How To Choose The Best Burglar Alarm System for Your Home

I think we can all agree that your home should be the one place where you and your family feel completely safe. Unfortunately, in today’s world, peace of mind doesn’t just happen by locking the front door. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a quiet suburban neighborhood or downtown Phoenix, choosing the right burglar alarm system can make all the difference in protecting your home, belongings, and loved ones.
The big question is “How do you know which burglar alarm system is the best for your home?” There are so many systems and brands out there, which could make it tough to choose. At Titan Alarm & Fire, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across Arizona find the right security solutions, and we’re here to help you do the same. In this guide, we’ll break down everything that you need to know to confidently choose the best burglar alarm system for your home.

Home Security System

Why You Need a Burglar Alarm System in 2025 ?

Unfortunately, burglaries and home invasions aren’t as random as people may think. Most criminals look for easier targets, like homes without cameras, alarms, and people with predictable patterns. An alarm system doesn’t just alert you when something’s wrong. It deters intruders before they even step inside.


According to FBI crime data, homes without security systems are 300% more likely to be broken into. We’re not trying to scare you, but inform as many people as possible of these unfortunate facts. Modern alarm systems do much more than just sound a siren and scare a potential threat. They integrate with your smartphone, you smart home devices, and most importantly, emergency services to keep you, your family, and your assets protected.

1. Understand Your Home’s Unique Security Needs

The best alarm systems setup for a one-bedroom condo isn’t going to be the same as what you’d need for a two-story home with a detached casita in the back. That’s why the first step in choosing a burglar alarm systems setup is taking into consideration your home’s layout and vulnerabilities.
Ask yourself these questions:

  • How many entry points do I have? (Doors, windows, sliding glass doors, garage, etc.)
  • Do I have areas that are more hidden from view or poorly lit?
  • Is my neighborhood prone to break-ins or package theft?
  • Do I need home protection while I’m away and while I’m home?

Working with a local company like Titan Alarm & Fire means you’ll get a free personalized assessment of your home that takes all of these factors into account.

Burglar Alarms

Choose Between Professional Burglar Alarm System and DIY Systems: What’s the better choice?

Yes, DIY systems can save you some cash, but when it comes to real home protection, nothing beats a professionally installed system. I’ll break it down for you.
Professional Installation (The Titan Way):
Pros:

  • Custom Designed for Your Home: Our team walks through your property, assesses your home’s vulnerabilities, and designs a system tailored specifically for your layout.
  • Expert Installation: Instead of dealing with the stress of putting it all together yourself, professionally trained technicians will do it all for you. No guesswork, no missed steps. Just a clean, professional setup with sensors, cameras, panels, etc.
  • 24/7 Monitoring & Emergency Dispatch: You’re not just alerted. Our monitoring station can dispatch emergency responders within seconds. I mean, what’s an alarm system without actual protection?
  • Ongoing Support: If something breaks, need updating, or even if you just have questions, we’re local and ready to help.
  • Scalable & Smart Home Ready: It’s easy to expand your system over time and integrate with smart locks, lights, thermostats, and other smart home devices.

Cons:

  • Slightly higher up-front investment. But the value far outweighs the cost.

DIY Systems:
Pros:

  • Lower initial price.
  • Easy to set up in smaller places.

Cons:

  • Limited Coverage: Most DIY kits offer basic/generic coverage and can leave your house vulnerable.
  • No Expert Advice: You’re on your own when it comes to placement, integration, and troubleshooting.
  • Self-Monitoring Risks: If you miss a notification or your phone’s off, no one’s there to call for help.
  • Equipment Gaps: Many DIY kits lack key features like glass break sensors, backup cellular connection, or integration with fire systems.
  • Short Lifespan: Cheap equipment wears out way faster and may require constant replacements, especially in the Arizona summer!

When it comes to protecting your home and family, don’t settle for a “good enough” system. Instead, go with a professionally installed system that you can rely on in any emergency.

