Just out of curiosity, what do you folks do to protect your home theater equipment.

Me personally, I can't afford a security system, all I do is black out all my windows (which is good for TV viewing anyways) and be VERY cautious of whom I show my system to!

I'm asking because, I would love to get a PB-13 Ultra, but I would be pretty darn upset if I came home from work one day and it was gone :(

Almost $2,000 out the window for someone who works at a gas station is a TREMENDOUS amount of scratch!

Do keep in mind that the PB13 is 155lbs and the thief is not going to make a fast getaway.

It's just like anything else really. Start with a good neighborhood, then add a monitored security system, maybe a dog and/or firearms in the house depending on your viewpoints about those.


Tim

A giant cardboard cutout of Chuck Norris.

1. Good neighborhood.
2. Good locks on all of the doors.
3. Monitored security with a monitored cellular backup.
4. Fast police response (I tripped the alarm and had to talk to the reponding officer on Christmas morning while wearing house shoes that look like monster feet.)
5. Good insurance.
6. Well armed neighbors and the new MS law allowing deadly force to protect property.

-Robert

A giant cardboard cutout of Chuck Norris.
Cardboard? Get the real thing. :D

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u272/nateisstrait58/chuck%20norris/chuck_norris-1.jpg

I'm thinking a "beware of dog" sign will make a burgular think twice. Supplement that with some NRA (National Rifle Association) stickers somewhere on the outside of your residence.

If that fails then spread marbles all over the floor.

1. Good neighborhood.
2. Good locks on all of the doors.
3. Monitored security with a monitored cellular backup.
4. Fast police response (I tripped the alarm and had to talk to the reponding officer on Christmas morning while wearing house shoes that look like monster feet.)
5. Good insurance.
6. Well armed neighbors and the new MS law allowing deadly force to protect property.

-Robert

I agree with Robert, except for number 6. I live in PA though. I wouldn't want my neighbors shooting some scum over a system though..
Number 4 made me laugh. I had a similar situation. I tripped the alarm one day at my house, still don't know how I did it. I was getting my atv out of the garage. As I was ready to pull away, I had 3 cop cars surrounding me. I was like WOW, what is going on? It took some explaining and a phone call to resolve everything. Needless to say I was impressed by the timing of the cops. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. Remember, enjoy your system.

I'm thinking a "beware of dog" sign will make a burgular think twice. Supplement that with some NRA (National Rifle Association) stickers somewhere on the outside of your residence.

If that fails then spread marbles all over the floor.

Do not put NRA stickers or any other firearms related sticker on your home or vehicle, unless you want it broken into.

As others said, alarm system with signs(signs probably do more than anything), dog, good neighbors.

Bill3508

Do not put NRA stickers or any other firearms related sticker on your home or vehicle, unless you want it broken into.

As others said, alarm system with signs(signs probably do more than anything), dog, good neighbors.

Bill3508

Or dont put any stickers anywhere like Bill says. Just mount a .50 cal on the roof.

I've had my home and car broken into as well as robbed at gunpoint. My take on the whole thing is if someone is determined enough to take something away from you, they will do it, and no dog, sticker, or alarm will stop them.

However all the above suggestions plus the laws of probability might help your chances.

I always trust my patented sign " Tresspassers will be shot Survivors will be shot again ! " .

Plus my very own " We dont like strangers here "

:D

I have to agree that NRA and such signs just advertise that you have guns worth stealing. A cheap security update is to replace the screws that attach the striker plate and door hinges to the door jam with 3" or longer screws. Most screws just go into the door casing, which can easily be overcome with a stiff kick. By replacing the screws with longer screws that go into the wall studs (or at least the "jack studs"), you are making the door FAR more difficult to get through.

I always trust my patented sign " Tresspassers will be shot Survivors will be shot again ! " .

Plus my very own " We dont like strangers here "

:D

or "Dont worry about the dog, beware of the owner" with the picture of a hand holding a revolver.

Have good insurance. Full replacement value.

A huge dog chain and collar next to pet's water bowl outside. Leave very large old boots outside by front door with some empty shotgun shells laying around.

Have good insurance. Full replacement value.
+1

here's what I've done in my new house:

Complete alarm system for the whole house, including all windows on the first and second floors (not just doors).
Alarm system is monitored.
Good insurance.
A couple of long time friends who are always available; they go by the names...Smith and Wesson. :)

Wow, I wasn't expecting this much of a response. But thanks for answering.

Some helpful stuff to be sure.

However, I do have to be honest and agree that if a thief wants something bad enough, he will get it :(

I live in a decent neighborhood in NW Pennsylvania, and I'm not really THAT worried (As I've said I blacked out my windows, I'm leary of who I have visit, and I live in a more remote part of town).

But it still upsets me that some punk kid could crawl through my window, jack my stuff that I worked my A$$ off for and not be able to do anything about it!

