Marc Forrest.com

36 Responses to “ADT Security – USELESS SERVICE”

1. 

   BiancaW
   

   28. Jul, 2009

   Sheesh Dude – that is hectic. Imagine if something was really going on at home and that you guys WERE there!

   I hear you bud.
2. 

   Marc
   

   29. Jul, 2009

   I know its crazy hey. And what is even more funny is that in the last 2 days, someone from ADT has viewed this post over 50 times, without a comment
3. 

   George Dale
   

   31. Jul, 2009

   Re: Bad Service. I’ve been a very satisfied client with ADT over the past 3 years. I’ve found the staff and especially the response guys most helpful and proffessional. As per the salesman that originally sold me the system, ADT strives to give an adequate response time but cannot guarantee this due to traffic, etc. This I can understand as I’ve seen how the drivers on our roads completly ignor any reaction vehicle that is on their way to an alarm. I do hope that you contact the nearest branch and I’m sure that they will explain in detail.

   Good luck
   George
4. 

   Lindi
   

   07. Oct, 2009

   I also had a very bad experience with ADT, where they have allocated only one car servicing a very big area. As a result, my house was broken into, the alarm went off and the armed respoonce only arrived after 30mins. My plasma tv was stolen. I have not received any explanation as to why this happened. The person I have been dealing with always promises to come back to me, with a full report, and I am still waiting!
5. 

   NILTON
   

   25. Nov, 2009

   I could not agree with you more…I have never dealt with such a unprofessional company in my life…from sales to technical…they just have no clue what they are doing!!!!!
6. 

   Michael
   

   30. Nov, 2009

   ADT is a really incompetent company. I place them in the same category as South African tow truck drivers. Capitilising on the misfortune of other and a requirement for the service. There call-out and response times are pathetic (I tried to look for a harder word to describe them). There legal teams make NO effort to resolve any disputes they simply resort to the tried and trusted bully techniques.

   There response teams qualifications are simply that they be able to write a fairly legible note to put in your gate to say “Hey guys we were here, Good luck with that!” Maybe my wife is inside being held up at gunpoint there excuse “We cant climb over the fence” well surprise surprise the criminals do it.

   On the two occasions when we did push a panic button both times the guards came to the gate, at least 15 minutes late and then left because we did not open the gate. Well, lets think about this “Dangerous criminal in yard trying to break in, i must remember to go outside the house and put my life at risk to let in a security guard, who should be guarding cars at the local mall”

   I dont think so!!!! But seriously ADT is not “Always there” its never there. I think they deserve a FROT Onion award. May they be the first to close down due to the recession.
7. 

   ADT Security
   

   03. Dec, 2009

   You can’t blame ADT for not being able to break the law. You have to understand that there is a protocol to follow even in emergencies. I know they do there best to make things right, but it’s not easy. What you need to do is talk to them when you first meet up with them. Tell them what you expect from them.
8. 

   Jay Dara
   

   07. Dec, 2009

   If you look at alarm company response times throughout the world, 20 min. or so is not bad. Here in the USA response times are more like 30 min. You have to understand that ADT is doing the job they promised, notify you that an alarm has gone off and dispatch a responder if you do not answer or if indicate you are not home. How many telephone numbers do they have to reach you? Its not like they have a response vehicle sitting at the corner just waiting for YOUR alarm to go off. How long would it take the police in your area to respond? If you dont like the service, fire them. In that case you would not have know at all that you had a break-in until you arrived home. You are to harsh, and so are the others who replied in your favor. I noticed Micheal’s reply to be the most obserd. The responders are not police, They are citizens and are most likely not permitted to go over or through locked gates. Like here in the USA, if we want the security to enter our property we need to make reasonable allowances for that. like leave a gate unlocked… as you mentioned the criminals will gain access by jumping a fence. it really doesnt matter if your gate is locked or not. Again, not happy with the service, fire them. quit complaining.
9. 

   Jay Dara
   

   07. Dec, 2009

   Lindi, are you serious? Do you really think that because ADT allocating only one car to servicing a very big area has resulted in your house being broken into and your plasma tv to be stolen. So its ADT’s fault? not the bold, opportunistic criminal? Do you all think these guys wear capes and tights? Do you really want another human being to put his or her life at risk for your plasma tv? what would have happened if there were no alarm service at all. You all are very unrealistic. Its a shame. 30 min to receive an alarm activation signal, try to contact you for a pass code, and dispatch a rsponder. I would ask ADT for the details of how alarm response service works and not assume you have your own private RAMBO that is waiting by his bat phone for YOUR alarm to go off… get real!
10. 

