Can burglers just take your phone of the hook ?

Question

If you have a security system that calls the police or security company can they just take your phone off the hook before it starts dialing so it can't dial?

Answer 1

Very sophisticated criminals can actually cut the phone wire outside the house before they even enter a home or business.

Answer 2

Yes.  They can also cut the wire outside.  However, most systems dial out periodically to let the alarm system know eveyrthing is ok.  When the alarm misses that call in, the monitoring system will be alerted.  

Most companies also now offer cellular service either alone or as a back up.  Installation for cellular service is twice as much, but the monthly fee isnt that much more.  

Paid alarm service is really a waste of money with only a few small exceptions anyways.  There is like a 5 min delay in the monitoring service calling you from the time the alarm was tripped.  Then AFTER talking to you, they notify the local 911.  That can take 5 mins in and of it self.  Then a 5 min or so delay as to when the call is taken at 911 til it is dispatched.  Then who knows how long of a delay til police actually get top respond.  A burgler alarm where there is no one else at the residence and the company has already contacted the key holder, is a low priority compared to wrecks, and other incidents where someone's life is in danger.  

The exceptions is a fire alarm, a med alert alarm, and in the instance of having a LOT of valuables in your home or someone crazy after you.

Answer 3

It is true that they can cut the phone lines and they can take the phoine off the hook--BUT- most security system that are computerized have a "break system" that waits a specific time and sends an alarm to the security division to alert that there may be a problem.  If you house is on fire and  you can't call if you are disabled by smoke and the system does not pick up on the alarm the phone will alert them to call.  When they get no answer they send someone to check. Besides, security systems are geared to your electrical system of your house, not your phone, and have a back up system.

Dr. Tommy Skelton

Answer 4

SOME SYSTEMS THEY  CAN BUT THE BETTER ONES THEY CAN'T. BETTER SYSTEMS HAVE A COUNTINOUS VOLTAGE THAT WILL SET OFF THE ALARM THAT YOUR SYSTEM CALLS IF THERE IS A PROBLEM.