Types of Burglar Alarms

There are many types of burglar alarms and intruder detection systems that all have an extremely important part to play in securing properties. They raise awareness of anything suspicious and anything potentially dangerous that may be happening in or around the property. It is important to keep an eye on the alarms and make sure they are up to date, since you will be depending on them for your security and safety.

The power of an alarm is far more than just altering you when you have already been broken into, but can also heavily deter people from breaking into and entering your home in the first place. The sound of the alarm may cause them to flee from the scene and prevent any harm happening to you and the property.

The type of alarm you want to choose will depend on level security you desire, as well as how much you are willing to pay for the alarm.

Bells-Only Alarms

This type of alarm is a ringer alarm which makes a noise when a break-in detected. How it works is that the external alarm is only set to continue for a maximum time of 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the internal alarm and outdoor light will continue to flash until the system is turned off by hand.

This type of alarm falls under the category of an unmonitored system, and therefore a bells-only alarm is typically installed in lower-risk homes, which may be in a safer area or have a smaller amount of contents or valuables. Usually the police will not get involved or turn up to the property when the alarm is triggered, unless there is evidence of an offence in process; for example, a witness at the scene testifies.

Monitored Alarm Systems

A monitored alarm is the kind of alarm which is connected to an external security company, who monitor signals received from your alarm for a monthly monitoring fee.

How it works is that usually, someone who works at the centre will call you for a password to then check everything is okay once the alarm has gone off, and will be able to switch it off if it was an error and/or if everything looks normal and secure. You will nominate key-holders who can deal with your alarms on behalf of you, trusted close family or friends may be the best option. If the password is not given, or the phone is not picked up, one of these nominated key-holders and/or the police will be notified.

Wireless or Wired Alarms

The wired alarms normally need to be installed by a professional, this is so all the wires are hidden and tucked away from sight.  Therefore, you may have to fork out a little extra money to get these installed. Alternatively, wireless alarms are battery powered and does not require a third party to install it. They are generally easier to install and are therefore quite a bit cheaper that wired options.

Dummy Alarm Boxes

This is by far the cheapest option, but the least efficient as it doesn’t work or do anything to alert you of a problem or break-in. It acts as more of a visual deterrent to burglars. However, experienced or ‘professional’ burglars will be able to spot a fake alarm as opposed to a real one. Furthermore, it may have a negative effect on your home insurance.

A dummy alarm box is a great way to initially deter an intrusion, but works best in synergy with a real alarm system which will actually alarm you if the deterrence via dummy alarm box is not successful. This way you can save money on a more advanced system.