To combat the false alarm problem, some police departments are imposing fines for false alarms after a specified number of false alarms. Things to Remember About Security Alarm Systems Burglars realize most security systems sound inside the house and then the alarm is transferred to remote locations through the telephone lines. Most phone lines are typically exposed on the outside of the house in an easily accessible location where the phone line can be cut. If the telephone line is cut, the security alarm system cannot notify the central monitoring station of the break-in. Having a protected phone line to your house is a good idea whether you have a security alarm system or not.
Burglars learn to adapt to security systems.
In New Jersey, some burglars developed a unique break-in method. The burglars would rattle the windows causing the alarm to sound and then hide in the bushes, waiting for the police to arrive. Once the police found nothing and left the location, the burglars would proceed with the break-in. The problem with security systems is that they don't necessarily stop people from breaking in. The security system is only activated when the burglar has broken into the house.