The sight of an
alarm box outside the average home is still a deterrent. Many a burglar,
however, doesn't notice an alarm box until the bell starts ringing.
The sound of an alarm will cause most burglars to
grab what they can quickly before making
their escape, without exploring the rest of the house.
Choosing an alarm system for your home can be quite
difficult due to the variety
of features available.
You are advised to ask more than one alarm company
to visit your home and discuss
your requirements with you, at the very least three companies. Your local
police Community
Safety Officer can give you details of recognised alarm companies.
There are two main types of alarm system:-
"Bells Only" Alarms
DIY "Bells Only" systems are currently
available, but make sure that the system you are considering conforms to
BS6707. If you are considering fitting an alarm yourself, you should be
fully competent in working with electricity. You should also ensure a
close friend or neighbour is familiar with the system for the occasions
when you are on holiday or away from home for some time.
Most people prefer to choose a specialist alarm
company recognised by the police.
If a thief sets off the alarm or you press a
personal attack button, it will ring instantly outside. This system then
relies on a neighbour calling the police or, if you are asleep, the bells
waking you.
You are advised to leave key-holder details with
your local police. The key-holder may be any person you trust.
Alternatively leave a telephone number where you may be contacted.
Monitored Alarms
A monitored alarm system, also known as a "remote signaling"
system or "Police Call", is similar to a "Bells Only"
system, but is monitored by a private central station 24hrs a day. Upon an
activation the alarm system automatically informs the monitoring station,
who will notify the police. You can give a password or code number to stop
a false alarm.
This type of alarm system is particularly suitable
for isolated houses, or where you do not wish to rely on neighbours to
call the police.
A monitored alarm may offer greater peace of mind
for an occupant, who knows that he or she only has to press a personal
attack button to summon assistance.
Discuss with the alarm company the various ways in
which a monitored alarm system can be protected from attack by a burglar.
If, for instance, the phone wires are cut, will the alarm will still
activate?
Generally..
Consider an installation contract carefully before you
sign, checking all details. Check such things as whether you own or rent
the system, the maintenance contract, the cost and whether it is easy for
all the family to use.
Installed properly an alarm system should cause no
mess to the decor, since the wiring will be concealed.
All alarm calls should be treated as genuine by
neighbours and they should be encouraged to call the police whether the
alarm is monitored or not. Try to avoid false alarm calls. False calls can
cause a loss of credibility with neighbours, resulting in their failing to
react to activations.
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