After arresting a well known burglar, we interviewed him and this is what he had to say about targeting houses with alarms.

Alarms do put you off, you just go somewhere else. I never used to break in somewhere with a light on, or anywhere with an alarm. For every house with an alarm there are another nine without.

The questions shown below are some of the more frequent ones asked by prospective buyers of an alarm.

If you have any further questions, either contact your local police station or telephone the police switchboard on 101 and ask for the Crime Reduction Unit for your area.

Why do I need an alarm?

Intruder alarms are an effective deterrent against burglars. They provide a useful warning and limit the risk of theft and damage to your property. Surveys have consistently shown that homes are less likely to be burgled if an alarm is fitted.

What is the point of having an alarm if no one takes any notice anyway?

It is not necessarily the effect it has on neighbours or passers-by; it is the way it affects the criminal that matters. Criminals do not like attracting attention to themselves. Also, they do not know what response the police have made.

Are alarms difficult to operate?

Alarms nowadays are designed to be very user friendly. The two main ways to operate them are by using a number pad with your own access number, or a key to switch the system on/off.

Can I still have an alarm if I've got pets, such as a dog or cat?

Yes you can. There are pet infra-red detectors available, but this is something you should discuss with your installation company.

Do I need to bother with any other security measures if I have an alarm fitted?

You should take all the usual security measures, such as fitting good quality door and window locks, which together will help make your home less inviting to any would-be burglar.

Are there different types of alarm systems?

Essentially there are three types of alarm system. They are listed in order of effectiveness:

1. Monitored systems not only provide an audible alarm, they also send a signal to a central monitoring station which can quickly notify the police. Some systems will even allow the monitoring station staff to see or hear if a burglar is in your home. These systems are now much more affordable although an annual maintenance and monitoring fee is required plus keyholders' information to enable a police response. This type of system should meet with the old BS4737 or now EN50131-1.
2. An audible only system will sound a bell or siren to attract attention and help to deter the potential burglar. This system should meet with BS4737 (EN50131-1) or BS6799 for a wire free system. These type of systems now come under EN50131-1. This type of system buys you time but does not guarantee a police response.
3. DIY alarm systems are available through a number of DIY or hardware stores. You should only attempt this if you are competent at DIY. This type of system should meet the BS6707.

How do I choose a company to install an alarm?

We recommend that you obtain quotes from at least three security companies who are subject to independent inspection by a recognised body such as:

• NSI (National Security Inspectorate) formerly known as NACOSS
• SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board)

Will the police attend an alarm activation at my home?

The police will attend the activation of audible-only alarm systems if there are suspicious circumstances reported to them, e.g. sound of breaking glass. Police will also attend when they receive notification from a central monitoring station that a monitored system has been activated.

Before deciding on a particular system, are there any questions I should ask the security company?

1. Before you disclose any personal details,ensure that you have checked the credentials of your chosen company and request proof of identity from the representative.
2. Ask which independent inspectorate the company is subject to. eg. NACOSS, SSAIB
3. Does the alarm system reach the required British Standard?
4. Are there any maintenance and/or monitoring contracts, or additional hidden extras, such as call out charges?
5. Do you own or rent the system?
6. What period of time does the guarantee last for, and what happens if there is a problem after that?
7. Ask if there is a 24hr call out service and emergency attendance within 4hrs.
8. Ask the installers for adequate training on how to operate the system. If in doubt ask again.
9. Do not accept verbal contracts. Ensure that any agreements between you and the company are written, and that you or your representative read the contents carefully before signing.

Is there anything else I should do if I have an alarm fitted?

No matter which system you may choose, you will need to provide your local police with details of two key-holders who can be contacted by telephone. They must have their own means of transport so that they are in a position to attend your home within 20 minutes of being called.

Details of independent inspectorates:

• NSI (National Security Inspectorate) formerly known as NACOSS, Sentinel House, 5 Reform Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8BY. Tel: 01628 637512. Website www.nsi.org.uk
• SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) 131 Bedford Street, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE29 6LA Tel: 0191 2963242. Website www.ssaib.org