In an April 28 article published in the Wall Street Journal, entitled “A False Sense of Security?” staff reporter June Fletcher begs the question: Is it better to buy blinds rather than shelling out “big bucks” for an alarm system? The article suggests that despite rising attrition rates due to customer dissatisfaction, company acquisitions and other factors, customers are still investing in alarm systems. However, Fletcher questions whether or not homeowners are buying a “false” sense of security.
The article also focuses on false alarm estimates from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in which the association estimates that between 95 percent and 98 percent of residential alarms are false, costing law enforcement agencies throughout the United States $600 million annually.
Further, the homeowners interviewed for the article claimed repeated false alarms and poor customer service have left them with a negative attitude toward alarm systems. One couple admits to trading their alarm system for tiny watchdogs and nosy neighbors.
