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Burglar alarms

Remember to get 3 quotes from 3 accredited companies before you have an alarm installed.

Two industry bodies accredit reputable alarm companies: the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). Consider using a company that belongs to one of these bodies and is also a member of Secured by Design.

There are 3 types of burglar alarm, each varying in capability and cost:

  1. Monitored – once triggered, an alarm company or designated key holder can check to ensure it isn’t a false alarm.
  2. Unmonitored – this type, once activated, will sound a loud alarm designed to scare off an intruder and alert neighbours, but they are reliant on someone, such as a neighbour, checking the house. 
  3. Auto Dialler – this type, once activated, calls pre-programmed key holders using a text or call alert.

The Police will typically respond to a burglar alarm if requested to do so by a monitoring company but are less likely to respond to an unmonitored alarm. Two visible audible alarm boxes are better than one. Mount them at the front and rear of your home, high up, to resist tampering. If you have an extension to your home, remember to extend your burglar alarm coverage as well. Signage is an effective deterrent if used with an active alarm system.