Abacus UK Security Systems Ltd - CCTV Specialists for Custom Built Video and Digital Surveillance and Monitoring Systems.

A modern intruder alarm that works effectively and is well maintained can be a real asset in protecting your home. It can also reduce you home insurance premium if it is installed and maintained correctly. Unfortunately, noise made by intruder alarms is sometimes a cause for complaint from neighbours due to false alarms, which are often due to poor maintenance. If you have, or are considering fitting an alarm, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that it does not cause nuisance to anyone else. Various types of alarms and sensors are available and the choice of the most suitable for your purpose can only be decided after careful consideration and good advice. Please feel free to contact us for advice on what is best for you.

	Points to consider
i.	Are there pets in the property? This will determine the type of detectors you require.
ii.	What is the main entry/exit route? This is or these are the routes you will need to use all the time once the alarm has been fitted. (You can have more than one).
iii.	Are there any rooms in you property that would be at special or increased risk?
iv.	Will you require personal attack (panic) buttons?
v.	Where would like the keypad controller to be situated?
vi.	Where on the building would you like the external sounder? This should be in a position where it can be seen by passers by.
vii.	Do you require a Dummy Sounder to the rear or side of the property?
viii.	Would you like a monitored system? This communicates to monitoring station for emergency services notification whenever a sensor is triggered.
ix.	Who will you nominate as keyholders, to be contacted if you are unavailable when the alarm is triggered?
x.	Warranty period and maintenance.

	Fitting the right alarm
i.	Ensure that your alarm system is properly designed and installed. It must comply with British Standard 4737.
ii.	Your alarm should have a cut-off device to deactivate the siren or bell after 20 minutes. The better systems also have a flashing light that continues after the siren or bell has deactivated.
iii.	Have your alarm regularly maintained by a qualified engineer (this is likely to be a requirement stipulated by your insurance company if you claim a Premium discount for the alarm).
	Remember that a constantly ringing alarm is a sure sign that no one is in.

Intruder alarms and the law

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a duty on local government to take abatement action when it believes a noise amounting to a statutory nuisance is taking place.

A constantly ringing intruder alarm that disturbs the sleep of people resident in the neighbourhood is, in most circumstances, considered to be a statutory nuisance under the Act. If no one can be found to switch off the alarm, then it is local government responsibility to take appropriate action to abate the nuisance.