PSA: ADT home security

mcgee · March 2010

Yesterday, a young man came to my door, saying that he was with ADT, that he'd just installed a security system for our neighbors across the street, were we interested in a free security check, blah, blah, blah.

I was on the phone with my mom when he called, and frankly, we already have a security system - we just don't have a sign out front anymore because Mike broke it while removing a bush from our front flower bed. Hmm Note to self: call security co. and ask for new sign. I declined and carried on my conversation with my mom.

Something about the whole exchange with the security guy just bugged me though, so later that afternoon, I checked with our neighbors across the street. They have NOT just had a home security system installed. Like us, they already have one. Further, this same guy came to them and said he'd just installed a system with US, could he interest them in a free security check of their house?

We're assuming he's trying to get into houses to assess how difficult it would be to break in and whether there's anything worth stealing there. DO NOT let someone claiming to be with ADT or any other security company into your home. I know that's probably common sense, Wink but in case it's not, just smile and tell them no thanks or that you'll contact ADT directly to make an appointment.

lovemydog · March 2010

yikes! people are terrible. thanks for the heads up!

MrsRegis · March 2010

I would tell the police. I remember reading somewhere (neighborhood listserve maybe) that this was going on in a nearby neighborhood not long ago. Maybe the police can be on look out and warn neighbors.

Do you have a neighborhood email list? Someone started one in our hood recently and it is so incredibly helpful.

Temp919044062507573 · March 2010

I would also let your HOA know if you have one...our's sends out emails for stuff like this.

mlf625 · March 2010

Absolutely let the police and your neighborhood watch and HOA (if applicable) know about this. A similar thing happened in our neighborhood awhile back and the house the "salesman" visited was broken into shortly after.

And get your sign replaced! The police told me that's the #1 deterrent for a would-be burglar.

misjenn · March 2010

He came by our house on Sunday when we were all playing outside.

jessicaskyy · March 2010

Luckily we have an ADT sign in front of our house, but I still don't answer the door when I'm alone at home.

Dallasteacher · March 2010

An ADT guy came by our house yesterday too. We have a Brinks sign though, and when I answered the door he apologized for coming to the door because he just saw our sign.

userdeleted · March 2010

Eek that is scary. Thanks for the warning.

Mainer-in-Texas · March 2010

Thanks for the PSA!

LonghornNAggie · March 2010

I"m a criminal prosecutor and I would HIGHLY rec'd that you let your local police know. Mostly because if there have been break-ins around the neighborhood that are unsolved, you imght be able to provide a basic description of what the guy looked like. I'd also let ADT know. What neighborhood are you in?