3. Look for These Must-Have Features

Like previously mentioned, not all burglar alarm systems are created equal. There are many different devices that do different things. Here are some essential features to consider:

  • 24/7 Professional Monitoring: A monitored system makes sure someone’s watching your home even when you’re not. If a break-in is detected, the monitoring center can dispatch police immediately. In my opinion, this feature is a MUST HAVE.
  • Mobile App Access: You should be able to arm/disarm your system, get alerts, and view camera footage in real time right from your phone.
  • Motion Detectors & Door/Window Sensors: These should be placed at all main points of entry to detect unauthorized access.
  • Glass Break Sensors: These can detect the sound frequency of breaking glass, which is a common method burglars use to bypass door sensors.
  • Indoor & Outdoor Cameras: Cameras add a whole new level of protection and can help identify suspects or track package thieves.
  • Smart Home Integration: Some systems allow you to connect with smart locks, lights, and thermostats for even more control.
  • Battery Backup: This ensures your system stays online during a power outage.

At Titan Alarm & Fire, we tailor every setup to fit the needs of the home. Every system we install includes these core features and more.

4. Know the Difference Between Local and National Providers

Big name national security companies might seem like the best route to go because they have funny commercials or appealing ads and promises, but here’s what most people don’t realize: local providers offer WAY better service.

Titan Alarm Front Office


As a locally owned and operated company right in the heart of Arizona, Titan Alarm & Fire gives you:

  • Faster response times
  • Personalized customer service
  • In-person walkthroughs and custom installations
  • Ongoing support and maintenance

We know the extremely unique security challenges of living in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and beyond. Because of that, we build systems that address them directly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a burglar alarm system ins’t something to rush. It’s about more than just gadgets. It’s about protecting what matters most.
At Titan Alarm & Fire, we make it easy. Our local team of experts will walk you through every single step of the way, recommending the best setup for your home, and installing a reliable system that works 24/7 to protect your family, your home, and your belongings.

Ready to Get Started?

Call us today at (602) 680-4567 or email us at support@titanalarm.net for a free home security consultation.

How to Prevent Crash and Smash

A crash and smash attack is a burglary tactic that focuses on your home’s security panel or keypad, using speed and brute force to prevent it from sounding the alarm. The term “crash” makes reference to the forceful entry of an intruder through a main door. And the word “smash” describes the physical action of shattering the alarm panel.

Here’s how it works:

  • The intruder “crashes” through your entry door – the one that you normally enter through and the one near your alarm security keypad.

  • Unfortunately, your alarm system cannot tell the difference between your unlocking the door and a burglar breaking in. So, as always, your system gives you a set period (usually 30-60 seconds) to key in your code and deactivate the alarm.

  • During those 30-60 seconds, your home intruder locates the alarm panel and “smashes” it. Your alarm hardware is in tatters and it is no longer hard-wired into your phone line. It has not had time to notify the alarm company or police of the break-in. The burglar can now rob you in peace.

Burglar

How to prevent crash and smash?

  • Go wirelessA wireless alarm system can mean one of two things: wireless components placed throughout your home, or wireless communication with your alarm company via cell phone signal. (Some systems have both wireless components and cellular monitoring). 

  • Lock it Away – You can also lock your alarm panel in another room. This works because 1) it will take a burglar longer to locate your alarm and 2) requires an intruder to crash through two doors. Keep in mind, however, that this method isn’t a foolproof solution for the smash & crash.

  • Redundancies – One of the most important aspects to protecting your home and family is redundancy. Do not put all your eggs in one security basket – don’t rely on just your alarm system to keep you safe. First of all, burglarproof your doors to prevent a “crash” (they can’t smash if they don’t get past the crash part!).

Titan Alarm’s Crash and Smash protection

Titan Alarm uses a patented crash and smash technology, that way your system will still work, even if the intruder can get to and destroy your panel.
Burglar Alarm SystemsTitan Alarm’s smart home security system is constantly monitoring activity around the home to proactively protect you from events like a burglar attempting a crash and smash burglary. All of this happens constantly and securely in a cloud storage platform, so it’s completely untouchable to a burglar so you and your security system go unharmed.

Once your smart home security system starts it’s initial countdown, the central system monitoring station takes note, if the security panel abruptly goes off-line before sending a disarm or an emergency signal, then the central station monitoring reports a suspected Crash and Smash situation in your home, and alerts the necessary first responders and emergency personnel. Crash and Smash Protection is one of the many innovative ways that Titan Alarm will protect you and your loved ones with. If you’re interested in learning more about Crash and Smash Protection or need help with a Home Security System contact Titan Alarm today!

