Perimeter DevicesThese devices can be set whilst people andanimals are actually in the protected room orarea.

There are a number of types of devices (e.g.break glass and vibration detectors, etc) andyour alarm installer can give you furtheradvice.

Alarm Sounders

External Sounders and Bell Box

The bell box should provide protectionagainst weather and unauthorisedtampering. Either a bell or a siren-typesounder should be used.

Your alarm bell box will act as a deterrent tomany thieves, therefore it should be sited ashigh as possible to give maximum visibilityand make tampering difficult. Systemsinstalled to European Standards will havetheir own battery back up and self containedbell module and will continue to sound evenif the unit is removed from the wall.

Internal Sounders

The internal sounders fitted to most alarmsystems will sound when the main system isactivated. The level of sound they emit canvary enormously from low level for domesticuse, to an ear piercing tone, often usedwithin commercial premises.

The Control Panel

The control panel works from the mains supplyand has an auxiliary battery in case of mainsfailure.

It processes signals from the detectors andoperates the sounders. Most have keypads andthe operator uses a personal identificationnumber (PIN). This allows a temporary PIN to begiven to a neighbour whilst the occupier is onholiday, and changed again on return. Keyoperated systems are available for those whohave difficulty in operating keypads.

Zone

Zones allows for the system to be part set, forexample, at night the downstairs zone could beset whilst the rest of the system could be off.

Personal Attack Device

These are operated by a push button to activatethe alarm at any time, even if the intruder alarmis switched off. Attack alarms must only to beused when the occupier is under personal attackand not for any other purpose.

Useful Contacts

Alarms Administration at your local PoliceHeadquarters or via www.police.uk whichgives access to Police Force map and contacts.

www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)Tel: 0207 084 8962www.acpo.police.uk

www.securedbydesign.comfor police security information.

Intruder Alarm Advicefor Domestic Properties

Burglars want easy pickings andwill avoid effective security.Government statistics have shownthat approximately 60% ofburglaries on homes fitted withburglar alarms are unsuccessful,suggesting that alarms are a usefuldeterrent.

Before you buy a security system follow ouradvice to help you through the technology ofintruder alarms.

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

© 2006 ACPO Crime Prevention Initiatives.

Did You Know

■ 80% of burglaries occur when there is nobody at home; most are not planned but committed by opportunists.

■ An alarm can be part-set to cover areas that you are not occupying whilst at home.

■ Some systems can cope with pets.■ Alarm wiring is already in place in many

new houses. ■ Wire free alarms are available if you are

worried about wiring in your house.■ Systems can include a personal attack

alarm, invaluable if there is an intruder inthe house – a typical location for one might be in the bedroom.

If you have decided your property wouldbenefit from an alarm system it is advisable touse a reputable alarm company who install toEuropean Standards.

When investing in Security Systems for yourhome or business it is not advisable to dealwith telesales or doorstep callers.

Only speak to installers that offer you a writtenquotation without obligation. Turn away anycompany that try and shock you intopurchasing with stories of burglaries in yourlocality. If you feel a particular company hastried ‘hard sell’ tactics you should considercontacting your local police or tradingstandards office.

Professional installers will:

■ Thoroughly survey your home, assessing the risks and designing a system to your specific needs.

■ Installing reliable up-to-date equipment that meets the relevant European Standards.

■ Ensure their engineers are thoroughly trained.

■ Explain to you fully and clearly how the system works.

■ Ensure the alarm continues to work efficiently.

■ Ensure that there is no damage or mess to décor and wiring is concealed wherepossible.

Audible Alarms

These sound a loud siren or bell, scaring theintruder and alerting neighbours and passersby. This type of alarm does not get anautomatic police response. For the police torespond some additional information from aperson at the scene that a criminal offence isin progress would have to be given.

DIY

DIY kits may provide a cheap alternative.However the Association of Chief PoliceOfficers does not recommend them for thefollowing reasons:■ The alarm system may not be designed

to meet the needs and risks of your property.

■ Problems with installation, maintenance and reliability may not become clear until a burglary has occurred.

Remote Signalling Alarms

These alarms send a signal to a commercial“Alarm Receiving Centre” (ARC) who alert akeyholder of your choice and, if required, thepolice. There is an additional cost for thisservice, also, for police response, the systemhas to be installed, monitored andmaintained in accordance with the ACPOPolicy on Police Response to SecuritySystems.

Guides on Commercially Monitored RemoteSignalling Systems and the ACPO policy areavailable at www.acpo.police.uk andwww.securedbydesign.com

Alarm Terminology

Detection

Movement DetectorsThe most common form of movement detectoris a passive infra-red, but ultrasonic andmicrowave detectors are also used. Thesedevices are usually mounted in the corner ofa room and tuned to detect any movement,including animals, within the room. Onedetector can offer protection to a large room.

A single detector housing may contain morethan one movement detector technology,these detectors can be termed “dueldetectors” your installer can advise you onthe best type of movement detector to usebased on the security survey undertaken onyour property.

Magnetic DetectorsThey activate when the magnetic fieldbetween contacts is broken.