    Jay Dara
    

    07. Dec, 2009

    And now that you all have me off on a tangent… Marc, whats crazy my good man is that you think ADT would even dignify the babble here with some form of response. They most likely think you are all retarded and this forum does not rate a reply… I know for a fact that ADT does exactly what is designated in your response contract. I suggest you read them before shooting from the hip cowboy… and girls. get real.
11. 

    Jay Dara
    

    07. Dec, 2009

    Oh and BiancaW, You’re not off the hook either darling. Imagine if something was really going on at home and that you guys WERE there? One would hope you would call the POLICE force. When ADT received an alarm activation, they call you. You tell them either “everything is fine. here is my pass code.” OR “I think someone is in my house.” do you think they are going to send in the ADT SWAT TEAM? No honey, they call the police. There security responders are not cops or caped crusaders.

    I hear you bud? Oh shut it!
12. 

    Wayne
    

    11. Dec, 2009

    ADT installed a system at my home about 20 months ago, the istallation was a total abortion, pieces of my walls were broken out when drilling through walls, glue all over the place, unsightly wires all over the place. After about 6 months of complaints they redone the installation using trunking, it was even worse. So it was redone for the 3rd time, I had just repainted prior to the initial installation, it cost me another R6000.00 to have the damaged walls and paint repaired. Then they realised the system was incapable of handling the granny flat, which was part of the initial quote. So after a huge arguement the neccesary was replaced. Bottom line the entire debacle took around 8 or 10 months to complete. I constantly get false alarms from an outdoor passive which they sold to me, now it must be replaced with a beam at around R2000 because the passive is not suitable. After waiting close on 5 weeks they pitched, but cant install the beam as I need to supply conduit piping to the installation point, surely if you are an installer you do the entire job???? And dont try calling their headoffice because you wont get to talk to a manager.
    I recently accidentally pushed the remote panic button, they called after 30 minutes to see if all was okay, we explained what happened and apologised. An hour and a half later they call again because the reaction team cant get in due to the electic fence, I told them it was a false alarm, we had apparently given the incorrect code so they had responded, I told the control room the code used is the code I have alway used, I gave it again, and he told me it was incorrect???? The next day I phoned told them about it and was told that the code was wrong….I instisted on them telling me who had altered the code as this code has been used at least 15 or 20 times to date, they told me they can’t see who changed the code???? I just find it strange that a Company like ADT with the footprint they have can be so difficult to do business with.
13. 

    Wayne
    

    11. Dec, 2009

    Further to my previous posting, the sales rep that sold me the system refused to come back and look at the botched installation despite several requests. I left several messages and he just ignored me. Then after some months he phoned to complain that his commission was being witheld because I had not paid the outstanding 50% of the invoice……what a cheek??? After months of arguments and letters and hello peter comments, 2 managers came to my house, they just shook their heads when they saw the installation….so if that is the case why does it take months to get a response, surely you send the rep the moment you get a complaint, if he thinks its unacceptable then he can report to his manager and the matter can be investigated and resolved, the thing is once installed and you have a contract in place there is no need to break your back, that what it appears to be like.
14. 

    Thunder
    

    16. Dec, 2009

    Thanks guys and dolls… I was considering an armed response system for my home… but, if the so-called BEST can offer service as described, then there is NO hope… I’d rather take my chances with God at my side… Human beings CANNOT be trusted. Once my cousin was in Durban from Jo’burg for a week. She left her alarm on, and even has electric fencing. Would you believe her house was cleaned out. ONLY THE ALARM GUYS COULD SEE THAT SHE WASN’T AT HOME THAT WEEK… IT SHOWED ON THEIR SYSTEM THAT THE ALARM WAS ACTIVATED 24/7. Scary, isn’t it??? Once my house was broken into… one of the policemen who responded “quietly” gave me the details of an armed response company and insisted I call them up… makes you think, doesn’t it??? WE ARE LIVING IN ONE BIG CORRUPT SH*THOLE… 2012 will show Humanity with one fell sweep!!!
15. 

    Flory
    

    21. Dec, 2009

    I really love the internet. I was googling ADT to get a quote and ask them to come install an response system in my house. Upon opening, I just saw this website below the Official ADT one and I decided to read. It’s quite enlightening. Guess what, I will not use them. Especially after reading Jay Dara’s postings, it shows that I cannot expect anything from ADT. If they cannot offer any protection to my family and possessions why should I use them? However there other companies which are not as arrogant. I will spread the news about this site to my friends who have been thinking of signing up with ADT
16. 