5 Things You Might Not Know About Your Friendly Neighborhood Burglar

Burglar

We often think of burglars as dark, shady characters who prowl around neighborhoods at night and stay out of sight during the daytime hours. But the truth is that many burglars are cunning, opportunistic criminals who carefully plan their illicit activities well in advance — which is likely why police are only able to solve about 10 percent of all burglary cases.

At Titan Alarm, we believe that the more you know about your “enemies,” the easier it is to defend yourself against them. Here are a few insights into the mind of a burglar that every homeowner should know:

1. Burglars often live in the neighborhood.

The typical burglar doesn’t swoop in from out of town, rob a few houses and hit the road. He or she is more likely to be your neighbor, as this makes it easier to blend into the surroundings and become familiar with the area. It might even be someone you see or speak to every day.

 

2.They’ve already been inside your home.

Many thieves enter a home under legitimate circumstances, then come back later to rob you. In many cases, they’re employed as repairmen or members of remodeling or cleaning crews. While they’re inside your house, they’ll discreetly unlock a door or window, giving them easy entry when they return.

3.They’ll “case” your home before they break in.

Many burglars will target a residence and then watch it for several days, or even weeks. They observe the patterns of when you and your family members come and go, determining their best window of availability. That’s why so many burglaries occur during the day, while the occupants are at work or school.

4.They know the outside gives clues to what’s inside.

Crooks can tell a lot about what “goodies” might be inside a home by what they see on the exterior of the property. For example, if they spot expensive toys on the lawn or boxes that contained pricy products in the trash, they’ll figure that the house is a treasure trove of valuable items that are worth stealing.

 

5.Burglars are often social media-savvy.

These days, you need to think twice when sending or accepting a friend request on Facebook. Burglars scour social media sites to see who has just purchased a brand-new flat screen TV or is planning a two-week vacation. The prudent move is to avoid mentioning these things on social media — it’s like extending an invitation to a burglar to come and break into your home.

A Home Security System Is Your Best Defense Against Burglars

With all the threats that homeowners face nowadays, a state-of-the art-security system is essential for staying one step ahead of the crooks in the neighborhood. If you live in or around Phoenix or Tucson, AZ, Titan Alarm, Inc. can provide a “smart” security solution that meets your needs and budget. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation in-home security consultation today.

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What to Do When Someone Breaks Into Your Home While You’re There

While some burglars will “case” a home to determine when no one is there, others are more brazen and will attempt to break in while the house is occupied. This type of home invasion can occur while you’re sleeping or even when you’re having dinner or watching TV. Knowing what to do in these situations can mean the difference between life and death.

What If You’re Home Alone and Someone Tries to Break In?

It can be even more terrifying if you’re home alone, and someone breaks in. The burglar might mistakenly believe that the house is unoccupied, or they may already know you’re the only one there. Either way, it’s important to know how to react. The following tips can help you experience the best possible outcome during a home invasion:

  • Remain Quiet:

    Avoid the temptation to yell out to try to frighten the intruder — this will reveal your location and possibly put your life in danger if the individual is armed. Remain quiet and attempt to determine the intruder’s movements and whether he or she is working alone. Avoid confronting the invader, even if you have a weapon within easy reach.

Burglar Alarm Systems

  • Exit the Home if Possible:

    Once you’ve targeted the intruder’s location, determine if there is a way to get out of the house safely. For instance, if you’re in a second-floor bedroom with access to an exterior staircase or fire escape, you might be able to exit undetected if the burglar is on the first floor. Have a destination in mind, whether it’s a car (assuming you have the keys), a neighbor’s home or a nearby business.

  • Find a Hiding Place:

    If getting out of the house isn’t a viable option, look for a good place to hide. A closet with a solid door and a strong lock may be your best bet, although you may know of other “nooks and crannies” that would make good hiding spots. Most burglars will think to look under a bed, so this usually will not provide a safe haven.

