ALARM SYSTEMS

An intruder alarm system is one of the most effective deterrents available provided it is correctly installed, maintained, and staff have been trained to operate it correctly.

If you have an intruder alarm fitted, or are considering installing one, be aware of the provisions of national police policy on the issue. There are two types of alarm system:

> Bells only, which trigger an audible warning i.e. bell or siren

> Remote signalling, which pass a message to an alarm receiving centre and trigger an audible warning

Police will respond to remote signalling alarms provided:

1. The alarm has been installed to British Standard (BS) 4737, 7042 or 6799.

2. The alarm has been installed, maintained and monitored by a company acceptable to the local police. Such acceptance by the police does not guarantee the quality of the company's work. You should satisfy yourself that the company is bona fide, carries out work to a satisfactory standard and is acceptable to the local police.

3. Any persons operating the alarm receive training from the installer. You must nominate two keyholders, trained to operate the alarm, who are able to attend within 20 minutes, contactable by telephone and have their own transport.

Commercial premises may be required to have a 10 minute delay on audible sounders.

Alarm activations will receive a police response based on an assumption that an offence is taking place but against the background of other competing urgent calls and available resources. After four false calls in a rolling twelve month period police may reduce the priority of the call but will notify you in writing of that decision.

4. After seven false calls in any 12 months police response to the intruder alarm will be withdrawn unless there is some additional evidence of an offence in progress. Police response will, however, be restored if you make written application and provided the system has been free of faults for a period of three months.

5. Police response to your premises is dependent on the issue of a Unique Reference Number (URN) which identifies your alarm and speeds call handling. This number should be used in all correspondence.

The level of police response to your premises depends on your ability to manage the system correctly. It is therefore vital to ensure that the alarm system is regularly maintained and serviced and that staff are properly trained to use it. Most false alarms are generated at opening and closing times. It is essential that procedures be fully understood because this simple precaution can ensure you retain a rapid police response to your alarm.

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