    Melody
    

    21. Dec, 2009

    I can’t give any comment on the way ADT is run in Ballito, but here in my area (Randburg), they are awesome. From finding my dog to helping me and my family in a life threatening situation, I have nothing but praise for these guys.

    Have you ever worked in a security company’s control room? I have (no – not for ADT) and trust me, there is so much crime going on out there they have a hard time keeping up. Sometimes you have about 5 alarms going off at once and you need to determine which one is the most critical.

    You may be upset that it took them 30 minutes to get to you, but did you ever stop to think that maybe they had to choose between a “break-in” alarm and someone repeatedly pressing their “panic” alarm. I’d say I’d see to the person with the panic alarm first – Plasma TVs can be replaced – a life can’t.

    Also, a reaction officer is not a taxi driver or a tow-truck driver. If these guys are caught speeding or breaking the law, they are in serious trouble. The law does not make an exception for these guys.
17. 

    Jay Dara
    

    22. Dec, 2009

    Flory, Im sure you dont understand… read Melody’s post. No security agency can break the law or promise you protection for you or your stuff. Its all the same from any company. none of them have super powers! None of them are going to risk their life for you, or more so, your possessions. If you want consistant and regular protection, build a compound and staff it with armed security guards. you (and most people) just don’t understand “security” security guards are private citizens like you and I. They are hired to observe and report. The security professionals that are armed, are so to protect themselves and other people from immediate threat of life or bodily harm. Any company that confirms an alarm as an actual break in is going to call the police. That is for liability and safety reasons. I happen to think that ADT does the best job, at least for their response department. I work security for a very well known gated community in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. we are armed and when we answer alarms (mostly with ADT, Alarmco and Brinks) we do so in pairs and usually with the company’s dispatched responder. If we see an actual break in we set a border around that home and call the police. That is policy. If things are done differently in your country, I would love to hear about it. Security professionals are oneof the most stereotyped and missunderstood occupations out there. That is the unfortunate truth. The best way to know for sure is to ask the company the difficult questions posed here…something i would ask, “what does your company do if my alarm is activated?” “Do you guarentee a response time?” ” what does the responder do when they arrive at my home?” “Does he verify via identification someone that is at my home?” “What if he/she finds forced entry?” I’m pretty sure all of them will answer in similar fashion
18. 

    Uncle Al
    

    04. Jan, 2010

    The South African security industry is the Government’s cash cow. Ponder the following:
    • Virtually every household out of necessity requires the services of an armed response or monitoring agency.
    • How much work is created? You need patrol cars, people, command or reaction centres etc. All these people are semi skilled and can be utilised (work ready) within a matter of weeks.
    • Just think of the VAT that is generated for the coffers.

    So I ask you – why would the Government combat crime and kill the cash cow. I have been using armed response services now for the last fifteen years. My experience is that one often starts with a small efficient company. As soon as they are doing well, a larger security firm buys them out. You then get poor service and set out to find a different company. Thus the cycle begins again. The worst service I have encountered must be that of CHUBB. I do everything in my power to alert people of such. But one must appreciate the joke that is being played on us – for every complaint there is a satisfied customer. CHUBB vs ADT who knows? At least spend the few Rands per month, knowing that you have done something to safeguard you and your property. Trusting god – I don’t think so.
19. 

    SYLAS GOVENDER
    

    11. Jan, 2010

    I have my residence monitored by ADT, and business by CHUBB. I am equally satisfied by both companies. I do agree that their services could improve, but so can all our services throughout the world. Just like me there are millions that are satisfied with CHUBB. And UNCLE AL please elaborate on why you are not entirely satisfied with CHUBB’S service. I’d be glad to assist where I can or give you an explanation if I can’t. As humans we are not entirely satisfied with anything. Well, this may not be a bad thing. This just helps us to better our services. Anyway I’ve just started work as a systems consultant for CHUBB a week ago. I’d like to make a difference. At CHUBB, ” WE AIM FOR PERFECTION, BUT IN DOING SO, WE GAIN EXCELLENCE” – is this EXCELLENCE ACCEPTABLE? Call me should you require any assistance or advice.
    CELL :082 379 5432
    CHUBB : 031 362 3500
20. 

    SYLAS GOVENDER
    

    11. Jan, 2010

    If had to choose a security company to monitor my alarm, I’d look at who’s monitoring the majority of alarms in my area. In this way you are closer to getting better service and response. Beware don’t get yourself into bigger kak.
21. 

    Melt Hugo
    

    12. Jan, 2010

    Have anyone signed the two year (from ADT) contract where the alarm is free. I need to know how this work as my two years expired 5 years ago and I still pay an incredible amount.
22. 

