2/22    Why do alarm companies install the home alarm panels at visible places
        in your house?  Someone can just break in to your house and use a
        hammer to smash the panel within the 45-second delay, and nothing will
        beep or call the police, right?  I'm thinking if it's worthwile to
        install one.  Thanks.
        \_ Because when the panel goes out the alarm company knows?  Or maybe
           you've discovered The Secret Method no one else has ever considered.
        \_ the keypanel and the alarm box are two different things. You'll set
            off the alarm in the box if you smask the panel.  The alarm box is
            generally hidden on the premesis.  Interestingly, the alarm cannot
            call the police if you have the presence of mind to first cut the
            house's phone lines (at the MPO, usually outside where bell techs
                                        \_ MPoE: Minimum Point of Entry
            can get to it).
            \_ in some cases, there's a wireless transmitter installed by
               alarm company to monitor any intrusion or for system
               maintenance.
                  phone line is cut. I'm sure it's something like a pinger
                  that check to see that the alarm is alive and happy. --dim
               \_ Many have an option to automatically "call" if the phone
                  line is cut. I'm sure it's something like a pinger that
                  checks to see that the alarm is alive and happy. --dim