We are often asked by customers whether they should opt for alarm systems which are monitored. The answer to this very much depends on each customer’s situation. A while back we shared three simple questions that we recommend customers consider when deciding whether to include monitoring or not.

A recent case, however, has highlighted the importance of the type of monitoring you select in your system. There are differences in monitoring functionality and it’s helpful to be aware of these when selecting the right protection for your property.

More resilient monitored systems
Recently, we learned of two sizeable properties in an affluent area in Surrey who were targeted by professional thieves. In an attempt to burgle the properties, the thieves cut the properties’ phone lines and ripped off the alarm sirens.

Monitored alarm systems rely on the phone line in a property to function properly and by cutting them, the thieves had hoped to disable the alarm.

The property owners of these homes had, however, both invested in a dual path remote monitoring system which had the capability to alert any technical faults or irregular events in the system. The thieves sabotage of the phone lines and alarm sirens were immediately reported to the central monitoring team and, because the systems also had ‘police calling capacity’ enabled, the Police were alerted straight away.

Not all monitored alarm systems on the market have dual path technology, which means if the system is tampered with by an intruder it won’t be picked up by the monitoring team.

Police response to tackle an intruder
You also have to think very carefully about what you want to happen if an alert is activated with your system. Some of our competitors’ monitored alarm offerings simply notify one of your chosen ‘keyholders’ if they have detected the alarm being activated. If, however, an intruder is present in the property, you may be putting your keyholder’s personal safety at risk. It may instead be better for you to select a monitored alarm system which alerts the Police instead.

Affordability
Alarm system monitoring has brought greater peace of mind to many of our customers when. It is an affordable added level of protection for their property which many are happy to invest in. Monitoring prices start from £20 per month.

For more information about a monitored alarm system in relation to your property, contact our sales team on tel 01483 791500.