So you have a security alarm system. That means you can skimp on locks, right? Not so. According to Robert Campbell, owner of Advantage Locksmith NYC in New York City, the locks prevent thieves from gaining access to your home. An alarm lets you know that someone gained access but it doesn’t provide extra security.
Rather it is just a signal — not a defense mechanism — intended to chase away thieves, but technically, not prevent them. He says unfortunately, in suburban areas where people tend to have security alarm systems, there is not a big market for high-security locks. So beware–just because you have an alarm system doesn’t mean you should pass on a quality lock.
