Intruder Alarms

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Intruder Alarms

In the urban environment, burglaries and robberies are amongst the most common crimes.  However, studies have shown that the presence of intruder alarm systems is one of the ways of deterring intruders and thieves from entering your home or business.  This electronic security solution is a popular means to peace of mind for both homeowners and business operators.

Intruder alarms serve as effective visual deterrents to would-be thieves.  In addition to this, in response to a present and immediate danger, an alarm system emits a shrill noise.  This could potentially frighten away intruders, as well as alert others in the vicinity.

All alarms work using sensors to detect intruders, relaying this information to a control unit through a hardwire or wireless link and then signalling this intrusion via the alerting device.  Sensors are able to detect intruders through a range of methods, to include monitoring doors and windows for opening, or monitoring disturbances in motion, sound, vibration, etc. of unoccupied interiors.

There are different types of alarm systems, ranging from small, all-in-one noisemakers through to multi-zoned systems with colour-coded computer outputs.  The most basic system includes a control panel, keypad, siren, motion detector and door/window contacts.  If the system is to be monitored, then this will include a central monitoring station.  Additional features can be added to this, such as panic buttons, under-carpet pressure mats, glass break detectors and window alarm screens.

Alarm Monitoring

Once a high-quality alarm system has been installed by Guard Group, customers have the option of having their system monitored. The alarm monitoring service connects the alarm system to an independent, NSI-approved, remote, central-monitoring station.  The conditions of the monitored location are then reported to the central-monitoring station.  In the event of receiving a signal from a business or home, an immediate call is made by dispatchers to the location with the intent of verifying whether or not the alarm was triggered accidentally.  Whoever answers the phone at the location is to provide the dispatchers with a previously agreed secret password, known only to the customer and dispatcher.  An intrusion is presumed, should there be a failure to answer the call or provide the correct password.  Local authorities are then dispatched to the scene, or more calls are made to an approved list.

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Alarm Sensors

Sensors are the heart of an alarm system. These sensitive devices detect rapid changes in the environment, such as a window opening or glass breaking, that indicate an intrusion or breach of security. The information is sent to the alarm system’s controller, which can notifies the central monitoring station, if a client uses a monitoring service or call there designated number
Alarm sensors come in a variety of types and price ranges. Some detect motion, while others sense door and window openings, and still others sense glass breaking or the pressure of a footstep on carpeting. Here are some of the most common alarm types and how they operate.

Alarm Controllers

Considered the ‘brain’ of an alarm system, controllers read the input from the sensors and process this information into a code.  This code then alerts the central-monitoring station, or a phone number of the customer’s choice, about which area of the monitored location is being intruded.

The alarm controller is able to connect with the central-monitoring station in different ways.  Places like school campuses and government buildings use direct connection, raising the alarm via phone wires or tamper-resistant fibre optic cable.  This direct connection is more of a high-end option, as most systems tend to opt for digital communication, contacting the central station via the PTSN, or Public Switched Telephone Network in order to raise the alarm for intrusion.  Either a code is sent to the central monitoring station or a synthesized voice is used, cutting off other active calls from the premises.  When the PTSN circuit is not functioning, it is by-passed in favour of another communication path.

Broadband signalling is growing in popularity, using voIP (voice over IP) technology for the reporting of alarm activation. Conversion from analogue to broadband can be achieved using an alarm server device, converting analogue signals to IP messages.

The effectiveness of an alarm system can also be tested by customers, using, in ‘test mode’, the alarm monitoring system to verify the area from which the signal was received.

Alarm Report System

Reports are available for Guard Group customers who have opted for alarm system monitoring.   Delivered via text message or email, reports detail activity related to the monitored system.  Whilst some subscribers, particularly business owners, may prefer daily activity reports of their operation, others choose to only receive notification in the event of a security breach.  A monthly common report form is also delivered via email.

Residential Alarm Systems

We provide bespoke Residential Alarm packages. Please contact us for more information.