Hello,
regarding this topic, I am also somewhat torn...
Since our attempted break-in in March this year, we now have an alarm system with door/window contacts, motion detectors inside, and an optical and acoustic alarm.
We have thought a lot about this alarm – precisely because of the reason "Are we potentially attracting burglars with it???".
As you already wrote, the thing does have a deterrent effect on some "opportunistic burglars" – professional gangs are probably not deterred by it.
Our siren with flashing light is not visible from the street but reliably alerts the neighboring houses...
What is important for these devices is sabotage protection that reliably triggers the alarm even during "deactivation attempts" (construction foam, tearing off the siren, etc.).
Much more important than all the electronic "stuff" is, however, a proper mechanical security for the house.
For example:
- windows with multi-point locking and mushroom head bolts
- lockable window handles
- higher resistance class for windows and doors
- secured grates on the light wells
- outdoor lighting with motion detectors
- shutters with anti-lift protection
- ...
A watchful neighbor is also good.
In March, our burglar failed at our windows. During the eighth attempt to pry it open, his screwdriver broke. His subsequent attempts to open the window with a crowbar were also unsuccessful.
Just for this reason, the extra cost for the safer windows (e.g., sash and frame with steel core) has already paid off.
However, I also share the opinion of – Whoever really wants to get in by force will get in – there is no absolute burglary protection...
Regards,
Dirk