I know the cops around here at least are pretty useless at retrieving stolen property.

Again, thanks for the tips, some I can actually use without announcing that I have stuff worth stealing! :)

Major insurance with a credible company plus solid doors w/ Medeco locks plus a major alarm with sirens helps.I had an insurance person by and gave them copies of all bills(the big gear),the insurance guy had this glassy look saying WOW :eek:

I have dual monster sirens,if any low life tries ... prepare for hearing loss. :p When I say loud I say ambulance siren loud...you ears will ring. The whole building will wake up.

Just out of curiosity, what do you folks do to protect your home theater equipment.

Me personally, I can't afford a security system, all I do is black out all my windows (which is good for TV viewing anyways) and be VERY cautious of whom I show my system to!

I'm asking because, I would love to get a PB-13 Ultra, but I would be pretty darn upset if I came home from work one day and it was gone :(

Almost $2,000 out the window for someone who works at a gas station is a TREMENDOUS amount of scratch!u can afford the sub but not a security system???:rolleyes:

That is correct...

I know how to prioritize! :cool:

And like I said, I realize that if a thief wants it he WILL get it!

That is correct...

I know how to prioritize! :cool:

And like I said, I realize that if a thief wants it he WILL get it!

lol.. :D Nice.. Maybe put it under your home owners insurance if you can. I mean if you are that worried about someone stealing, I wouldn't buy it until I had proper protection. Don't live in fear either.

Put your HT in a room that isn't easily viewed from outside. Sure, a thief might break in anyway, but at least when he's casing houses he doesn't look in yours and immediately think '"Cha-CHING!"

Well - this is what I have:

1. Alarm system - all doors and window on main floor, a glass break alarm, and all windows in basment, plus motion sensors.

2. I have a dog - an 80lb Airedale Terrier which has the largest canines of any dog. The Airedale also has a 1200 pound / sq.inch bite, which I can attest to. He gets ahold of you, even if you kill him, you won't be leaving anywhere very fast, and will probably be minus a leg, if you're lucky.

3. There's almost always someone home. Even on vacation, I have family house sit. About the only time the house is empty is when we go out shopping or for dinner. With very good neighbors all around us, and seeing how we're back home long before they're in bed, there's little opportunity.

4. Insurance - up the wahzoo. Plus pictures, receipts, and other supporting documentation that is updated and kept off site (in case of fire).

#4 is all I need to rely on. My life, and my family's life, hell, even my dog's life, is worth far more than any 'material' thing I own. It's all replaceable. A gun? Well, american mentality I guess, and I can understand it. Buti if you pull it out, you better fricken will use it immediately with no hesitation or question. You dont, you'll be the one most likely on the floor in a pool of blood, and your stuff will still be gone. It's one thing to have a gun, but if you aren't willing to use it with no regret or thinking about the consequences, then you may as well have a cardboard tube, it's about as useful IMO.

Major insurance with a credible company plus solid doors w/ Medeco locks plus a major alarm with sirens helps.I had an insurance person by and gave them copies of all bills(the big gear),the insurance guy had this glassy look saying WOW :eek:

I have dual monster sirens,if any low life tries ... prepare for hearing loss. :p When I say loud I say ambulance siren loud...you ears will ring. The whole building will wake up.

Are these old air raid sirens? :p I like those things! :D

or "Dont worry about the dog, beware of the owner" with the picture of a hand holding a revolver.


Dont forget to have spent shells laying on the doorstep! :p:eek:

Well - this is what I have:

2. I have a dog - an 80lb Airedale Terrier which has the largest canines of any dog. The Airedale also has a 1200 pound / sq.inch bite, which I can attest to. He gets ahold of you, even if you kill him, you won't be leaving anywhere very fast, and will probably be minus a leg, if you're lucky.
.

I'm on my second Airedale. First one was 80lbs and was trained to protect. My current one is about 55lbs. I would definitely recommend this breed as an excellent guard dog.

My subs weigh 350lbs each... My poodle/maltese will show you where all the good stuff is.

Monitoring is probably the best solution. If someone wants something bad enough they are going to take it. Being that I've been a Deputy for 18 years, I've seen enough bad guys to know.

KG

Other thing I would suggest is take a picture of all your equipment including serial numbers and right them all down, without those you cant really prove it's yours.Police will file the report but detectives can't follow up without these.Insurance companies might ask you for these also.

If you can't afford an alarm system, you may still be able to get signs that say you do. Most thieves avoid homes with alarms to begin with, so a ADT or what ever sign out front and back decreases your chances of being broken into to be with. Heck even buying some timers (very cheap) and hooking them up to lamps and radios to turn on and off at different times can detour theives as it may give the impressions some one is home.

If you have an attached garage, back up to or even inside the garage and bring big ticket items in that way. Our last move was done mostly through the garage. We like privacy so we always have the blinds drawn and curitans over them as well. Heck, we live on a nice quiet street with a bunch of old people and young families but you can never be too careful.. not these days.

