Security and alarms

Alarms help to secure a building by alerting you, your security company or the police to the presence of intruders. They also deter would-be intruders from entering the building in the first place.

Alarms are most effective when combined with good security inside and outside the premises. There is a great variety on the market - they may:

• use ultrasound, an interrupted beam, microwave technology or sense vibrations
• connect to a monitoring centre who will contact the police.
• be linked to CCTV or to smoke and fluorescent spray-generating systems for added protection

False alarms

Check your alarm system regularly. Investigate reasons for false alarms, and make sure they are not repeated.

Choosing an alarm system

Your choice of alarm will depend on:

• the value of your stock, machinery or office equipment
• the type and location of your premises

Take advice about which system best suits your needs. Ask your insurance company or police. Your insurers may require a specific standard of system before they will insure you..

For communicating alarm systems, only use installers who:

• can satisfy you that they and the system meets both the Insurers and police requirements

Put up a notice announcing that you have an alarm.