    Uncle Al
    

    13. Jan, 2010

    Dear Sylas

    It is now about four years ago that I have been using ADT iso CHUBB. The problem at the time with CHUBB started with incorrcet billing. Later on it extended to alarm triggers not being responded to; e.g the alarm would be triggered and CHUBB control room would not phone or dispatch a response. This continued for three months and then I decided to cancel the contract. Upon notification CHUBB sent me a snotty letter warning me that the radio unit is theirs and that I shall be held accountable if this goes missing. I’m not stupid and know the content of the contatct wrt ownership of the radio unit. This clause incidently applies to all security providers. The unit is still lying in the garage – CHUBB has never come to fetch it.

    I’m confident that teher will be many reader sthat will say the same of ADT. At least my billing has been 100% correct over the last four years, alarm activations are always responded to and service fee increases are low.

    For me, CHUBB has ruined their professional reputation and I’d rather have an impi at my premises, armed with a shield and assagaai than have CHUBB there. Just my sentiments. Your kind offer is much appreciated though.

    Cheers

    Uncle Al
23. 

    Uncle Al
    

    13. Jan, 2010

    Melt, check your contract. I remember reading the detail of such in my ADT contract. I however had a new alarm fitted prior to my signing with ADT so I just eneterd into a service contract withouit any alarm bing incl. I even have an appointed sales person representing ADT in my area. Try and see who is yours and discuss with him/her.

    The advice of Sylas is 100% on the button – check who is well represented in your area and that would be a good choice to start with.

    BTW – My alarm started signalling low battery status. Not only did I get the sms’s but the ADT control room phoned me. They unfortunately quoted an exhorbatint figure R309.00 for the batt plus R320 to have a technician install it. If you can operate a TV remote you can replace the batt. I bought a batt from a security shop in my area (R154.00 VAT incl) and installed it myself – took 2 min. The ADT contract just stipulates that no other company may repair youyr alarm system – that is if you bought the alarm from them.
24. 

    Andrew
    

    29. Jan, 2010

    The most useless company I have ever dealt with, have to wait 5 days for a alarm repair only to be told they dont know the system!
25. 

    Jules
    

    03. Feb, 2010

    I think there is a lot of emotion connected to this issue. Having worked in this industry a few years ago, I was always amazed at the unreasonable expectations of customers vs what can actually be achieved. Lets think about it: security guards receive a minimum wage (if they paid them more, then you’d have to pay more); their hours are horrible; they spend most of their working hours in extremem boredom, and then have a few moments of pure, life-threatening terror every few days when they respond to real events, and then they get crapped on by almost every customer they meet, because, believe me, people think any response time is too long!

    In every security company (like other related industries), they have their fair share of bad apples, and even crime syndicates operating from within, and the management of every company works tirelssly to eradicate those elements, in the face of death threats to their families and sometimes extreme personal risk.

    I have to tell you that (just like banks), the level of service delivery you receive varies within and across secutity companies, and is more likely to be a product of the skills and customer service challenges in South Africa, than a particularly bad company.

    We live in a tough situation here in SA, and security companies are just one of the measures we try to put in place to protect our families. But do remember that you can’t ever rely completely on anything to keep you completely safe – keep your wits about you and work with your service providers to do the same: give them feedback when they stuff up, and accolades when they save your life. They often do!
26. 

    Sandy
    

    11. Feb, 2010

    I just have to ask how regulary do people that have alarm system test them? You are supposed to test your system once every month to make sure that there is nothing faulty. I get numerous calls from my customers saying they armed there alarm, alarm goes off, but no response! Then I asked when last did you test your alarm? And most of the times the answer is never, 6 months ago.. ect. Just want to let everyone aware of the fact to test your alarm on a regular basis. How are we suppose to know that something is faulty if the clients don’t test?
27. 

    Craig Colron
    

    12. Feb, 2010

    I am sorry to hear about that ADT don’t respond like TACTICAL SECURITY SERVICES, with response times of no max than 5-7 minutes and no less than 2 minutes and phones you irrespective of what of alarm type of alarm that went off, phone calls take no less than a minute. I have found there service outstanding and with there zero tolerance moto against drugs, abuse, alcohol and crime, TACTICAL SECURITY SERVICES should be rated as one 1. If you stay on the bluff and want to try TACTICAL SECURITY SERVICES, I can asure you, you won’t be sorry.
28. 

    Halee
    

    12. Feb, 2010

    Are you sorry craig or did you just spam this page for tactical security?
29. 

    Craig`
    

    12. Feb, 2010

    No I didn’t spam the page for tactical security, I am a client of their’s and let me tell you Halee, that they are the bomb.
30. 

