Choosing a burglar alarm system

Securing your home with an alarm system is one of the most effective methods of preventing your home from being burgled.  There are a number of different alarm systems on the market so deciding on the right one can be a little daunting.
The many various systems range from the more affordable Do-it-yourself options to the more robust and often more expensive alarms.  A simple home alarm system would normally consist of a siren or bell located outside the home, housed in weather resistant casing, a keypad control panel and infrared motion detectors.
All alarm systems fall into two categories, A & B type alarms.

The A Type – The Monitored Alarm
The A type alarm is monitored by a private security firm, which will inform the police if necessary if the alarm is triggered.  This type of alarm system does not rely on neighbours or passersby to inform the Police that an alarm is sounding.

The B Type – The Audible Only Alarm
The B Type is the more common of the two burglar alarm systems.  This type of alarm emits a loud siren but is reliant on people who can hear the alarm to call the police.
If the Police are called regarding a B type alarm system they will not respond immediately unless additional evidence such as the sound of breaking glass or witness an intruder.  This is because there are so many false alarms through Type B systems.

Decoy Home Alarm System

The empty home alarm box is purely used as a decoy and deterrent.  Many people believe they can save money by purely having a decoy attached to their home.  This may deter some potential burglaries but your more seasoned burglar will know the difference.  If someone does break into your home the empty box is useless.

DIY Home Alarm Systems
There are a number of DIY alarms systems available from DIY shops or other electrical outlets.  You should only attempt to install an alarm system yourself if you have adequate electrical skills.  If your alarm has not been installed correctly it could emit false alarms and be extremely annoying to your neighbours.

The Auto-Dialler Home Alarm System
The auto-dialler is a popular add-on to your home alarm system.  Once activated, the alarm will dial a pre-determined telephone number alerting the recipient that the system has been triggered.
Make sure that any alarm you choose to protect your home carries the British Standard BS6707 kite mark.  If a security firm is installing your home security system make sure you check their credentials first.

Your insurance company can also give you advice on choosing an alarm system in addition to your crime prevention officer at your local police station.

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