. They did the alarm system at my home and surveillance cameras at my business. I would highly recommend them. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I would highly recommend Intrepid Security & Protection to anyone looking for home security in the Fort Worth area. I have been a customer for over 4 years and have continued to have great service. They system they installed has worked perfectly. They have always been prompt in calling when I accidentally set my alarm off. I also hired them to watch my house last summer while I was on a extended vacation in Europe. Because they are a licensed guard company also, they were able to send a guard to walk through my house here in the Ridglea area. They came by everyday, picked up my mail, did a walk through of my house and made sure that there were no problems at my home. It was great knowing that I had someone I could trust look after things while I was away. I would definitely recommend them!

Austin Home Security Providers:

Technik Enterprises

Recent Reviews For Technik Enterprises: Were quick to respond and went out of their way to meet my budget. Very good install, very professional and showed how to use system and answered all questions very patiently. They have also helped me over the phone with my other stores that they did not install. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was a nightmare setting up a home office in our new house for my new job. No matter whom I talked to it was always the wrong person. Technik installed my alarm system and did such a great job I asked them to pull network, phone and audio wire for me while they were there. They finished the wire pulls I had asked for and made the connections look as if they had been built with the house. They then offered to connect, program and test all my new equipment including the new computer, fax, scanner, videophone, etc? He even showed me how to use each device as they set them up, and talked to tech support concerning some issues I was having. When my wireless AP for downstairs proved to be bad, he arranged an RMA with support and replaced it with one he had on the truck. When they had cleaned up he had me sign the service ticket. It was significantly lower than I expected or even feared, when I remarked that they had not counted for dealing with tech support, he said he was happy to help.

Dallas Home Security Providers:

ADT Dallas

Recent Reviews For ADT Dallas: No problems with the system yet (counting our blessings) but the keyfob starting eating batteries.  We called ADT to get a replacement only to find out it would cost $180 for the remote and the service tech to come to the house and "program it to our system".  I remembered the original installer (another company which has since been purchased by ADT) commenting on how easy this remote keyfob system was to install and it only taking about 30 seconds to get it to recognize the keyfob.  I asked ADT for the programming instructions and they said it required an installer and their special "installer code".  I pressed them and they refused to give me the code to program my own system.  So, I started searching the Internet and within a few minutes had found a place that sells the same remote for $19.95.  A few minutes later I had located the programming instructions and it DOES NOT require an installer code, just 7-8 keypresses and then press the keyfob remote button 4 times.  Needless to say they are a big ripoff for repairs.  Considering their cost of driving to my house and back would be $20-30 this amounts to an hourly rate of thousands of dollars per hour!

Flower Mound Home Security Providers:

DFW Alarm

Recent Review For DFW Alarm: I use these guys: DFW Alarm They're $12.95/month with no commitment at all. Cancel whenever you want. I don't know if they have some type of geographical boundary about where they operate (I doubt it, but I don't know). But they're great for the north Texas area.

Forth Worth Home Security Providers:

Smyth Alarms

Recent Reviews For Smyth Alarms: (Added Aug 6/08) Because of the worst, unprofessional and unloyal customer service I would never recommend the service of this company to anyone. Rather I would make all effort to publish this company as a fraud company so that no one else get into the same trouble as I am in. I had to call my credit card company to finally dispute the charge after 5 months. There might be more than 100 times I spoke with Eric (so called general manager), Jay, Jackie, Heath and several others in this company. GUYS!! PLEASE NEVER BUY ANY PRODUCT FROM THIS COMPANY. YOU MAY ARRIVE IN BIG TROUBLE. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE AND UNPROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Smyth Alarms provided me with unreliable, poor customer service. They did not arrive on time for the scheduled presentation or installation, nor did they provide a courtesy call to inform me of the delay or cancellation.  They never provided me with yard signs or window decals to notify potential intruders that I was protected even after repeated request for them. I was quoted in writing, with upfront annual payment, a special of "no contract, no credit check".  After continual poor service I requested a pro-rated refund and cancellation of my monitoring service only to be told that I was in a contract.  It appears that the written quotation and the monitoring service agreement were slightly different in the written documentation (bait and switch practice). I filed a compliant with BBB and contacted Texas Dept of Public Safety Private Security Bureau only to find that my alarm sales person was not licensed as a sales person he was licensed a non-commissioned security officer and listed as working for American Citadel Guard, Inc. Which means the sales person I trusted into my home was not licensed to be there.  It is my opinion that Smyth Alarms functions under deceptive sales practices, false representation, as well as compromises the safety of my family, provides poor customer service, and poor refund practices. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Smyth Alarm Company did a great job for me at my business for a Burglar Alarm and a Video Surveillance System. They were very professional, the salesperson spent a lot of time with us to design a system that does everything we need it to do after we had a very bad experience with another company....ADT. I plan to have Smyth monitor my home as soon as my ADT contract expires.

