Home security in Seattle: What you need to know
Seattle, Washington, crime statistics
With a population of nearly 750 000 people, Seattle is the most populous city in the state of Washington. It’s important that Seattle residents understand the crime trends in their city. According to recent data: Why we chose it SimpliSafe offers flexible and customizable security systems, meaning customers can fit only the equipment and monitoring that best fits their needs. Pros:
AffordableNo lengthy contractsCustomizable system
Cons:
Mobile alerts are not available with the basic planLimited integration with other smart devices
Equipment available:
Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camerasWindow and door sensorsMobile phone control panelEnvironmental sensorsSmart locks, lighting, and thermostat
Plans and pricing:
Standard: $0.50/dayInteractive: $0.83/day
Why we chose it Ring provides a simple and easy-to-use system that anyone can install and manage on their own. Pros:
Easy DIY installation with optional professional installationAffordable professional monitoringIntegrates with other smart-home devices
Cons:
Video recording only available with paid subscriptionSecurity kits don’t include cameras
Equipment available:
Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camerasWindow and door sensorsMobile phone control panelEnvironmental sensorsSmart locks and lighting
Plans and pricing:
FreeBasic: $3/monthPlus: $10/month
Why we chose it Abode offers one of the most affordable, comprehensive self-monitoring plans we’ve seen. However, customers can get many of the perks of a more expensive plan for just $6 per month. Pros:
Affordable yet comprehensive self-monitoringHome automation platform to connect with other devicesEasy DIY installation
Cons:
Cellular backup not available in self-monitoring planOutdoor cameras are only available
Equipment available:
Outdoor camera Window and door sensorsMobile phone and keypad control panelEnvironmental sensors
Plans and pricing:
Standard: $0.20 per dayPro: $0.66 per day
Why we chose it Arlo offers some of the best security cameras on the market. It’s the perfect choice for someone looking for great cameras without sensors or smart home devices. Pros:
High-quality security camerasLow-cost monitoring plansEasy to install yourself
Cons:
No options for sensors or smart home devicesCameras are expensive compared to competitors
Equipment available:
Indoor and outdoor camerasDoorbell camerasBaby monitors
Plans and pricing:
Premier: $2.99/month for one camera or $9.99 for up to five camerasElite: $4.99/month for one camera or $14.99 for up to five cameras
Why we chose it Blue by ADT comes with the option of professional monitoring by ADT, one of the leaders in home security. Pros:
Optional free DIY monitoringProfessional monitoring provided by home security leader ADTBuild-your-own system
Cons:
No smart home devicesLimited sensor optionsNo cellular backup with self-monitoring
Equipment available:
Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell camerasWindow, door, and flood sensorsMobile phone control panelWi-Fi extender for Blue by ADT cameras
Plans and pricing:
DIY: free; includes mobile alerts19.99 per month; includes mobile alerts, 24/7 professional monitoring, cellular backup, alerts authorities in an alarm event, one free month of service
2020 saw Seattle’s highest homicide rate in more than two decades, but a decrease in other violent crimes.From 2019 to 2020, Seattle saw a slight increase in property crimes, with a total of 43 077 compared to 42 436 the previous year.Seattle residents have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a victim of a property crime compared to 1 in 37 in the state overall.
Research your neighborhood
There are a total of 78 different neighborhoods in the city of Seattle, each of which has its own unique characteristics to offer. In addition to learning about the positive features of your neighborhoods, it’s also important to understand it from a public safety level. Wherever you live, especially if you’re moving to a new neighborhood, it’s important to know facts such as the number of police stations and where they’re located, the number of home break-ins, and more. The more you know about your neighborhood, the more you know how to properly secure your home. Those living in areas with a higher crime rate might want to invest in more robust security with professional monitoring, while those in low-crime areas might feel comfortable with just the basics.
Register your home security system in Seattle
No matter where you live, it’s important to understand how your local police department handles home security systems and alarms. Prior to 2004, 97% of alarm calls the Seattle Police Department responded to each year were false. While they’ve been able to drastically reduce the number of false calls, they still receive more than 10 000 per year. As of 2004, Seattle has a False Alarm Program where alarm companies are billed from the city for the use of police services, alarm registration, and false alarm fees. The good news is that you as a consumer don’t have to pay these fees, your alarm company does. The bad news is that because of other demands, the Seattle Police Department doesn’t guarantee that it will respond to each alarm call.
How to choose your Seattle home security system
Interior/exterior cameras: Security cameras allow you to monitor the interior and exterior of your home. And doorbell cameras not only notify you when someone is at your front door, but they allow you to see the person, and often respond to them. Not all companies offer a robust lineup of security cameras. On the other hand, some specialize in security cameras, but their systems lack in others. While Seattle winters don’t get as frigid as much of the other northern states, it’s important to verify that your camera can operate in cold temperatures. Control panel: The control panel is the hub of your home security system, but these panels have changed a lot over the years. It used to be that a control panel was a keypad attached to your wall. Some companies still have the traditional keypad, but not many allow you to control your security system through either a mobile app or a touchscreen control panel. The type of control panel you want might narrow down your search of security companies.Compatibility: With the rise in the number of smart home devices available, security companies are working to make their devices more compatible. Most Seattle home security companies offer a mobile app where customers can monitor their homes. Many also integrate with your other smart home devices such as your Alexa device. When you’re shopping for a home security system, it’s important to consider whether this compatibility is important to you.Storage: Just about every home security company allows you to see your live feed from the company’s app or control panel. But depending on the company, you may not automatically have storage capabilities. Some companies offer video storage with even their most basic plan. But others, such as Ring, only offer video storage with an upgraded monitoring plan. With the basic plan, you have live feed access, but the videos won’t be saved anywhere.Window/door sensors: Door and window sensors are one of the most important components of a home security system. They detect when someone has either entered or broken into your home through a door or window. Many security companies also offer glass break sensors, which are activated when someone breaks a window in your home. As you shop, consider how many doors and windows you’ll need sensors for and what features you’d like them to have.
Local vs. national companies
Monthly price: The lower the cost of a home security company’s monthly contract, the higher the score. Inversely, the higher the cost of the monthly contract, the lower the score in this metric. Equipment cost: Affordability is important with home security, so we awarded higher scores to home security companies with lower prices on equipment.Contracts: We reviewed the flexibility in contracts of the home security companies. The more flexibility, like having no contracts to bind customers for long periods, the higher the score. Customer satisfaction: With J.D. Power’s 2020 Home Security Satisfaction Study, we assigned a score to each company based on the rating it received.Installation: Just like with contracts, we award higher scores to companies that have flexible installation options, like DIY or professional options.