Have a sign on your door saying "I'm willing to kill to protect my gear, are you willing to die trying to take it?".
:)

put a Bose sticker on it

put a Bose sticker on it

I don't know, the crooks might be so stupid that they think Bose is the best. :D

I don't know, the crooks might be so stupid that they think Bose is the best. :D

LMAO :p:D

Come on, I havent heard anyone mention Broksonic yet. Yes, there is a cheap electronics company company called broksonic. :eek:

Put a Broksonic sticker on it.

"You can't fix it if it ain't Broksonic!" :eek:

www.broksonic.com

All you really need is insurance buddy. renters, homeowners, whatever, premiums aren't all that bad for home ins... Unless you live in south central LA and leave your doors unlocked, don't sweat it. More worries will give you a heart attack before you know it. just lock your doors.

Mike

I use surge protectors on all my good equipment...

For security, I have the following:
1. Bought house on cul-de-sac in good neighborhood with plenty of good neighbors.
2. Replaced all locks on doors with high security locks. Used long screws to attach deadbolts and steel receptors.
3. Good insurance.

If family is threatened:
4. Rapier with 38" blade and fencing training. Assorted throwing knives and daggers around the house- make great letter openers...
5. Compound bow that spits little carbon fiber arrows out at Mach 0.3+ stored in a convenient location. One arrow just about went through a 2x4 the long way when I missed a target at 60 yards.
6. 9mm on call (local sheriff)

I agree with Robert, except for number 6. I live in PA though. I wouldn't want my neighbors shooting some scum over a system though..
Number 4 made me laugh. I had a similar situation. I tripped the alarm one day at my house, still don't know how I did it. I was getting my atv out of the garage. As I was ready to pull away, I had 3 cop cars surrounding me. I was like WOW, what is going on? It took some explaining and a phone call to resolve everything. Needless to say I was impressed by the timing of the cops. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. Remember, enjoy your system.

I would want them shot. Only in the leg so I can go kick them where they were shot and cut off there hands so they cant do it again.

The odd thing in this post is the sense that OP might show this stuff to questionable people. Ok, so I don't have friends, and don't run the risk. But seriously, is that really an issue? Yikes.

All the above ideas are great. And don't advert the guns, b/c they are valuable and portable, prime stuff for any thief once they think you aren't home. And I deduce from this post, you won't put the guns in a 1/4 ton safe....

My guess is that the cheapest option is full value insurance. Sounds like you'll feel better that way, too. You sound nervous, and that sucks.

Just out of curiosity, what do you folks do to protect your home theater equipment.

Me personally, I can't afford a security system, all I do is black out all my windows (which is good for TV viewing anyways) and be VERY cautious of whom I show my system to!

I'm asking because, I would love to get a PB-13 Ultra, but I would be pretty darn upset if I came home from work one day and it was gone :(

Almost $2,000 out the window for someone who works at a gas station is a TREMENDOUS amount of scratch!

where in PA are you?

i never saw a house with blacked out windows

you should have gone with an IB

I keep all my stuff in the basement of my townhouse so most of my neighbors probably don't even know it's there. If some lowlife does decide to come in for my equipment he'll soon meet my security system if he misses the "I heart Dobermans" sign on my front window. (Wires have been organized:p)

The alert

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/slowfaller/sweatersydney.jpg

The muscle

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q10/slowfaller/DSC01128.jpg

The first mistake most people do is show everybody they know and everybody their "friends" know their gear. That's how most stuff gets jacked.


Summation:

1. Don't draw attention to yourself.

2. Security lighting outside is a cheap and effective way to run off unwanted foes outside at night.

3. Close off your shades during the day. Something as innocent as a sales person coming by and poking their head in the window can get something started.

4. Dog any dog is a good (well I ok not any dog I've got a bark less one)

5. Security system...wireless cameras mounted outside going to a computer is a nice and cheaper than people think sort of option (but you've got to make sure they don't jack your computer)

6. Good Insurance should be a given

7. Document everything. (I'm guilty)

8. If possible, have your gear in a room not open to the main entrance so that unexpected visitors (salespeople, servicemen) don't immediately see your gear. (I don't have that luxury)

9. Develop a relationship with your neighbors....good neighborhood blah blah....all good ideas

10. Guns are good if you know how to use them but most typically people breaking in won't do a B&E with someone in the home. I own several and know how to use them but in all truthful ness I doubt I would be able to get to one and find bullets in time to do any good with it....a baseball bat or a good knife might be a better option.

Guns are good if you know how to use them but most typically people breaking in won't do a B&E with someone in the home. I own several and know how to use them but in all truthful ness I doubt I would be able to get to one and find bullets in time to do any good with it....a baseball bat or a good knife might be a better option.


Oops, old thread, but anyway.....

An empty gun is a Useless gun. Always have one in the chamber and ready to fire.