How to Choose the Right Intruder Alarm for Your Business

If there’s one thing all business owners can agree on, it’s that crime isn’t good for business. If you’re looking to avoid the time, money and resources that go into dealing with break-ins and theft, intruder alarms are an affordable and effective crime deterrent for your commercial space.

With crime against businesses still being a top concern in the UK, additional security for your space is an absolute necessity, but with so many options on the market, how do you know which is best for your business?

Our team of security experts at Lee Fire & Security have collated the key things you need to know before purchasing an intruder alarm, so you can make an informed decision about how to best secure your premises – whether that’s an office, warehouse, or retail outlet.

 

What are Intruder Alarms?

Intruder alarms (burglar alarms) are visible deterrents that make potential intruders think twice before acting. If an intruder attempts to break in, most systems will raise the alarm with a sound trigger, hopefully scaring off the intruder.  Some alarms will also notify an alarm receiving centre, ensuring that you and the emergency services are immediately updated, facilitating fast attendance onsite.

 

What Should You Consider When Choosing an Intruder Alarm?

When choosing an intruder alarm for your commercial space, you need to think about which product features will benefit your business. For those looking for added convenience, more modern intruder alarms can provide in-app alerts to mobile devices, enabling you to monitor your premises from anywhere in the world.

You should also consider which areas of your business are most vulnerable – are you surrounded by windows, or do you mainly need to cover door entry points? If you do not feel confident about the best way to approach the security of your premises, consulting with an experienced intruder alarm expert can give you a better idea of the areas that need the most coverage.

 

Installation and Monitoring Costs

The initial price for intruder alarms can vary from £500 to several thousand pounds depending on the size of your premises, in addition to installation and maintenance costs. Monthly expenses typically include ongoing support from a monitoring centre which ranges from £75-£395 depending on the level of security your business requires.  When weighing up which alarm to buy, consider the value of items and/or stock which an intruder could damage or steal, and the financial consequences of operational downtime whilst dealing with an incident.  This will give you some insight into how damaging a security breach could be, and therefore how much budget you should allocate to keeping your premises safe.

Pro-Tip: Look for a NSI-Gold or Silver approved security company to guarantee you’re getting above-average technical competency and high levels of service quality from your intruder alarm installer and service provider.

 

How Many Different Types of Intruder Alarms are There?

Intruder alarm systems are typically either ‘bells only audible alarms’ or ‘remotely monitored alarms’ with either a key holder only or emergency service response. More sophisticated systems typically feature highly sensitive sensors that alert both the key holder and emergency services when triggered, while more basic options might only feature a simple panic alarm that uses a disruptive sound to scare off intruders and alert those nearby.

 

Intruder Alarm Systems from Lee Fire & Security

With over 35 years of experience in the fire safety and security sector, Lee Fire & Security provides comprehensive intruder alarm solutions and professional intruder alarm installation for businesses throughout North London.

To keep your premises protected from break-ins and enhance the safety of your premises, contact us today using our contact form, or alternatively, call us on 0800 731 3365.