Back to Basics: How Intruder Alarm Systems Work

Burglaries are a constant scourge for businesses in the UK, with more than 100,000 reported incidents every year according to crime data provided by police forces. Therefore, it is essential that businesses take active measures to protect themselves against criminality and, with 58 per cent of business crimes left unresolved with no known suspect, prevention is undisputedly better than the cure.

Research consistently demonstrates that burglar alarms are a highly effective deterrent against burglaries. In a survey of convicted burglars, over half agreed that a visible intruder alarm system would discourage them from attempting to break into a property, while UK government statistics reveal a strong correlation between lower burglary rates and the installation of security systems.

 What Is An Intruder Alarm System?

An intruder alarm system is designed to detect the opening of doors and windows, or unexpected movements within a building. Sensors and contacts are tactically positioned throughout the property to ensure that all vulnerabilities are constantly monitored; if an intrusion is detected, audible alarms may be triggered to alert anyone nearby (or a text, email, or voice alert can be sent). Alternatively, a 24/7 monitoring centre can be notified to provide a suitable response, such as notifying a keyholder or the police.

 How Does An Intruder Alarm System Work?

While there are many types of intruder alarm systems, they all tend to operate on the same principles:

1. Motion Is Detected. Strategically placed sensors detect the opening of any door or window in the building, or movement within the property. Some intruder systems allow the perimeter of a business’s premises to be monitored too.
2. The Control Panel Is Alerted. The entire intruder alarm system is controlled centrally, where information from the sensors is continuously gathered. The opening of a window or door, or an unexpected movement within the building, will interrupt the flow of information from the sensor to the control panel and trigger the alarm countdown.
3. The Alarm Sounds. Once the initial alarm countdown has passed – usually only seconds long to allow a legitimate person time to disarm the system – alarms are triggered and notifications sent to the keyholder or a monitoring centre, depending on the type of system.
4. The Alarm Is Deactivated. Traditionally, intruder security systems can be activated and deactivated by inputting a code on the control panel. While this feature remains on modern systems, smartphone apps can also be used to remotely set or unset the system.

Contact Us To Find Out More

At Kingdom, we are one of the leading intruder alarm system suppliers who can install and maintain monitored alarm systems so that any attempt to force entry into your business premises is instantly detected and reported.

To find out more about our bespoke security solutions, please call us on 0330 022 9422 or message our team and we will be pleased to assist.

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