Harlingen Home Security Providers:

Volunteer Security

Recent Review For Volunteer Security: The following company is worthless. There is not a number to call or contact them, the email address in working. No letter was ever sent to me advising of a name change or bought out.  All I can say is that I will follow up with the Attorney General's Office for deceitful practice.  I hope I am the only one.

Houston Home Security Providers:

N.E.H. Services (Monitronics Dealer)

Recent Review For N.E.H. Services: (Added June 24/10) These guys made it so easy for me. One of their sales guy approached me and simply made his 1min sales pitch, handed me his flier, smiled, and said good. This in itself was so not common because I've always had door knockers play a high pressure sales mind games. Anyways, I talked it over with my wife and we called them up. Guess What? Same guy answered the phone. Another home run because I was expecting a corporate phone system game of press the button game, or the "leave the voice-mail into the oblivion" game. NO, This guy picked up the phone and answered all my questions, only thing he couldn't was when I asked him the model of Keypad that comes with the system. He said he'll have to get back on that because they just upgraded the keypads, so he'll check before letting me know.  I may sound like I have a Man Crush on him but I don't. It's just that my electric sales guy never did this, my cable guy never did this, and car sales man never possibly could give me a service where I ask questions and the sales man answers until "I" was satisfied. And yes, this sort of attitude does open doors to my friends (you hear that Ali). Have Fun!

Ranger American

Recent Reviews For Ranger American: Actually, as of tomorrow I will no longer have any ADT equipment in my home.  I canceled the service today with ADT. I have acquired the service via Ranger American two years ago. I have USAA insurance that was never listed on my contract. Subsequently, after a lightning strike last May, I was liable for the full repair cost of my system.  ADT was unbending in applying the USAA code in case of another such disaster, as well as charging between $2-3K for the repair, and ANOTHER $111 for the first 30 minutes, $28 per each additional 15 minutes!  I have been paying for the service monthly, without the protection. I canceled, and went with a cellular service with Smith and Wesson.  I will do everything within my power to stop our home builder here in North Dallas from installing ADT equipment in new homes, and from recommending ADT, (and Brink's/Broadview).  I have never had to deal with the most un-customer friendly people, ever.  ADT is NOT about customer service. I will blog, I will post, I will be relentless in spreading the details of my experience with ADT. Marilynn Schaddelee,  McKinney, Texas.

Plano Home Security Providers:

Smith Security (Serves Dallas Forth Worth Area)

Recent Reviews For Smith Security: (Added Aug 12/08) Hello I was very impressed with SMITH SECURITY they came in to my home last weekend and took over my existing system that I had with adt. First of all the salespeople were very professional and courteous addressed all of my questions and concerns gave me a (in my opinion) very low monitoring rate (it was 12 dollars cheaper than I was paying with adt).  Also the installer was a few minutes late but to my surprise I was notified an hour prior to him being late by the ORIGINAL SALESPERSON I SPOKE WITH.  He assured me that he would be there and to my surprise he did arrive. SMITH SECURITY seemed to be much more willing to meet my needs as a customer and I was treated with respect and professionalism. If you are in the market for security it's really a no brainer, smith security is the way to go. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Smith Security did a great job on my home.  They were very professional and had me a new system set up in under 4 hours.  I called around and checked other companies here in the DFW area and they had the most courteous cust. service reps and the best prices out of all the others here.  I have already recommended several friends and family members to them and they are happy as well.  Over all our experience with Smith has been fantastic and will highly recommend to others.

San Antonio Home Security Providers:

Security One

Recent Reviews For Security One: Having never used an alarm company previously, I chose SecurityOne because they are locally owned and operated. The owner is an ex-San Antonio policeman. I have been pleased with the level of service and quality of work from their installers. The pricing cannot be beat; I also have a cellular backup for the alarm. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I live in a new subdivision and everyone else seems to have one of the "major" security companies. I feel that I made the right decision in choosing Security One, both in terms of price and value and utilizing a local service. I recommend them!