You need a burglar alarm system for your business. Of course you do! The benefits are obvious. But now you’ve got the task of selecting one. Wouldn’t it be helpful if you could have a bit of a guide, perhaps written by someone who’s been in the burglar alarm business for a good long time?
We’d be only too happy to oblige!
A Burglar Alarm System For Your Business: A Guide
One of the biggest benefits of a burglar alarm is the deterrent value given by the visible box on the outside of your building. An alarm increases the risk of being seen, or caught. Most thieves will opt for an easier target.
The alarm bell boxes should be fitted in a prominent position. We’re saying ‘boxes’ rather ‘box’ because you’ll usually need at least two on your building. An alarm can only deter criminals if it’s visible!
Whilst other means of security will also work to deter criminals, the burglar alarm is one of the only security measures to actually detect an intrusion and respond with a racket!
Which alarm system is best for your business?
There are so many types of burglar alarm system available! It’s best to take advice on the most appropriate one for your premises, but we’ll give you an outline here. Rather than ‘off the shelf’ systems, you’ll need something custom designed. You might consider integration with other system too.
Burglar alarms can trigger when an entryway is opened – this could be a door or a window, or using passive infrared sensors which detect movement. What they do next depends on the type of system you opt for.
The first level of intruder alarm is what’s known as “audible only”. This means that if it’s activated, it will emit a loud siren noise. It will also flash, so perhaps it’s name is a bit misleading. The idea is it’s noisy enough to scare away the intruder and attract the attention of anyone in the vicinity. These more simple systems are most often used on domestic premises and are effective in built up areas where people will be able to hear and respond the siren.
However most commercial insurance policies ask for more than this. And if your business is based on a business park which is likely to be empty over night or at weekends, you may require additional means of response. This is where monitored intruder alarm systems come in.
Monitored Systems
Burglar alarm systems which are monitored by an alarm receiving centre are a popular option for commercial premises. They can alert you to an activation even if your premises is extremely remote.
Often when our clients request a monitored alarm it’s on the recommendation of their insurers. If you’re in this position it’s crucial to get the details correct. Make sure anyone designing a system for you is aware of the exact requirements of your insurance company. The grade of your monitoring is just one of many elements that your insurer could specify. We’ve written a guide to that too, which you can read here.
Intruder alarm monitoring works either via smart monitoring to app, or via alarm receiving centres. Alarm receiving centres (ARCs) deal with systems which require a response from keyholders or the police. ARCs respond to alarm activations, passing confirmed alarm activations along to the relevant contacts or authorities.
Alarm systems can have key holder monitoring, or police monitoring. The name implies who is contacted in the event of an activation. Many of our clients use keyholding services to relieve pressure on staff outside of office hours.
It’s worth noting that only approved alarm companies can provide police monitoring. Many insurers also specify that your intruder alarm ought to be installed and maintained by a security specialist approved by the NSI (National Security Inspectorate). As you might expect, Keybury hold NSI GOLD approval, are police compliant and insurance approved. We work with an NSI approved ARC to provide monitoring for our clients’ premises.
Time to Reach out!
Are you ready to protect your business, or have you got more questions? Either way… we can help! We offer free initial consultations with our security surveyors. These surveyors started on the tools with Keybury, and have a wealth of experience in the industry.
Contact our team today to arrange your free appointment. We’re on hand to answer your burglar alarm questions and assist you with finding security solutions for your business.
Call us on 0800 458 7486 , email sales@keybury.co.uk or simply book online.
Keybury Fire and Security design, install & maintain burglar alarm systems, CCTV and Fire alarm systems for homes and businesses across Yorkshire and Lancashire. We’re local security experts with over forty years in the industry.
