A Guide To Burglar Alarms

Going on holiday? As you pack your bags for some much needed rest and relaxation, burglars could well be eyeing up your home as their next target.

Burglaries in the UK fell from around 1.7 million in 1996 to under 750,000 in 2008* - but that was before the recession. Worryingly, between July and September 2008, there was an increase in UK burglaries of 4%. But with our guide to burglar alarms, your house will be one-step closer to being burglar-proof.

Why have a burglar alarm?

The number one reason is obvious - it could save you the horror of having your house broken into.

You could also save on home insurance premiums. Many insurers offer discounts between 2% and 15% for homes with alarms fitted.

What to look for in a burglar alarm

Which alarm you go for depends on the level of security you're after and how much you want to pay.

Most alarms consist of metallic window and door plates and PIR (passive infra-red) sensors. The plates work using a simple circuit. If the circuit is broken - when the plates on a window or door are no longer touching, for example - the alarm sounds. PIR sensors detect movement in a room when the alarm is armed. If something moves, the alarm goes off.

Types of burglar alarms

Dummy alarms: You could go for a dummy box, which is the cheapest option. However, seasoned burglars can tell a fake alarm from a real one. Also, this option won't help your home insurance premium.

Bells-only: A bells-only or audible-only alarm is relatively straightforward. If an intruder breaks into your house, the alarm will sound. It's not linked to a central response centre or the police, so there's potential for the burglar to tamper with the system if they're experienced. You can get an anti-tamper system, but the 1981 Control of Noise Order states all audible alarms must have a 20-minute cut-off function.

Be aware the police will only respond to a burglar alarm if you, or a neighbour, report a crime taking place.

Monitored: A monitored alarm is connected to a receiving centre, which monitors signals received from your alarm 24 hours a day - for a fee. On a typical standard service, someone at the centre will call your home for a password and to check everything is OK should the alarm go off. If the password ID isn't given, or the phone is not picked up, one of your nominated key-holders and/or the police are notified.

Installing a burglar alarm

For as little as £30 you could buy a bells-only alarm and install it yourself. However, for full protection or complicated security systems, call in the professionals.

When looking for an installer, make sure they're recommended and approved by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) or the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). Look out for the National Approval Council for Security Systems ‘NACOSS Gold Award' in installation company adverts. This is the highest award in the security industry handed out by the NSI.

Burglar alarms should be just one part of your home security measures. For more steps see our Tips on How to Make Your House Secure.

*British Crime Survey 2008

For more information on burglar alarms please visit http://www.confused.com/home-insurance