    KEVIN
    

    13. Feb, 2010

    HI I WORKED FOR ADT SECURITY AS A CONTROLLER. YOU KNOW SO MANY OF YOU ARE CLUELESS. ADT HAS THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS. SO DONT EXPECT IT WHEN YOUR ALARM GOES OFF THEY MUST DROP THE OTHER CLIENTS AND JUMP WHEN YOU SAY JUMP. IT GETS EXTREMELY BUSY AS MOST RESPONSE OFFERS DRIVE OVER 300 KM PER DAY RESPONDING TO ALARMS. THE CONTROLLERS HAVE TO SIT AND LISTEN TO ABUSIVE CLIENTS MOANING OVER PETTY THINGS WHEN THEY REALLY HAVE TO ATTEND EMERGANCYS.
31. 

    Riaan Strydom
    

    14. Feb, 2010

    Dear Jay Dara. First I want to tell you, if I could easily fire them I would have done that 3 years ago!! When I signed up with ADT the rep assured me that it was a 2 year contract and that I could easily cancel it at any time should I not be happy with the service. So a few months down the line I would find out that it was a 3 year contract and that there was no way I could cancel it, unless I was prepared to pay the money for the outstanding period which at that time was about 2 and a half years????? Actualy you are partly right, one can’t complain about there service because they don’t have any service???!!!! I had several times that someone tried braking in while we were in the house and away and there was either very late or even no response????!!! What if me and my family was in the house being held hostage or getting killed and they never came??!! Luckily for me I have good wake up neighbours!! ADT realy is a bad bad bad bad company they are giving security companies a bad name!!!
32. 

    SUNNYBOY
    

    17. Feb, 2010

    ALL THIS EVER COMPLAINING GUYS DONT HAVE A CLUE HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO TACKLE CRIME RESPONSE COMPANIES ARE DEALING WITH DESPERATE EVER CALCULATING CRIMINALS WHO ARE DOING THEY HOME WORK BEFORE THEY ATTACK AND ARE DARING AFTER THEY SUCCESFULLY STRIKE RESPONSE COMPANIES CLIENTS WILL BE ANGRY BLAMING THE RESPONSE COMPANY INSTEAD OF SITTING DOWN WITH THE COMPANY WITH A FULL REPORT AND LOOK AT THE WEAL POINTS OF THE CURRENT SYSTEM AND TRY TO IMPROVE WAKE UP GUYS YOU ARE NOT DEALING WITH STUPIDS IN TODAYS CRIMINALS YOU RAE DEALING WITH (AMADELAKUFA)
33. 

    SUNNYBOY
    

    17. Feb, 2010

    RESPONSE COMPANIES ARE EVER TRYING TO CURB CRIME THEY VE GOT THEIR CARS FITTED WITH TRACKING SYSTEMS, CALLS LOGGED ARE RECORDED ,SECURITY PERSONNEL DISCIPLINED WHEN THEY DID A MISCONDUCT THEY ARE REALLY TRYING TO DO THE BEST
34. 

    Moonboy
    

    25. Feb, 2010

    Guys, ADT is not that bad as you make them to be! Crime is a serious, serious concern and need to be addressed by the government however they focus on other unimportant matters. ADT in my area are exceptionally good, well trained professional guards and respond in no time. Just because in Balito there was an isolated scenario ADT is blamed for poor service etc. maybe the complainant is partly to blame as well who knows? Before you buy a vehicle you take it for a test drive and if you are satisfied you shall purchase it, well the same goes for any security company, you obtain info from surrounding residents whom have security in the likes of ADT etc and based on there findings and experience you can decide whether they comply with your needs or not case closed.
35. 

    Dr. Angelo Lambiris
    

    05. Mar, 2010

    On 23 February ADT failed to keep an appointment to check my system, and I did not receive a word of explanation or apology. Phone calls to the manager (“He’s in a meeting, but will call you back”) were completely ignored. Letters to the manager have all been ignored – including copies delivered in person, and signed for. ADT is without doubt the most incompetent, unprofessional firm it has ever been my misfortune to encounter. They don’t even care that they are in breach of contract! I cannot warn people strongly enough never to have anything to do with this firm.
36. 

    Ditto
    

    09. Mar, 2010

    I thought security companies where supposed to keep our homes safe? might as well just get a neighbout to phone you when your alarm goes off and they can phone the police on your behalf? What do you need to pay a monthly fee for if they can’t even help you but charge you to call the cops? I think I will get a alarm put in and arrange for a neighbout to call me or the cops if my alarm goes off. What a rip off.