House Alarms

"There is no doubt that the sight of an alarm box outside a house is a visible deterrent to burglars, but what type of alarm? There are two types: type A and type B. (both should cut out after ringing for 20 minutes)."

Type A (Remote signalling) Alarms
These are the types of alarm that are monitored by a private central station 24 hours a day. On being activated the alarm automatically informs an approved monitoring station who notify the police on a dedicated line. You can have the option of a password or code number to stop false alarms. This type of alarm is most appropriate for isolated buildings, or where you do not wish to rely on the assistance of neighbours. It is advisable to consult the monitoring agent about annual charges and the various methods of protecting the alarm from attack by the burglar, for example by having the telephone wires cut.

Type B (Audible Only) Alarms
This is the type of alarm that if a burglar sets off the alarm, or you press a personal attack button, the alarm rings. This type of system relies on attracting the attention of your neighbours, who in turn call the police and hopefully the noise disturbs the burglar who usually makes off.

Please remember to avoid false alarm calls. False calls cause a loss of credibility both with neighbours who may stop taking notice of your alarm, and by the police who may withdraw response to your alarm, a consequence that may affect your insurance cover.

The British Standard for the installation of domestic intruder alarms is B.S. 4737

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