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

Did You Know

■ 80% of burglaries occur when there is nobody at home; most are not planned but committed by opportunists.

■ An alarm can be part-set to cover areas that you are not occupying whilst at home.

■ Some systems can cope with pets.■ Alarm wiring is already in place in many

new houses. ■ Wire free alarms are available if you are

worried about wiring in your house.■ Systems can include a personal attack

alarm, invaluable if there is an intruder inthe house – a typical location for one might be in the bedroom.

If you have decided your property wouldbenefit from an alarm system it is advisable touse a reputable alarm company who install toEuropean Standards.

When investing in Security Systems for yourhome or business it is not advisable to dealwith telesales or doorstep callers.

Only speak to installers that offer you a writtenquotation without obligation. Turn away anycompany that try and shock you intopurchasing with stories of burglaries in yourlocality. If you feel a particular company hastried ‘hard sell’ tactics you should considercontacting your local police or tradingstandards office.

Professional installers will:

■ Thoroughly survey your home, assessing the risks and designing a system to your specific needs.

■ Installing reliable up-to-date equipment that meets the relevant European Standards.

■ Ensure their engineers are thoroughly trained.

■ Explain to you fully and clearly how the system works.

■ Ensure the alarm continues to work efficiently.

■ Ensure that there is no damage or mess to décor and wiring is concealed wherepossible.

Audible Alarms

These sound a loud siren or bell, scaring theintruder and alerting neighbours and passersby. This type of alarm does not get anautomatic police response. For the police torespond some additional information from aperson at the scene that a criminal offence isin progress would have to be given.

DIY

DIY kits may provide a cheap alternative.However the Association of Chief PoliceOfficers does not recommend them for thefollowing reasons:■ The alarm system may not be designed

to meet the needs and risks of your property.

■ Problems with installation, maintenance and reliability may not become clear until a burglary has occurred.

Remote Signalling Alarms

These alarms send a signal to a commercial“Alarm Receiving Centre” (ARC) who alert akeyholder of your choice and, if required, thepolice. There is an additional cost for thisservice, also, for police response, the systemhas to be installed, monitored andmaintained in accordance with the ACPOPolicy on Police Response to SecuritySystems.

Guides on Commercially Monitored RemoteSignalling Systems and the ACPO policy areavailable at www.acpo.police.uk andwww.securedbydesign.com

Alarm Terminology

Detection

Movement DetectorsThe most common form of movement detectoris a passive infra-red, but ultrasonic andmicrowave detectors are also used. Thesedevices are usually mounted in the corner ofa room and tuned to detect any movement,including animals, within the room. Onedetector can offer protection to a large room.

A single detector housing may contain morethan one movement detector technology,these detectors can be termed “dueldetectors” your installer can advise you onthe best type of movement detector to usebased on the security survey undertaken onyour property.

Magnetic DetectorsThey activate when the magnetic fieldbetween contacts is broken.

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

Did You Know

■ 80% of burglaries occur when there is nobody at home; most are not planned but committed by opportunists.

■ An alarm can be part-set to cover areas that you are not occupying whilst at home.

■ Some systems can cope with pets.■ Alarm wiring is already in place in many

new houses. ■ Wire free alarms are available if you are

worried about wiring in your house.■ Systems can include a personal attack

alarm, invaluable if there is an intruder inthe house – a typical location for one might be in the bedroom.

If you have decided your property wouldbenefit from an alarm system it is advisable touse a reputable alarm company who install toEuropean Standards.

When investing in Security Systems for yourhome or business it is not advisable to dealwith telesales or doorstep callers.

Only speak to installers that offer you a writtenquotation without obligation. Turn away anycompany that try and shock you intopurchasing with stories of burglaries in yourlocality. If you feel a particular company hastried ‘hard sell’ tactics you should considercontacting your local police or tradingstandards office.

Professional installers will:

■ Thoroughly survey your home, assessing the risks and designing a system to your specific needs.

■ Installing reliable up-to-date equipment that meets the relevant European Standards.

■ Ensure their engineers are thoroughly trained.

■ Explain to you fully and clearly how the system works.

■ Ensure the alarm continues to work efficiently.

■ Ensure that there is no damage or mess to décor and wiring is concealed wherepossible.

Audible Alarms

These sound a loud siren or bell, scaring theintruder and alerting neighbours and passersby. This type of alarm does not get anautomatic police response. For the police torespond some additional information from aperson at the scene that a criminal offence isin progress would have to be given.

DIY

DIY kits may provide a cheap alternative.However the Association of Chief PoliceOfficers does not recommend them for thefollowing reasons:■ The alarm system may not be designed

to meet the needs and risks of your property.

■ Problems with installation, maintenance and reliability may not become clear until a burglary has occurred.

Remote Signalling Alarms

These alarms send a signal to a commercial“Alarm Receiving Centre” (ARC) who alert akeyholder of your choice and, if required, thepolice. There is an additional cost for thisservice, also, for police response, the systemhas to be installed, monitored andmaintained in accordance with the ACPOPolicy on Police Response to SecuritySystems.

