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A Guide to Burglar Alarms

The UK’s burglary hotspots were released earlier this year (2013) in The Independent, with areas of Leeds, Bradford, North London, Manchester, Romford and areas of South East London coming up as key areas for burglars to target.

Within the article, many other areas were highlighted giving us a clear picture of where we expect our homes to become key targets.

Burglary is a serious issue in Britain today and the territorial police force recommend that all households get a burglar alarm fitted to protect their home.

Burglaries in the UK: The Facts

As well as using secure locking systems, the importance of burglar alarms in the home is very much encouraged by the territorial police force.  Research has shown that burglars in the UK strike every 40 seconds and in 56% of recorded cases, someone is at home at the time of the burglary. Properties with a burglary alarm systems are far less likely to become targets and having an alarm installed is essential for keeping your family and your home safe.

If you are considering installing a new burglar alarm for your building, it’s important to look at the range of alarm systems available today.

Different Types of Burglar Alarms

Finding the right burglar alarm for your home can be a complicated matter; there are so many different types of alarm systems available today. You also need to be aware that police response to activated alarms may vary according to which alarm you choose.
Here are the different types of alarms, explained:

  • Bell only alarms – this is a basic alarm which will give out a siren when it is triggered. The sound which is released is important in scaring away a burglar, alerting anyone in the building and drawing attention to your home. However, bell only alarms are not programmed to send out a police signal.
  • Monitored alarms – these alarms allow you to preset one or several contact telephone numbers to be dialed via digicom once an intruder is detected.
  • Wired alarm systems – wired alarms are programmed internally and comply with British Standard 4737/BS EN 50131 as they cannot be tampered with.
  • Wireless alarm systems – a wireless alarm can be used with a remote control for a very simple setup. Wireless alarms have come a long way since they were first developed and some are now advanced enough to function as a complete home management system, offering both security and fire alarm solutions.
  • Dummy alarm – properties fitted with an alarm are less likely to become targets so even if you can’t afford to fit a complete home management system just yet, a dummy alarm can act as a great deterrent.  This option is much more cost effective than the others but will not offer you the peace of mind that a complete alarm system does.