Outdoor lighting is the cheapest, most effective crime deterrent you can install. Research from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that visible security measures — especially lighting — are the #1 factor that causes burglars to abandon a target. In 2026, the best LED security lights range from $15 solar-powered motion sensors to […]
AlarmForce Review 2026: Bell Canada Acquisition, Legacy Systems, and Better Alternatives
AlarmForce is no longer an independent brand. Review the 2018 Bell acquisition, the 2025 Bell Business Security transition to a.p.i. ALARM, and a practical account, equipment, testing, and switching checklist.
Smith Thompson Security Review 2026: Texas Alarm Monitoring, Takeovers, App Trade-Offs, and Cost
Smith Thompson Security is a family-owned alarm company founded in 1978, headquartered in Plano, Texas. They’ve built a loyal following on one premise: the cheapest monitoring in the state at $16.95/month with no contracts. But cheap monitoring comes with trade-offs. Here’s the full picture — including when Smith Thompson makes sense and when modern DIY […]
12 Common Home Security Mistakes 2026: Entry Points, Alarm Setup, Cameras, Lighting, and Response
Most burglaries aren’t sophisticated operations — they’re crimes of opportunity. A UNC Charlotte study of 422 convicted burglars found that 83% checked for an alarm system before breaking in, and 60% said they’d skip a home entirely if one was present. The FBI reports the average burglary takes just 8–12 minutes, with 34% of intruders […]
EMC Security Review 2026: Georgia Monitoring, Installation, Existing-System Takeovers, Quotes, and a 60-Minute Test
Evaluate an EMC Security proposal by Georgia address eligibility, no-contract current terms, installation, existing-system reuse, monitoring, written cost, and a 60-minute test.
