Why Your Home Needs a Professionally-Installed Security System
St. Louis offers an incredible blend of history, culture, and community. From the quiet streets of Chesterfield and Town and Country to the lively neighborhoods closer to the city, its residents value comfort and security above all. But like any metropolitan area, St. Louis has its share of property crime. Protecting your home or business is no longer just simply locking the doors at night.
A professional security system installation goes far beyond the basics. It brings peace of mind that your family, valuables, and property are safeguarded by technology designed, installed, and monitored by experts. Unlike do-it-yourself options, professional installations from trusted companies like Westco provide reliable coverage that blends into your lifestyle or workflow. You get a system customized to your property, built to handle local conditions, and supported by a team ready to respond when you need them most.
Security should create an environment where you feel safe every day. Whether that’s knowing your kids are protected when they get home from school, or that your business will be monitored overnight, a professional burglar alarm installation gives you confidence that you’re covered.
What Are Burglar Alarms and How Do They Work?
At their core, residential and commercial burglar alarms are designed to detect unauthorized entry and alert you or a monitoring service immediately. These systems use a combination of sensors, control panels, and communication pathways to identify suspicious activity.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Detection – Sensors on doors, windows, and other vulnerable areas detect movement or forced entry.
- Alert – When a breach is detected, the system sends a signal to a central control panel.
- Response – Depending on your setup, you may receive an alert on your smartphone, or a monitoring center may notify emergency responders.
Smart burglar alarms now also integrate with smart technology, providing you with remote access to arm, disarm, or check the status of your system at any time. Many can connect with video surveillance, smart locks, and even lighting control to provide a comprehensive approach to protection.
Common Types of Burglar Alarms in St. Louis
Every property in St. Louis is unique, and so are its security needs. That’s why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all alarm system. Instead, homeowners and businesses can choose from several alarms depending on budget, property size, and lifestyle.
Wireless & Smart Alarms
Wireless alarm systems have become a popular option in St. Louis for both new builds and retrofits. Without the need to run extensive wiring, they can be installed quickly while still providing robust protection. Smart alarms (both wired and wireless) integrate with mobile apps and home automation platforms like Control4.
With a smart system, you can arm or disarm your alarm from anywhere, receive real-time notifications, and even integrate the alarm with other home features. For example, lights can automatically adjust when the system is armed, and doors can lock to create a more secure environment.
Door/Window Sensors, Motion Detectors, and More
Door and window sensors remain a cornerstone of reliable residential alarm systems. They alert you the moment an entry point is opened unexpectedly. Motion detectors monitor movement within your home or business based on your unique security parameters, so you’re not wasting time with false alarms because a squirrel ran across the lawn.
Advanced systems may also include:
- Glass break detectors to pick up the sound of breaking windows.
- Shock sensors that detect force applied to doors or windows.
- Outdoor perimeter sensors to monitor yards, driveways, parking lots, or detached garages.
These options allow you to tailor your system to your home or business layout. Here are some examples of how different homes could benefit from other features:
For larger estates in Chesterfield or Town & Country, motion detectors and outdoor sensors create essential layers of protection across expansive yards and multiple entry points. Homes with broad glass features or sliding doors often benefit from glass-break detectors, which respond instantly to attempted breaches. Wireless systems are usually the best solution for historic properties in Ladue or downtown townhomes because they provide strong protection without invasive wiring that could affect the home’s character.
Choosing a Burglar Alarm System That Fits St. Louis Homes
When selecting the right system, it’s important to consider the unique characteristics of St. Louis homes and its mixed-use properties. Many properties in Chesterfield or Ladue feature larger footprints and multiple entry points, often requiring layered security. Older homes may benefit from wireless systems that avoid the need for extensive retrofitting.
Your lifestyle should also guide your decision. Do you travel often for work? A smart alarm with remote monitoring may be the right choice. Do you have children coming and going throughout the day? A system with user codes and app notifications lets you track activity in real time.
Working with professionals like Westco means you won’t be left guessing. Their team evaluates your property, listens to your concerns, and designs a system that fits your space and routine.
Alarm Monitoring Services: Do You Need Them?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to include professional monitoring with your alarm system. With monitoring, your alarm doesn’t just notify you of an intrusion. It connects you to a UL-certified central station where trained professionals respond 24/7.
Here’s why alarm monitoring services matter:
- Immediate action – In the event of an alarm, responders can dispatch authorities quickly, even if you’re unavailable.
- Peace of mind – You don’t need to worry about missing a phone notification while in a meeting or asleep.
- Extra protection – Monitored systems often include features like fire or carbon monoxide alerts.
Professional monitoring adds an invaluable layer of protection in an area like St. Louis, where property crime rates are higher than the national average. With monitoring, if a sensor is tripped while you’re away, trained professionals respond instantly, contacting you and the authorities. Even during the everyday rush of work or school, monitoring prevents missed alerts from turning into missed opportunities to act. It’s an extra safeguard that keeps watch when you can’t.
St. Louis Crime Trends and Their Impact on Home Security
According to recent crime data, St. Louis has one of the highest property crime rates in the Midwest. Burglary and theft remain ongoing concerns for both homeowners and business owners. Even in affluent neighborhoods, criminals target properties that appear unprotected.
This doesn’t mean every home is at equal risk, but it does highlight the importance of visible deterrents like business or residential alarm systems, surveillance cameras, and well-lit exteriors. Studies have shown that homes with security systems are far less likely to be targeted than those without.
Local trends also point to an increase in crimes of opportunity. Break-ins often occur when doors are left unlocked or valuables are visible from the street. A comprehensive alarm system can help close these gaps by alerting you to vulnerabilities and notifying you when something is wrong.
Why St. Louis Residents Prefer Professional Installations
While DIY systems may seem convenient, they often fall short in key areas. Professional installations offer benefits beyond simply plugging in a camera or attaching a sensor.
- Customization – Every Westco system is designed for that specific property. There’s no wasted equipment or blind spots.
- Integration—Professional systems can be connected to lighting, HVAC, or audio/video setups for greater protection.
- Reliability – Professionally installed systems use higher-quality equipment and are tested thoroughly before activation.
- Ongoing support – If something goes wrong, you have a local team ready to respond — not a generic customer service line.
Why Choose Westco for Your Burglar Alarm in St. Louis?
Westco Security & Technology Systems has been a trusted name in Missouri since 1983. As a local company, we understand the specific challenges St. Louis families and businesses face and bring the experience needed to design systems that fit those needs.
Our reputation as one of the best burglar alarm companies is built on our responsiveness, approachability, and commitment to quality from the first consultation. We serve clients throughout St. Louis, including in Chesterfield, Ballwin, and Webster Groves.
When you work with Westco, you receive more than an alarm on the wall. Our team provides UL-certified monitoring, access to respected brands like Honeywell and Alarm.com, and solutions designed around your property. Whether you live in a Chesterfield estate or manage a growing business in the city, our systems deliver reliability and ease of use.
The same team that installs your system remains available to answer questions, make adjustments, and support you for years to come. That consistency gives families and businesses the confidence that their safety is always a priority.
