Burglar Alarms UK: If you are thinking about the installation of a burglar alarm system it may be handy to be aware that the level of crime in the British Isles has been rising annually. Over the course of the year 2018-2019 there were over 1 million burglaries and robbery attempts in the UK, with four hundred and twenty two thousand break-ins recorded in England and Wales. (Source: Statista, Crime and Law Enforcement statistics).
Most property owners in the UK only enhance their home security system or put in an intruder alarm after a burglary or theft to their home has been committed. Fitting an intruder alarm is an investment worth considering, especially when the UK police say that there's much less chance of being a target to the 47% of criminals who break in on the off-chance. By planning ahead and checking out the sytems which are appropriate for your situation, you'll save a lot of stress and heartache caused by a home or business intrusion. But how do you pick a burglar alarm or security system that's perfect for you?
There are alarm and security systems designed for any budget. From straightforward battery operated alarms for windows and doors, to fully-fledged, multiple entry point systems that can call or send a text to you or a dedicated security company when the alarm is activated. It is even easy to hook up a security camera system into your alarm that will capture any intruders when an alarm is activated. Think about your own location and surroundings before choosing a home alarm and weigh-up what kind of alarm system is better for your circumstances.
TYPES OF BURGLAR ALARM
Audible/Visual Only Burglar Alarms - These alarms are limited to an external or internal bell or/and a visible indication that the alarm's been triggered. The siren or bell, in combination with pulsating light will only inform people in or close to the building where the alarm has been set off.
Pros:
- Having any type of burglar alarm fitted will deter burglars as reported by the police.
- Simple installation can be achieved by householders with DIY skills.
Cons:
- Only occupants and neighbours in the immediate vicinity are notified if the security alarm is activated.
- False alarms over the years have made many people "alarm immune".
Auto-Dialler Security Alarms - These alarms can be linked to your landline or have a mobile phone SIM card installed. Numerous contacts can be added through the alarm control unit to be called in order of priority. This means if one person does not respond, the next person lined up is called and told about the issue.
Pros:
- You'll be informed the moment the alarm's set off.
- Monitors to detect carbon monoxide, flood or fire are also able to be linked to these intruder alarm devices.
Cons:
- SIM only devices require the card to be topped up for use and will possibly not work too well in a weak signal location.
- If your phone is turned off or has a poor signal, you won't receive the alert from your burglar alarm.
Monitored Alarms - By paying an annual or a monthly fee you'll be able to have your burglar alarm system monitored by trained security officers. Often they'll install their own equipment and when the alarm is triggered they will get in touch with the householder or key holder to give help and assistance. For added security such systems may also have the option of informing the local police of an alarm on your property in the UK.
Pros:
- Your burglar alarm is constantly monitored for emergencies by a reliable security firm.
- The deal will often cover any repairs and other routine maintenance.
- Potential intruders are much more likely to be deterred by a monitored burglar alarm.
Cons:
- Costs escalate according to level of cover required.
- You are unable to fit this sort of system yourself.
- You could be tied into an extended contract with expensive termination charges.
Smart Home Security - I doesn't matter where in the world you are it is possible to monitor and control your alarm system and its assortment of sensors and cameras via a secure network and an app. Using a secure application and personal account you have the capability to manage and monitor all aspects of your alarm from any compatible computer, smartphone or tablet.
Pros:
- Can be installed easily and monitored from your mobile phone using a secure app.
- If you are out of the house a lot it's an easy way to monitor your alarm system.
Cons:
- May become costly if extra sensors are required.
- They rely on data or internet signals for warning the homeowner.
Portable Alarms - For additional security in sheds and outbuildings these small battery operated gadgets can provide convenient and instant protection. Solar panels are a feature of some devices to supply power to an in-built rechargeable battery.
Pros:
- Perfect for travelers on the move who need to add some extra security to their accommodation.
- A cheap and cheerful option for temporary installation because of their simplicity of use.
Cons:
- The security functions offered are somewhat limited.
- Batteries need to be changed regularly.
WIRED OR WIRELESS ALARMS?
Now that you know exactly what you will need from your burglar alarm with regards to coverage and features, which is best for your house; wired or wireless?
Wired - Initial costs could be cheaper than a wireless burglar alarm, however installation can be complicated and cost more, due to the extra time and skill in laying the cabling. A hard-wired system is easy to maintain and low cost to operate, requiring only mains electricity for the alarm system to function (and no costly batteries). Servicing is reduced to dusting down sensors and checking the battery back-up in the external siren box and the control unit on a routine schedule as laid out by the alarm manufacturer. Some folks in the UK find the sight of the alarm system wiring to be an eyesore in their home.
Wireless - Wireless intruder alarms are no longer the costly devices that they once were, with many terrific systems offered at competitive prices. They're also much easier to install, and even someone with fairly basic do-it-yourself skills ought to be able to get a wireless system installed and operating with very little effort. For the most effective results, you will want to have a fresh supply of decent quality batteries available for powering the siren box and sensors and swap them as outlined by the manufacturer's recommendations.
