ᐅ Security system upgrade with two cats – any technical experience?

In neighboring villages, there have been two break-ins reported in a short period of time. Now we’re really starting to worry that these criminals might target us as well. In Leipzig, there was actually a whole series of break-ins that was even mentioned on TV. Here in the surrounding area, we had hoped to be somewhat safer. But that now seems to be over.

When building the house, we installed wiring for an alarm system. But at the time, we didn’t fully consider that it wouldn’t work with two cats. The equipment can tolerate one cat but not two. At least, we haven’t found any system that does.

So, what can we do? We have mushroom locks on the windows and aluminum roller shutters in front of them. But that’s it. Does anyone have any tips on how to upgrade the security technically? Are cameras any use?

Unfortunately, I have no experience with alarm systems, but my brother-in-law has cameras on his house. However, they are not very visible, so they don’t really have a deterrent effect. They would help with identifying events after something has happened, but by then, the incident has already occurred and the perpetrators are probably masked.

He also had to blur out many areas of the footage due to privacy laws (he is only allowed to record his own property, not any part of the street). So I wouldn’t recommend relying on “just cameras.”

Cameras do not prevent break-ins but are only useful for investigations afterward.

We have a dog bowl in front of the door, a 5-kilogram (11-pound) bag of dog food by the side door, and a large dog with big teeth.

There is also plenty of lighting in the house, which is sometimes on at 2 a.m., sometimes at 5 a.m., or 8 a.m.—always at different times.

Two of our immediate neighbors were burglarized two years ago. In total, there was a series of about 5-6 incidents that I am aware of.

Since then, there have been occasional break-ins in the wider neighborhood.

After the series two years ago, all the immediate neighbors upgraded their security. I have already reported on this in the forum. Of course, we installed even more than we already had.

Roller shutters don’t help. Both neighbors had them, but both shutters were found lying on the lawn in front of the house. Nobody heard anything, even though people were on the terrace, etc.

Cameras can be both a deterrent and an attraction. It’s a double-edged sword.

We also have two cats and an alarm system. Just leave out the interior motion detectors. To get inside, a door or window has to be opened or broken. Therefore, contacts and sensors on doors and windows are usually sufficient.

A friend has a lifelike artificial dog lying in the window.

Unpredictable behavior.
Lights and TV turning on at different times. Your cats might trigger these with motion sensors.

Avoid creating corners with privacy screens where intruders can quietly break in.

haydee schrieb:
Your cats could trigger this through motion detectors.

Unlikely. Cats usually just lie around when their owners are not at home. I have two very active cats and cameras, so I can see what’s happening. Usually, when we’re not there, they just sleep.