This is a plain-English guide to intruder alarms, written by a Waterside locksmith. I specialise in locksmithing and physical security, so I do not fit alarms myself, but I can help you understand your options before you spend a penny, and tell you who I trust locally to install one.
Alarm types
The two broad families are bells-only alarms, which simply make a noise to scare off an intruder and alert the neighbours, and monitored alarms, which also send an alert to a monitoring centre or to your phone. Bells-only is cheaper and fine for many homes. Monitored gives you a response even when you are away, at an ongoing cost.
Wireless versus wired
Wired alarms are reliable and well suited to a permanent install, but the wiring makes them more disruptive to fit in an existing home. Wireless alarms are quicker and cleaner to install and easy to add to, but the sensors run on batteries you need to keep an eye on. For most existing homes, wireless is the practical choice.
Battery maintenance
A flat sensor battery is the most common reason an alarm lets you down. Note when batteries were last changed, replace them before they die rather than after, and do not ignore the low-battery warning chirp. A monitored system will usually flag a low battery for you.
False alarms
Most false alarms come from pets, draughts moving curtains or blinds, or sensors set too sensitively. Pet-friendly sensors, sensible placement away from heat sources and radiators, and correct setup cut these right down. Repeated false alarms are worth sorting quickly, because they train you to ignore the one that matters.
Monitoring
Monitoring means someone is told when the alarm goes off, whether that is a professional centre or just your own phone via an app. Professional monitoring carries a monthly cost but gives a response when you cannot. Self-monitoring through an app is free to run but depends on you seeing and acting on the alert.
Insurance
Some insurers offer a discount for an alarm, and a few policies require one for certain homes or higher-value contents. If your policy specifies a standard, the right installer matters, because a system fitted to the wrong standard may not satisfy the insurer. Always check your policy wording first.
Choosing the correct system
Start with what you are protecting and how you live. A small flat has very different needs to a four-bedroom house with a dog. Get more than one quote, be wary of high-pressure selling, and use a local installer you can trust to look after it afterwards.
Who I trust to fit one
For intruder alarms I recommend Clearview Aerials, a trusted local Hampshire business. As well as aerials, digital TV and CCTV, they install intruder alarms too. They are local, experienced, and the people I would point my own customers to for this work.
The physical side is my trade
An alarm tells you someone is trying to get in. Good locks stop them in the first place, and that is what I do. While you weigh up alarm options, I am happy to upgrade your locks, fit an anti-snap cylinder and carry out a free home security check across the Waterside, with no obligation. See all my locksmith services.
