Monitored Burglar Alarm Security Systems

If security or the invasion of your home privacy is an issue with you then it would seem logical that you consider the installation of a home burglar alarm security system.

For new constructions these burglar alarm systems are usually hardwired in at the time of build but don’t worry, for retrofit systems the wireless systems will not cause redecoration issues and they are faster and more economical installations.

The choice is often as much between a single system to detect intrusion or a combined system to also incorporate fire and smoke alarms also.

Most of us at some time either experience or meet someone who has experienced a break-in to their home, rarely is anyone actually hurt, but the home often does not feel your own anymore.

Research tells us that most cases of intruders into the home are opportunistic (not planned) and that in over 80% of occasions, would-be burglars avoid homes with a professional looking alarm system installed.

What’s the point of a monitored burglar alarm system?

Some of the disadvantages of unmonitored alarm systems are:

• They are reliant upon a neighbour or passer-by actually alerting the authorities. How many of us pass a house with the alarm wailing and ignore it? I suspect most of us mainly because we either assume it is a faulty alarm or simply because we don’t wish to become involved.
• If of course your home is isolated or in a remote location then it is unlikely that there will be any passers by.
• Whatever the reason for the alarm or call out YOU will have to return, reset the system and deal with the authorities whether for false alarm or otherwise.

Some advantages of monitored burglar alarm systems:

• The biggest has to be peace of mind – with a 24 hour monitored system, run by a reputable company, your alarm call will never be ignored
• Highly trained and security cleared staff will deal with your home security
• With full systems on offer including intruder detection, movement detection, panic buttons, door entry systems, fire and smoke alarms and CCTV monitoring most concerns are covered.
• Monitored burglar alarm systems will be responded to by emergency services as they are notified by the security professionals – many standard alarms are ignored unless backed-up by evidence of an emergency
• Security company will contact nominated key-holders in your absence
• Many systems offer remote resetting from the security centre – you do not have to return to re-activate your system.
• Personal attack signals will be subject to immediate police response
• Can reduce insurance premiums in the home
• Electronic fault finding and remote repair of system faults
• Wireless signals to the alarm / security company to avoid telephone line faults or cables being cut
• Duress signals available where – if an intruder forces you to turn off the alarm a secret code is sent and the emergency services are notified.

Disadvantages of monitored burglar alarm systems

• Probably the most obvious disadvantage is cost, unlike the one-off cost of an unmonitored alarm system you will have a monthly premium to pay
• You may be required to sign a fixed term contract
• If you decide you do not like the security company it may not be s simple to swap as much of the system installed may be geared to their system
• Without reliance upon neighbours you don’t get to know them so well!
• You still have to remember to switch them on

It would seem that the main point in terms of weighing advantages and disadvantages may depend upon the level of risk that you perceive for yourself and family. If you feel that there is little risk of intrusion then you may have a simple decision,

On a final note it is worth checking out burglar alarm companies – some will actually install the entire system with no up-front charges on the basis that it is recovered over the life span of the agreed monitoring package.

You can find more information on sites such as www.just-burglar-alarms.co.uk.

Visit our article for information on Unmonitored Burglar Alarm Systems.