ALARM INSTALLATION
For the best results, always bring in an established alarm installer to fit and service your burglar alarm. In UK you've a good choice of companies available, and it's always best to get several quotes.
A good UK security company will pay attention to your needs and come up with a solution that will be a perfect fit for your exact circumstances. This will comprise an on-site survey to ascertain any access points that need to be covered, along with enhancements that can be made to current window and door locks if required.
Contact your household or business insurer prior to installation, to determine if they offer any discount on your policy for an acceptable alarm system on your property. If you're able to meet your insurers alarm standards, you could be pleasantly surprised to receive a special discount on your annual policy.
The top recognised alarm installation suppliers for insurance purposes should be NSI (National Security Inspectorate) or the SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) accredited companies. The SSAIB and NSI credentials highlight the company's dependability within the security and alarms industry.
You need to be aware that only SSAIB or NSI certified security alarms which have been fitted by an approved company can be that is linked to the police monitoring service. If you pick an installation service that doesn't have this accreditation your alarm system won't be able to connect to the police response program. Another thing to think about if you choose police monitoring is that your burglar alarm must be maintained by an authorised company so as to minimize false alarms and offer secure and reliable protection.
Smoke/Fire Alarms UK
Smoke and heat detectors can be coupled with an existing burglar alarm system to offer you zoned notifications in the event of fire. There are wired and wireless alternatives on offer which conveniently integrate with your current alarm, or come as part of a package if fitting a brand new alarm.
The most basic detectors in the UK are independent battery operated units that can offer a decent level of protection anywhere in your home, without the need for professional installation. However, even while these offer good protection, a lot of folks neglect to change run-down batteries and lose all effective functionality of the alarm.
Adding a smoke alarm that's integrated with your pre-existing home security system will notify the entire household if there's a fire, as opposed to sounding just in the section where the fire is located. In larger properties in the UK, this means that there is more time for everybody to safely get out, and more prospect of the Fire Brigade arriving to tackle any fire speedily. (Tags: Smoke Alarms UK, Smoke Alarm Installation UK, Fire Alarms UK, Fire Alarm Installation UK).
Perimeter Security UK
Perimeter security can be non-aligned with a pre-existing alarm on a home or business in the UK, or it can be integrated into an active control unit for simplicity of use. Its key function is to alert you if a trespasser should come inside outer boundary of your property, and before they even reach your home.
Basic standalone systems will often make a noise like a bell to alert both the intruder and you, that someone is entering your premises. More complex perimeter alarms might employ lasers, CCTV, infrared detectors and even ground radar and seismic detection devices to let you know about trespassers on your premises.
A very passive, simple and reliable, sort of perimeter security is the basic spiked wall or fence topper. Whilst they don't sound-off an alarm, these rigid and sharp spikes prevent intruders scaling your walls by establishing a painful barrier.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation UK
A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm should be an essential device as an element of your whole home's security and protection system in the UK. A carbon monoxide alarm, that can easily be integrated with your property's security system, will keep your family safe from this invisible and deadly gas.
The purpose of a CO alarm is to detect the quantity of the poisonous gas in the air and set off a warning before it reaches hazardous levels. By alerting you before the gas reaches a critical level, it allows you enough time to ventilate the contaminated area and get people outside into fresh air. If, after a CO has been initiated, any occupant is feeling flu like symptoms you should get them into fresh air and phone 999.
If you ventilate an affected area the carbon monoxide alarm will automatically turn itself off when the gas reduces to a safe level once more. If you're unlucky enough to experience a carbon monoxide alarm in your UK home you will have to contact a qualified Gas Safe heating engineer to inspect the ventilation and heating systems within your property.
UK Alarm Installation Services
You will discover there are any one of a zillion security related services that your preferred UK alarm installer company will have the necessary skills to help you with, and this includes things like burglar alarm repair UK, burglar alarm maintenance, intruder alarm upgrades UK, wireless burglar alarms in the UK, wireless alarm systems in the UK, home security system installation, fake burglar alarms, smart alarm systems, burglar alarm quotes UK, burglar alarm installation, home security systems with cameras UK, burglar alarm servicing, home security systems in the UK, CCTV camera installation, security systems for the home, the installation of alarm systems for homes in the UK, security lighting in the UK, perimeter security, alarm installation, house alarms, domestic alarms in the UK, discouraging burglars, burglar alarm systems, dummy burglar alarms and more.
Information, Help and Social Media
To see what is happening in the field of alarm installation visit the Security Installer Forum (HERE), threads include product news, trade membership, non-compliant installations, regulations & standards and name & shame. To shop for burglar alarm kits, wired alarms, alarm accessories, smart burglar alarms and wireless burglar alarms, go and visit Safe.co.uk. To find out about security systems on social media, check this out. The dedicated Wikipedia "Security Alarm" page is the spot to go to for specifics on alarm connection and monitoring, sensor types, wired, wireless & hybrid systems, broadband alarm monitoring, designs of burglar alarm, radio alarm dual signalling and cross-zoning. Get ideas for replacing a burglar alarm battery on YouTube here. If you wish to discover more about the best burglar alarm system for your property head here.
Burglar Alarm Services UK
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More UK Trades
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