  • Call for Help:

    If you have access to a phone, call 911 as soon as you’ve made it to a relatively safe location. You may have to rely on a cell phone, as many intruders will cut the lines to landline phones before entering the home. Speak as quietly and calmly as possible to the 911 operator, then stay still and wait for help to arrive. Remain in your hiding place until you’re sure the coast is clear.

  • If you Encounter the Intruder:

    If you come face-to-face with the intruder, obey his or her commands and don’t make any sudden moves. In most cases, burglars will simply take what they want and flee before the police arrive.

Commercial Burglar Alarm

Protect Yourself Against Home Invasions by Installing a Security System

An effective home security system equipped with features such as burglar alarms, automated locks and surveillance cameras can serve as an effective deterrent to home invaders. Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to learn more about your security options in the Phoenix, AZ area.

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What You Can Learn From Celebrity Home Invasions

 

Property Crime
Considering such alarming statistics, many people are scrambling to install security systems for their property. The last thing anyone wants is an intruder invading the sanctity of their home. Many victims of home invasion are no longer comfortable in their homes and report feeling that they have been robbed of more than material goods — they have been robbed of their security.

People today are especially interested in installing the same security systems that famous people use. Unfortunately, not every famous person takes security seriously, which is surprising because their wealth and fame make them easy targets. Considering how powerful security systems for mansions can be, and how much celebrities have to lose — not only in terms of wealth but also in terms of personal privacy — you’d think security would be their number one concern.

With the security systems of the rich and famous in mind, we’ve collected ten of the most astounding stories about celebrity home invasions. Some are goofy, some are bizarre, and some are simply head scratchers. The perpetrator was caught in each case, but a single question remains: Do you want to catch the burglars before they make it into your home, catch them red-handed trying to get away, or hope that someday they finally slip up? For all of these celebrities, they can only ask themselves in hindsight. For you, however, the choice is yours with the right security system.

1. Paris Hilton (2008)

 Living a life of luxury without earning it, Paris Hilton has become the epitome of conspicuous consumption. She’s always sure to make an appearance at the most exclusive parties wearing flashy jewelry and the latest in designer fashions, so it should come as little surprise that she would fall victim to a robbery.

In 2008, her home was looted to the tune of $2 million worth of clothing, jewelry and top-shelf alcohol. Even her designer bras were taken.

The culprits were a group of teenagers known as the ‘Bling Ring.’ Although Hilton’s home was their most lucrative break in, they also robbed Orlando Bloom, Megan Fox and Lindsay Lohan before their string of robberies was brought to a halt.

These break-ins could have been easily prevented. The burglars gained access to Hilton’s home using a spare key found under her doormat.

2. Steve Jobs (2012)

Steve Jobs

Unsurprisingly, the home of Steve Jobs was filled with the latest in personal technology gadgets. As the former CEO of Apple, he was the brains behind some of the most groundbreaking and trendsetting personal computing innovations in history. Jobs believed in his company’s products — he kept every Apple product in his home.

Perhaps that’s what prompted the home invader to target Jobs. Upon breaking in, the burglar gathered up as many iPods, iPads, iPhones and computers as he could. Sixty-thousand worth of expensive jewelry was also swiped. The burglar even took Jobs’ wallet.

 Unfortunately for the burglar, Jobs’ technological creations had been equipped with both loss recovery and personal security technology. While most of us use these applications to find our iPhone when it has slipped under the seat in the car, investigators tracked the criminal using the stolen devices.

Only a day after breaking into Jobs’ home, the criminal was in custody. Targeting one of the masterminds behind high-tech personal devices wasn’t such a good idea.

3. Sylvester Stallone (2010)

Not every intruder is actually trying to rob the place. Sometimes the intruder is a delusional man trying to impress one of his heroes. In 2010, an aspiring action star wanted to prove himself to Rocky. First, the intruder needed to make it by Stallone’s guard dog, a well-trained but vicious pit bull. Using martial arts, the intruder succeeded in knocking out the dog.

After making it into Stallone’s front yard, the intruder then took the opportunity to show off more of his martial arts routine. He began to perform athletic moves in hopes catching Stallone’s attention and landing a role in a future action film. The private security guarding Stallone’s home were not impressed and quickly subdued the intruder before he was sent to jail.

