Purchasing a home security system enables you to protect your family and property. Systems typically include home security cameras, motion detectors, alarms, control panels and monitoring services. Choose additional features like home automation, monitored smoke detectors, wireless cameras and smartphone access. ConsumerAffairs researched the best home security systems in San Diego for those concerned with personal safety and property protection.
Property crime and home alarm systems in San Diego
The crime rate in San Diego is higher than the national average and, though the rate is actually lower than similarly sized U.S. cities, the majority of crimes committed in San Diego are property crimes. 10News reported in July 2018 that security cameras at two El Cajon homes captured the same person stealing packages from porches.
Crime in San Diego varies by neighborhood. Mission Hills, while it rates among the area’s safer neighborhoods, is located in central San Diego near downtown, where crime rates are higher. Growing communities in Otay Mesa also rank as very safe while areas of neighboring San Ysidro report higher crime rates.
Chance of being a property crime victim in San Diego: 1 in 47
Though San Diego has seen a general decrease in crime, a two percent uptick in robberies from 2016 to 2017 underscores the importance of protecting your family and property with a home security system.
False alarm fines for home security systems in San Diego
Unfortunately, most calls from home security monitoring companies are false alarms. The San Diego Police Department spends approximately 20,000 hours per year responding to false alarms, costing nearly $2 million. As a result, the City of San Diego charges fines for false alarms.
Cost of false alarm fines in San Diego:
$100 - 1st false alarm
$200 - 2nd false alarm
+$100 - each additional false alarm, up to $500 in the same year
$300 - police response to a false alarm without a permit
Permits required for home alarm systems
Permits to register new home security systems in San Diego cost $10 per year. El Cajon and Oceanside do not charge fees for residential security systems while Chula Vista charges $28.75 per year. All systems require registration to ensure police response.
DIY/wireless vs. professional installation
Customers have the option to choose DIY home alarm systems or professional installation. For the tech-savvy and confident, DIY installation would be a great option. Additionally, these simple systems, with wireless security cameras and motion detectors, are perfect for apartment renters or those who expect to move.If you’d prefer to leave it to a technician, find a company that offers professional installation. You’ll be confident that everything was correctly set up and customized to your home
Residents of San Diego’s historic neighborhoods, like La Jolla or South Park, might prefer wireless security cameras to ensure preservation of the architectural features of their homes. If you live in a recently built suburb like Eastlake or Carmel Valley, your home is probably equally well suited for DIY home security or professional installation.
Protect Your Home partners with home security leader ADT to provide top-of-the-line equipment and monitoring support. Systems include motion sensor technology, burglary and intruder warnings and LCD touchpad. Customized bundles are designed to fit your home security needs and done with professional installation. Reviewers praise company technicians for their great service during setup.
Vivint provides professional installation for customized home security and home automation systems. Customers report savings on energy bills with Vivint smart homes. However, reviewers in San Diego consistently note long wait times or missed appointments for installation, unsatisfactory customer service and equipment failures.
Protect America brings DIY home security to tech-savvy San Diego residents. Reviewers like the price, easy installation, technical support, lifetime warranty on equipment and timely responses. Others reported trouble with customer service and equipment. Protect America’s free moving service will appeal to San Diegans who relocate frequently due to military service or changes in housing prices.
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Cove Security
Cove offers professional-grade DIY home alarms that are fast and easy to install. Cove’s wireless home security system requires no contract and comes with a money-back guarantee. Design your home security package online and have it shipped the next day. Reviewers give Cove high marks for customer satisfaction and affordability.
Dempsey Alarms
Dempsey Alarms is a locally owned and operated home alarm installation company with offices in the Mira Mesa area of San Diego. They offer ongoing discounts to San Diego’s numerous military families. Customers enjoy the personal service of company owner Eric Dempsey, who also installs the security systems he sells.
Smart Shield Systems
Smart Shield Systems installs home security and automation systems in California. Residents in hotter parts of San Diego County, like Borrego Springs, might choose Smart Shield for their inclusive packages that provide security and energy-saving features for prices comparable to security-only plans from other companies. Reviewers remark on the company’s excellent service and reliability.
