Intruder Alarms
Alarms systems are a basic investment in the protection of your home...
Studies reveal that it is far less likely that you will become the victim of a break in at home if you have a correctly fitted and well maintained Alarm system.
The types of intruder alarms are varied
Installations should meet EN requirements PD6662:2004. 92% of Police response to alarm activations in recent years was caused by false alarms.
In order to redress the issue in favour of genuine calls the Police have adopted The Unified Intruder Alarm Policy in which two types of alarms are defined, together with the relevant police response.
Type A - Remote Signalling Alarms, including intruder alarms terminating at approved central monitoring stations. They must be maintained and used in accordance with European Standards 50131 PD6662:2004 or 2005 EN 50131-5-3 (wire-free alarms). Such alarms will be registered with the police and identified by a unique reference number (URN) and can include personal attack alarms.
Police response to their activation will be based on the assumption that an offence is taking place, but against the background of competing urgent calls and available resources. Such a response will also be conditional upon the number of false activations in any 12 month period, in which case the activation may receive a lower priority police attendance.
Type B - Audible Only and Hybrid Alarms, including bells-only and automatic dialling alarms, as well as alarms from non-compliant companies and non-compliant central stations. To obtain police attendance, in addition to their activation Type B alarms will also require some indication that an offence is in progress, e.g. from a witness.
All alarm systems should have two key holders, trained to operate the alarm, able to attend activation within 20 minutes, contactable by telephone and with their own transport.
Wire Free Alarms are becoming more popular and are now recognised by Insurance Companies. Although they cost a bit more they can be fitted quickly without any mess.
Use only Installers who are registered with a recognised accreditation body e.g. (SSAIB). Be aware that systems that claim to meet with European Standards but don't specify PD6662, may well be referring to the electrical standard and not that of the alarm system. It is possible that the cost of an installation could be partly offset by reduced household insurance premiums. You should be aware, however, that the insurer may stipulate that the alarm should be set at all times when the property is unoccupied, and that any claim for losses incurred as a result of a break-in while alarm was not set may be adjusted accordingly.