Do House Alarms Really Work?
Yes – they do. So make sure you have a good one!
A good quality house alarm is an important part of the overall package of security measures for your home - perhaps the most important.
Some people say they hear alarms going off all the time and nobody pays any attention. This can be the case but it is often because that person has an old alarm or has not maintained the system. A good quality house alarm – fitted by professionals - can significantly reduce the chance of being a victim of burglary.
Picture this scenario. A home which is locked and secure and a burglar is at the rear and decides to break in.
He produces a screwdriver and attempts to force open a back window. The house alarm siren is activated (both outside and inside) with the alarm box flashing!
What does he do? Try again? Wait to see what happens or if anyone has noticed?
Or does he flee the scene straightaway?
In most cases – when a house alarm is activated – a burglar will flee the scene.
What type of Alarm?
A good alarm will cover all areas of the ground floor of the property and in addition, will have contacts or sensors on vulnerable doors and windows.
This means that when a burglar attempts entry – the alarm sounds before he has gained entry.
Some alarms only have PIR sensors inside the property – which only activate when the burglary is inside the premises!
Which company?
Like most things in this world – you get what you pay for.
Buying a cheap wireless alarm and fitting it yourself may sound like a good idea but may lead to false activations and a lack of sleep!
Look for companies which are NSI registered (National Security Inspectorate), SSAIB registered (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) or NACOSS registered. (National Approval Council for Security Systems) This means they have passed a series of tests on quality and service, the Gold Award being their highest standard!
When should I use my alarm?
When you are out and when you are in bed. Some people with alarms don’t set them overnight – and pay the cost when burglars break in overnight.
Summary
Fit and use a good quality house alarm from an approved installer
( NSI / NACOSS / SSAIB Registered Company).
Make sure your alarm covers the most vulnerable points (rear patio doors / back windows).
Set your alarm when you are out - and overnight!
A good house alarm will deter and frustrate burglars and significantly reduce the chance of being a victim of burglary.
