Home Security: Is It Worth The Cost?
Greene County deputies are busier than ever.
Two major cases in recent weeks are still unsolved. Some westside Springfield homeowners may be thinking harder about home security.
It's been nearly three weeks since Rebecca and Russell Porter went missing.
Then Don and Helen Willingham were found brutally murdered in their home.
Even before these cases, security companies say they were seeing an uptick in business.
KOLR/KSFX wanted to find out: is it worth the cost?
Jeff and Sara Eaker recently moved from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, to a fixer-upper in the Ozarks.
"We are pregnant with our first child, so that changes everything," says Jeff.
And one of the biggest things it changed, their feelings about home security.
"He's got that bat back there, that was our home security," says Sara.
Vivint Home Security workers say over the last few weeks, they've been extra busy. That's in part because vacation season is just around the corner.
"They go on vacation, windows get left open, garage doors get left open," says Clive Sanderson. "So home installations always go up in the summer when people think about those things."
And the Willingham and Porter cases have given some people the extra motivation to make their homes safe.
"It does raise some concern, and I guess we want to be a little more vigilant," says Jeff.
Sanderson said if you're thinking about getting a security system, you should get one that also connects to your cell phone.
That's important because, "first thing a thief usually does when they come to a house is cut the phone line," says Sanderson.
One of the newest technologies people are using allows you to monitor your home -- or even lock your front door -- right from your phone.
The average price for most security systems is about $45 a month. Some companies charge an installation fee, and usually require you to sign a contact.
Whether that cost is worth it is up to each family to decide.
"This is our first house," adds Jeff Eaker. "It just felt like a nice thing to have."
If you can't afford a home security system, Sheriff Jim Arnott says there are still some simple things you can do to prevent a break-in.
He said it's a good idea to leave a TV or radio on at night or when you're gone.
He says one of the best low-cost security systems you can buy is a dog. If can't have one, then it's still a good idea to make it look like you do, by leaving out a large water bowl or chain in your yard.
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