Domestic Burglary is a horrifying experience that leaves the victims traumatised and tormented. Most of us do take the necessary measures to protect our homes. But the fact is it still happens every day.
The latest crime report gives us a real picture of the burglaries that take place around us. It suggests that between 2019 and 2020, there were over 402,000 burglaries in England and Wales.
That’s almost 1100 burglaries a day!
We often come across a lot of advice on how to protect our homes from being burgled. Most of us are often perplexed because there are too many options to consider.
The most common question people ask about home security is, “How effective are burglar alarms in deterring burglars?”
Well, the answer to that is YES. It certainly protects your home if you are using it in the right way.
Why use Burglar Alarms?
Do you know burglar alarms were first invented in 1853 to cater to home security concerns?
With changing needs and technology, burglar alarm has evolved into a complete security solution with a host of capabilities that allow you to manage, monitor and control your home security.
The latest trend is now a security solution is more like a home management system that controls your perimeter, lighting, heating, washer dryers, dishwashers and robotic vacuum cleaners.
A study at the University of Carolina indicates the key factors that burglars consider before they target property. As per the survey, a burglar alarm system or any sign of a security solution would discourage them from proceeding. Most burglars tend to look for an alternative property if they find properties with an alarm system.
Burglar alarms undoubtedly are one of the best burglar deterrents. Loud siren alerts not only the homeowner but the entire neighborhood. Its remote monitoring feature allows you or a third party to monitor your home and take immediate action whenever an alarm is triggered.
In fact, people are now switching to smart security that comes with an app. It allows you to keep an eye on your home remotely. Also, you can pair your alarm system with camera sensors.
It’s a great way to sneak peek into your home while you’re away. You can also visually check if and when an alarm is triggered.
Insurance companies always advise people to invest in a security system to protect their home and valuables. In some cases, not using a security system will invalidate your insurance policy and allow your insurer to reject your claims.
It’s always a good idea to read your terms and conditions thoroughly or check with your insurer about the pre-requisites before you sign your insurance policy.
Maintenance of your burglar alarm system
Getting an alarm system doesn’t put a stop to your security problems. Maintenance of the alarm system is equally essential to ensure complete home security. Like any other device, the alarm system needs to be serviced and maintained to ensure efficiency and long-term performance. The last thing you would want is your alarm system not working well when the burglars hop on your premises.
All insurance providers and burglar alarm manufacturers recommend an annual service and health check-up of your alarm system. Most police forces recommend two service check-ups a year. Get in touch with a professional installer who can test the alarm components for you. They will also provide you with suggestions about any batteries or part replacement the system needs to enhance its performance.
We always recommend that our customers book a service if you see any of the signs below.
- PIR sensors and Door Sensor LED lights flash for a prolonged period.
- False Alarm Activation and difficulty in disarming when activated.
- Low battery warning and faulty display at Control Panel (This option may not be available for older models).
- Any other problems related to the alarm function.
- If the alarm is visibly damaged or any parts have fallen off.
- You have made changes to your alarm communication methods such as landline, sim cards, or your broadband.
- For smart alarms, if you have a new smartphone and are struggling to migrate your application and log into your new device.
How to choose the right burglar alarm?
The most common struggle people often face is “Which alarm system should we choose that is the best fit for our requirements?”.
With a wide choice of alarm makes and models available, it is difficult to identify a system that meets your needs. Burglar alarms come with an array of capabilities and offer many features that suit any property.
But it is vital to understand the basic functionality of the alarm and its components and what will you need for your home. Also, make sure you understand the various communication options and the pre-requisites in the house to use the system.
- Why do you want to use a security alarm, and how does it serve that purpose?
- What are the features you are looking at?
- What’s your budget for that?
If you have answers to all the above-listed questions, it becomes easier for you to shortlist a product that meets your needs.
Here’s our video guide to help you choose the ideal burglar alarm system for your home.
You can read our blog “How to Choose Your Home Alarm System” to get more details about burglar alarms, their core functionality and different specifications.
What features you can consider in your alarm system?
1) Wireless Alarm System
Wireless burglar alarms are more advanced, efficient and more reliable. They offer a tidier install and operate without any wires or cables between the devices and control panel. These systems are scalable, and you can anytime upgrade them by adding additional sensors. They are more secure, and burglars find it challenging to tamper as they do not come with wires or cables.
2) Alarm Contract
Sometimes, security installers ask people to enter into a lease without informing them. You must be well aware of the terms and conditions of the lease contract before you sign it.
- The lease contracts are fixed-term contract.
- The cumulative cost is always higher than the outright purchase of the same alarm system.
- You have no ownership of the system and, at the end of the contract, the alarm is taken back by the installer.
- You can’t even break the contract midway if you’d like to switch to another provider. On top of it, you will have to pay the balance of the contract due.
Our Blog Lease vs Owned Alarm talks about different aspects of both contracts and companies that offer each type of contracts.
3) Alarm app
Some alarm systems come with an app that allows you to monitor and control your security system remotely. These are smart alarms that come with a bundle of features.
- Arm and disarm the alarm system through your app remotely.
- Keep an eye on your home through the indoor and outdoor camera sensors.
- You will receive all alerts and notifications on your app.
- Visually check each time the alarm is triggered.
Here are our top picks for high-performance smart alarm systems.
4) Motion Sensors
Motion sensors are an integral part of your alarm system. It detects motion in the room and triggers a loud siren. It also protects against break-ins from potential entry points, such as doors and windows. The number of motion sensors will depend on the number of rooms you want to protect. If you have a pet at home, you can always choose a pet-friendly detector. It ignores the movements of your pets when the alarm system is armed and reduces false triggers.
5) Camera Sensors
You can pair your alarm systems with a camera sensor. It’s a great way to keep an eye on your home while you’re out. You can also receive images when someone disarms your alarm system. This will help you visually check the user, and you’re always up to date every time someone accesses your property.
6) Maintenance Plan
Ask your security installer about the maintenance plan for your alarm system. Alarm servicing is critical to maintaining your alarm system for enhanced performance. The maintenance plan will ensure that your alarm is up and running. Even if you forget to schedule one, your provider will remind you to set up one.
All our alarm system come with a one-year onsite warranty. Users can choose our extended warranty plan to maintain the alarm system that can go up to 10 years.
7) Communication Module
Telecommunicating alarm requires a communication network that allows the control panel to send an alert every time an alarm is triggered. You can connect your alarm system to any one of the following modules.
- Landline or PSTN
- GSM or GPRS
- Broadband connection
8) Installation Lead Time
Check how early your security installer can install the alarm system at your property. The industry’s lead time is somewhere between 10-15 days. However, we fit all our systems within five working days. Our express installation services allow users to get installation within 24 hours of your order’s purchase.
Want more Information?
If you’re looking for home security systems or need professional expertise, we’re here for you.
FHA is an award-winning security installer based in the UK. We offer tailor-made security solutions that help people with what matters most to them.
You can book a free consultation call with our experts where you can discuss your requirements. If necessary, we can conduct a free security survey of your property and provide you with the best recommendations. All our systems are custom-built to meet your requirements.
We are a certified 5-star SSAIB installer with excellent ratings. With us, you’ll be assured that you’re in good hands.
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