INTRUDER ALARMS - PAGE 2

The U.K. Home & Business Security Advisor

Introduction

Burglar Alarms..."a pain in the neck...always going off....no one pays any attention...the police don't respond anyway...ever so expensive...they're all cowboys aren't they"...etc etc.  Right? WRONG!! Modern intruder alarms are made using the latest technology and that means that most false alarms are down to user error and not faulty equipment. As a last line of defence, an alarm can be invaluable to your home security; but your general security must be up to the mark first. If you can present a burglar with a complete package of security measures and an alarm...well, you couldn't do much better.

 What Type of Intruder Alarm For Me?

You have four choices to consider:

1.Audible only: The burglar alarm sounds at the premises only. Response is reliant on somebody contacting the police to report it. Many forces have a policy whereby they will not attend audible only alarms unless there is additional evidence to suggest a crime is being committed. Some police forces maintain a list of key holders nominated by house owners. They will usually call out your keyholder if they cannot contact you.

2. Monitored: The burglar alarm sounds at the premises and a signal is sent to an alarm receiving centre via your phone line, mobile network or even by satellite! The receiving centre will contact the police and your nominated key holders. They will also try to filter out false alarms and, in the case of a personal attack activation, they will try to contact the premises. Monitored alarms usually qualify for an immediate police response. Most will send a "Line Fault" signal if anyone attempts to cut your phone line.

3.Wire free (radio) Intruder alarms: Easy to install but more expensive than a wired burglar alarm. This type of system comes in six classes. The higher the class, the more safeguards are built in. Most DIY radio alarms are class 3. Professional installers will not supply an intruder alarm system below class 6, nor will the police accept a lower class if monitoring is to be considered.

4. Hard wired intruder alarms: More reliable and cheaper than wire free, but takes longer to install. Most intruder alarm companies are expert in concealing the cables and they will keep disruption and mess to a minimum. In fact you will be surprised how tidy most companies are.

The choice of burglar alarm is up to you, however you should take into account the following:

1.  The more isolated you are, the more you will benefit from monitoring.

2. With a monitored system you will have a personal attack button that should guarantee a police response (Within locally agreed service delivery standards)

3. Wire free intruder alarms are convenient and particularly useful in rented accommodation where you may not be allowed  to make any alterations.

4.Wired intruder alarms generally cost less and can be more reliable.