It should be noted that Stallone wasn’t home at the time. If your goal is to impress an action star, you should make sure he’s home. Considering how quickly the private security took him into custody, it would seem that perhaps the intruder had an inflated sense of his own skills. It might be time for this criminal to look into a different line of work.

4. LL Cool J (2012)

LL Cool JIn 1990, LL Cool J released the hit single “Mama Said Knock You Out.” In 2012, LL proved that he meant it. His security alarm system alerted him to an unwelcome guest. When he went downstairs to investigate, a fight ensued. Before the night was over, the would-be burglar had a broken jaw, ribs and nose and was en route to the hospital, having gained nothing but a severely battered ego. LL, on the other hand, maintained his cool and calmly described the scene and his act of self-defense to the responding police officers.

Not only did the home invader fail to come away with anything of value, but he lost a pretty penny in the failed attempt. The burglar ended up $6000 in the hole due to insurance not covering the medical costs.

LL proved the value in a two-step security system. The custom security system installed on LL’s home alerted him to the danger, and he also had the muscle to defend his home. If only we could include him in all of our security system installations.

5. Jon Bon Jovi (2011)

While LL Cool J delivered a one-two security punch, custom security systems can sometimes be enough. Just ask Jon Bon Jovi.

In April of 2011, an intruder made his way into Bon Jovi’s New Jersey home and left with $100,000 worth of jewelry. The crook made it out of the house and thought he’d gotten away with the loot.

Luckily, Bon Jovi’s advanced security system gathered enough information to track down the burglar. He was eventually caught red-handed, hiding in a bathroom stall. Not only was he carrying the jewelry taken from Bon Jovi’s home, but he also had $400,000 worth of jewelry stolen from other homes on him as well.

The criminal probably would have been better off calling it quits with the initial $400,000, but robbers greedy enough to try to steal from the rich and famous don’t always think their actions through. If you succeed at gaining entry into a celebrity’s house and then leave without being confronted, the whole affair was probably too easy. Bon Jovi’s security system might not have stopped the robbery, but it sure did prevent the robber from stealing from anyone in the future.

6. Céline Dion (2011)

Celine Dion

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if a burglar truly wants to steal or wants to feel close to a celebrity. Such is the case with the 2011 break-in at Céline Dion’s Montreal home.

Shortly after the burglar entered Dion’s home, he apparently became hungry, so he made his way to Dion’s refrigerator and helped himself to some pastries. After his snack, he decided to take a bath. Fortunately for Dion and unfortunately for the intruder, the home was equipped with a sophisticated security system, so the police were immediately notified that something was amiss. When they arrived to investigate, the intruder was stepping into the bath.

Who knows what was really going through the man’s mind, but apparently Dion keeps an inviting home — so inviting that would-be thieves have a hard time leaving once they gain entrance! Even so, the robber failed to adhere to a basic principle of robbery: get in, get out and do it quick. Don’t stick around to give people the chance to catch up with you. And no matter how much you may need one, a celebrity home invasion is no time to take a bath.

7. Nicholas Cage (2011)

Knowing that an unwelcome guest disrobed in your home when you weren’t around is unsettling, as was the case with Céline Dion, but having the same thing happen when you are actually home is even more disturbing.

One night, Cage was sleeping soundly in his Orange County home when he was suddenly awakened by a naked man eating a Fudgsicle while wearing his leather jacket. With the intruder standing over his bed, Cage was understandably unsettled, especially considering his young son was sleeping in a room nearby.

Cage kept calm and handled the situation. The intruder was apparently suffering from some severe mental disorders. Thankfully, Cage convinced him to leave without further incident. Cage has commented that, on the surface, it seems like a humorous tale, but he found the experience to be quite horrifying.

Cage was generous enough not to press charges, and he made sure that the intruder received the help he needed. He was disturbed enough, however, that he promptly sold his home and moved to the Bahamas.

8. Prince (2009) 

Kesha

Sometimes the intruder becomes almost as famous as the victim. Such is the case when a rising pop star invades the home of one who is already established. Although some people question the voracity of the tale, pop singer Ke$ha recently told the world that she once broke into Prince’s home in order to give him one of her demo CDs.

