Best Home Security Systems in Milwaukee, WI

How to choose a home security system in Milwaukee

Unfortunately, Milwaukee residents are not immune to property crime. Though neighborhoods like Shorewood, Wauwatosa and Whitefish Bay have relatively low crime rates, they share a border with neighborhoods like Riverwest and Haywood that are more prone to crime. The Good Land has much higher rates of theft, burglary and stolen cars than the rest of the country. The right home security system in Milwaukee reduces your chance of being a victim of property crime.

Crime statistics for Milwaukee compared to the national average

Permit required for security system in Milwaukee

Before installing a home security system, you must obtain a permit. Permit fees for Milwaukee are $65 for one or two family homes and $75 for condos and other properties while in Wauwatosa you’re required to register your alarm for $25 annually.

Monitoring requirements and false alarms

False alarms used to be a major problem in Milwaukee. Before the City implemented the Verified Response Policy to alarm systems in 2004, over 97 percent of calls were false alarms. A public ordinance was put in place so that all alarm companies in Milwaukee must provide a Private First Responder service, like one of the monitoring companies below, to verify that a cause for alarm exists before contacting police.

The number of false alarms has since dropped dramatically, but you’ll still get a fine if you have more than two false alarms in a calendar year. The penalty is between $50 and $100 plus the cost of first responders, and between $100 and $250 for any subsequent false alarms.

DIY vs. professional home alarm installation in Milwaukee

Many Milwaukee home security companies offer the option to install your system yourself. If you want a wireless home security system, this might be the best option, especially for older homes such as those on the Upper East Side or in Riverwest. DIY home alarm systems include wireless devices and security cameras.

If you own a newer condo or home like those in Shorewood, you might find it easier to have a professional install your security system. Think about how much work you’d like to put in and if your home has any unique needs before you decide on doing it yourself or going the professional route.