Brian Sims
Editor
Brian Sims
Editor
POLICE CRIME Prevention Initiatives (PCPI) has reiterated the fact that the police service will only attend an alarm signal from a monitored alarm as long as it complies with the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Security Systems Policy, which details how it’s installed, monitored and maintained.
Alarms are one of the many essential tools in the fight against crime, in particular burglary, theft and robbery. Academic research shows professionally installed alarm systems provide a greater deterrent and that those properties fitted out with them are less likely to be targeted by criminals, who know that such systems may well be monitored.
The two main types of alarm systems are audible alarms and monitored alarms. However, they operate differently and are treated differently by the police service.
Audible alarms sound a loud siren or bell and are designed to scare a burglar and alert neighbours and passers-by at the scene, hoping that they will then call the police to report a crime in progress.
In contrast, monitored alarms are just that. They are monitored 24/7 by an approved commercial Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). When an alarm is triggered, the ARC operator immediately checks the signal to verify that it’s a genuine alarm then alerts a key holder and, if necessary, the police service.
Security companies providing monitored alarm services must be approved by an independent inspectorate and registered with the local police service. If they are not then there will not be an immediate response from the police to an activation. Indeed, there may be no response at all.
Checking for compliance
It’s critical to both check that an alarm system is compliant and to only use a reputable alarm company which has been approved by one of the independent inspectorates. The two inspectorates are the National Security Inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board. Anybody can check out installers’ credentials by visiting the Inspectorates’ websites and ensure that a security company installing alarms is genuinely approved.
Ken Meanwell, compliance manager for PCPI, advised: “Compliant alarms and reputable installation companies and ARCs are essential to ensure that you will receive the appropriate response to an alarm activation. If the alarm is not compliant there will not be an immediate police response. This could prove to be vital if someone’s in immediate danger or property is being stolen.”
Meanwell added: “Having an alarm system certified by one of the accredited independent inspectorates will ensure a reliable and well-maintained system that meets relevant British Standards and European Standards and could well result in lower insurance premiums.”
*For further information visit https://www.policesecuritysystems.com/