Guides on Commercially Monitored RemoteSignalling Systems and the ACPO policy areavailable at www.acpo.police.uk andwww.securedbydesign.com

Alarm Terminology

Detection

Movement DetectorsThe most common form of movement detectoris a passive infra-red, but ultrasonic andmicrowave detectors are also used. Thesedevices are usually mounted in the corner ofa room and tuned to detect any movement,including animals, within the room. Onedetector can offer protection to a large room.

A single detector housing may contain morethan one movement detector technology,these detectors can be termed “dueldetectors” your installer can advise you onthe best type of movement detector to usebased on the security survey undertaken onyour property.

Magnetic DetectorsThey activate when the magnetic fieldbetween contacts is broken.

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

Perimeter DevicesThese devices can be set whilst people andanimals are actually in the protected room orarea.

There are a number of types of devices (e.g.break glass and vibration detectors, etc) andyour alarm installer can give you furtheradvice.

Alarm Sounders

External Sounders and Bell Box

The bell box should provide protectionagainst weather and unauthorisedtampering. Either a bell or a siren-typesounder should be used.

Your alarm bell box will act as a deterrent tomany thieves, therefore it should be sited ashigh as possible to give maximum visibilityand make tampering difficult. Systemsinstalled to European Standards will havetheir own battery back up and self containedbell module and will continue to sound evenif the unit is removed from the wall.

Internal Sounders

The internal sounders fitted to most alarmsystems will sound when the main system isactivated. The level of sound they emit canvary enormously from low level for domesticuse, to an ear piercing tone, often usedwithin commercial premises.

The Control Panel

The control panel works from the mains supplyand has an auxiliary battery in case of mainsfailure.

It processes signals from the detectors andoperates the sounders. Most have keypads andthe operator uses a personal identificationnumber (PIN). This allows a temporary PIN to begiven to a neighbour whilst the occupier is onholiday, and changed again on return. Keyoperated systems are available for those whohave difficulty in operating keypads.

Zone

Zones allows for the system to be part set, forexample, at night the downstairs zone could beset whilst the rest of the system could be off.

Personal Attack Device

These are operated by a push button to activatethe alarm at any time, even if the intruder alarmis switched off. Attack alarms must only to beused when the occupier is under personal attackand not for any other purpose.

Useful Contacts

Alarms Administration at your local PoliceHeadquarters or via www.police.uk whichgives access to Police Force map and contacts.

www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)Tel: 0207 084 8962www.acpo.police.uk

www.securedbydesign.comfor police security information.

Intruder Alarm Advicefor Domestic Properties

Burglars want easy pickings andwill avoid effective security.Government statistics have shownthat approximately 60% ofburglaries on homes fitted withburglar alarms are unsuccessful,suggesting that alarms are a usefuldeterrent.

Before you buy a security system follow ouradvice to help you through the technology ofintruder alarms.

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

© 2006 ACPO Crime Prevention Initiatives.

Perimeter DevicesThese devices can be set whilst people andanimals are actually in the protected room orarea.

There are a number of types of devices (e.g.break glass and vibration detectors, etc) andyour alarm installer can give you furtheradvice.

Alarm Sounders

External Sounders and Bell Box

The bell box should provide protectionagainst weather and unauthorisedtampering. Either a bell or a siren-typesounder should be used.

Your alarm bell box will act as a deterrent tomany thieves, therefore it should be sited ashigh as possible to give maximum visibilityand make tampering difficult. Systemsinstalled to European Standards will havetheir own battery back up and self containedbell module and will continue to sound evenif the unit is removed from the wall.

Internal Sounders

The internal sounders fitted to most alarmsystems will sound when the main system isactivated. The level of sound they emit canvary enormously from low level for domesticuse, to an ear piercing tone, often usedwithin commercial premises.

The Control Panel

The control panel works from the mains supplyand has an auxiliary battery in case of mainsfailure.

It processes signals from the detectors andoperates the sounders. Most have keypads andthe operator uses a personal identificationnumber (PIN). This allows a temporary PIN to begiven to a neighbour whilst the occupier is onholiday, and changed again on return. Keyoperated systems are available for those whohave difficulty in operating keypads.

Zone

Zones allows for the system to be part set, forexample, at night the downstairs zone could beset whilst the rest of the system could be off.

Personal Attack Device

These are operated by a push button to activatethe alarm at any time, even if the intruder alarmis switched off. Attack alarms must only to beused when the occupier is under personal attackand not for any other purpose.

Useful Contacts

Alarms Administration at your local PoliceHeadquarters or via www.police.uk whichgives access to Police Force map and contacts.

www.tradingstandards.gov.uk

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)Tel: 0207 084 8962www.acpo.police.uk

www.securedbydesign.comfor police security information.

Intruder Alarm Advicefor Domestic Properties

Burglars want easy pickings andwill avoid effective security.Government statistics have shownthat approximately 60% ofburglaries on homes fitted withburglar alarms are unsuccessful,suggesting that alarms are a usefuldeterrent.

Before you buy a security system follow ouradvice to help you through the technology ofintruder alarms.

Dom

estic

Dom

estic

© 2006 ACPO Crime Prevention Initiatives.