Quite apart from anyone responding here, there's some comments on eHam...
Austin Ferret Base Scanner Antenna Product Reviews
If you would be a bit more specific about where you are (county/state is fine), what scanner(s) you are using and what precisely you are trying to hear, folks can recommend alternatives. Also say whether you can put something outdoors or not - that will make a big difference in how much you can hear
best regards..Mike