Protection against intrusion and theft is a fundamental concern of every business owner.
A burglary alarm system is intended to detect a break-in, but won’t necessarily prevent one. These systems should always be installed along with proper physical security reinforcement such as deadbolt locks, adequate lighting, secure basement windows and strong exterior doors.
Burglary alarm systems are either monitored or unmonitored. The monitored system notifies a third party when the alarm is tripped. That third party will then notify the authorities of a burglary or trespasser. The unmonitored alarm only sounds on the premises and relies on your neighbours or passers-by to call the police, which they may or may not do. While an unmonitored alarm system is cheaper to maintain, the fact that it’s not always reliable can end up costing you more in lost goods or damaged property.
For an alarm system to be effective, there needs to be a response once it’s been activated. There are a number of methods available to create the communication link between the alarmed premises and the monitoring centre, the most common being the telephone line.
Bear in mind that it is possible to circumvent monitored alarm systems by cutting the telephone wires before they enter the premises. Speak to an alarm company representative and ask them what would happen if someone cut the telephone line. There are many ways to add “line security” to your system. The most popular method today is cellular back-up. If the phone line is cut, the alarm system will still communicate with the monitoring station wirelessly via a mobile phone.
A monitored alarm system can have an audible delay to give the monitoring station time to notify the police in the anticipation of catching the criminals on the premises. Alarm systems can incorporate visual verification of an intruder on the premises using additional signals to the monitoring station.
It’s important to remember that all businesses are unique and will require different security measures. Although we strongly recommend a monitored system, your broker or insurance company can help you decide which system is best for your operation.