According to Ke$ha, she bribed the gardener with $5 so that he would stay quiet as she crawled under the fence. She eventually made it to Prince’s practice space, where he was working on new material with his band. She handed a stunned Prince her music and then was silent as she was escorted out by a displeased security team.

Ke$ha eventually became a household name on her own. Prince never contacted her about the demo and didn’t press charges, but Ke$ha has stated that she would have preferred to have been arrested because of the notoriety it would bring. The stunt may have indeed brought her into the limelight, but we can think of a number of better ways to earn renown.

9. Moby (2011)

Moby is famous for being a super chill vegan, so perhaps his reaction to this break-in shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. One morning, Moby woke up to find a complete stranger, whom he identified as “Robbie,” sitting in his living room. Obviously confused and concerned, Moby calmly asked the man to leave.

Although the intruder verbally indicated that he was going to cooperate, he never moved. Finally, after repeated prompting, the man admitted that he was under the influence of LSD and wasn’t sure what to do. Moby, showing a surprising level of accommodation, found the man a sweatshirt because mornings in the area are famously cold. Moby also gave him money for breakfast. The man thanked him and admitted that entering Moby’s home was a terrible idea, something he’d never do were he not under the influence of hallucinogens.

Although Moby was concerned for the young man’s well-being, he admitted that it could have been much worse. Realizing that the next intruder may not be such a harmless soul, Moby decided to start locking his doors.

Considering how often celebrities are the victims of break-ins, we think Moby might be a little too nice.

10. Queen Victoria (1838-1841)/Queen Elizabeth II (1982) 

Queen Elizabeth II (1982)

Not every celebrity break-in victim comes from the 21st century.

We’re sure security is a bit tighter around the British Royal Family these days, but even queens have seen their personal belongings pilfered.

A young man managed to break into Buckingham Palace three separate times. He claimed he only wanted to get close to the queen. Unfortunately, he took it a bit further. He admitted to opening and reading a personal letter written to the queen — and even stealing a pair of her underwear!

Some have argued that the intruder was the first known celebrity stalker. He was eventually sent to Australia, then to a penal colony for the British Empire.

Royal security became far more robust in the 20th century, but another intruder successfully entered Buckingham Palace in 1982 and reportedly made it as far as Queen Elizabeth II’s bed chamber before he was caught. He repeatedly tripped the security alarms, but the guards on duty thought that someone breaking into Buckingham Palace was absurd, so they turned them off, assuming them to be false.

Twenty years after the fact, the intruder still remembers what the queen’s nightgown looked like. The break in proved to be a great embarrassment for the Crown, and they have since taken all alarms very seriously. And considering Buckingham Palace houses the royal family in one of the world’s richest countries, you’d imagine that they would have the best home security system money can buy!

How You Can Avoid These Celebrity Fates?

With so many stories of high-profile robberies, many of you are probably asking, “what about security systems for my home?” Luckily for you, at Titan Alarm, we don’t differentiate between security systems for mansions and systems for family homes. We give all of our customers the same kind of personal attention and care, no matter how large your home is!

Titan Alarm Front Office Phoenix

Trust Titan Alarm

Unlike most home alarm companies, our installations are full service. We don’t send a subcontractor to do our installations for us. Anyone who comes to your home works directly for our company. We think this is essential for installing home security systems. We want you to feel confident in every installation. We know you are trusting us to help protect you, your family and your home.

Our security installations come complete with the latest in security technology. Our installations can be controlled with a smart phone and are fully automated. If you want a security system that does not require web access, we can also install local, remotely controlled systems. We are proud to offer this kind of versatility and customization.

Our systems come with a number of industry leading features, such as:

  • Motion detection
  • Video monitoring
  • Instant alerts
  • Visual verification image sensors

Homeowners throughout the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan region have turned to Titan Alarm for their home security needs. Don’t make the same mistake as Moby and Paris. Protect your home from those who want to rob you and do you harm.

Here at Titan Alarm, we believe in the importance of the highest quality residential security systems. Every system we install is backed by a family company committed to excellence and honesty. Contact Titan Alarm today and connect with our friendly and professional staff. Get started on your custom home alarm system right away!

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