Eydens Locksmiths & Security is a long-established specialist in commercial and residential burglar alarm installations, offering independent guidance to customers for almost 30 years across Coventry and the West Midlands region.
The experts in building security have noted a sharp rise in reliance on DIY-installed devices ordered online. This is alongside emergency callouts from homeowners and businesses who had thought their security was on point, only to experience the stress of a successful break-in.
In an effort to address misconceptions and clarify the difference between a professional alarm installation service and a basic device like a Ring doorbell, the security consultants share information that could impact premises owners looking for reliable alarms that offer genuine value.
Reasons Alarms and Sensors Purchased Online May Not Be Sufficient to Protect Against Risks
Today, a large proportion of homes and businesses have door sensors and alarms ordered online, with obvious benefits such as low prices, fast delivery, and simple installation. However, the caveat is that these devices lack the sophistication and responsiveness of commercial-quality alternatives.
Organised criminals can easily bypass conventional security devices, with an ever more sophisticated range of methods to intercept signals or damage units, whether by removing a device from the wall or using a signal jammer.
The challenge lies in the widespread misunderstanding of the value of DIY installations. Although a video-activated doorbell might seem to offer great security, in reality, it won’t always deter thieves or intruders and can be rendered redundant by removing a battery or cutting a wire.
Ring doorbells are just one of a vast range of devices, but the vulnerabilities are similar. Cameras may not be robust enough to operate during heatwaves, could depend on a Wi-Fi connection to continue functioning, and might use batteries that run out of power.
A false sense of security can also mean retail and commercial clients assume they’re fully protected, without realising that tampering with a battery-powered device poses very little challenge to determined intruders.
Types of Tailored Alarm Installation Services Available
Professional installers recommend risk appraisals and consultations as a first step. This helps them understand the risks at play, the entry points and vulnerabilities involved, and how alarms and other devices can best protect the home or business in question.
Reports show that an effective, visible, and compliant alarm can reduce break-in risks for homes by as much as 78%. The visible deterrent of a live alarm system is equally important for businesses, but the recommended solutions will vary depending on the nature of the building.
Examples include wireless alarms that offer visual verification of the cause of an alert. These systems can scale to suit the size of the building or number of entrances, supporting as many as 10 individual cameras and 54 wire-free security devices.
Alternatives include app-based alarm controls, integrations with high-definition CCTV cameras and customised sensors, and cost-efficient multi-entry-point or multi-site systems that cover entire businesses, several premises, or numerous access zones at once.
The Benefits of Fitting High-Standard, Insurance-Compliant Alarms for Business Premises
For businesses, locks and alarms may be required to obtain insurance coverage, but the quality of those devices will affect the premiums offered. Cutting corners on security doesn’t just put a building at greater risk of intrusion; it also makes it harder and more expensive to insure.
A seemingly low-cost alarm may make little difference to overheads, because an insurance provider won’t consider the protection sufficient, or may be unable to offer any commercial insurance coverage at all.
Maintenance is also key, as the norm in the insurance sector is to reserve the most competitive premiums for businesses that can demonstrate that their system is compliant with British Standards and is maintained by a certified professional.
Professional Alarm Monitoring and Alert Investigations
A common issue for business owners and homeowners relying on basic alarms is that, in a genuine emergency, there is no defined backup protocol that will contact emergency services or summon help.
Despite misconceptions, most basic alarm systems are not linked with the police. They cannot activate an emergency response, which makes access to response services a considerable security advantage.
False alarm callouts are incredibly common, so even a repeated alert may not be sufficient to trigger a blue light response from the police or fire service, or to compel security responders to attend the scene when there is no mechanism to confirm whether the alarm is authentic.
It is never advisable for homeowners or business managers to attempt to intercept criminal activity independently. This can pose significant risks to the safety and well-being of untrained responders.
Alarms installed by seasoned professionals can be connected to alarm response services that are trusted by the emergency services. This back-up support through an external monitoring provider outsources the responsibility for determining the cause of the alert and taking action before serious damage is done.
Drawbacks Associated With Maintaining Standard Security Doorbells and Alarm Sensors
Security devices purchased from retailers usually won’t include backup support, monitoring, or maintenance, which is a major issue for businesses that may have felt they had adequate security in place and for homeowners who thought an activation would prompt an urgent response.
Maintenance cannot be overlooked as a poorly maintained system is more likely to fail at the point that matters most.
Regular firmware and software updates, battery replacements, cleaning, and servicing are vital to ensuring security devices function as they should and will provide the necessary assistance if a live trespass or break-in attempt is detected.
Anyone responsible for the security of a building or site with concerns about the suitability of their security controls is encouraged to consult an independent, experienced security team in the first instance and to ensure their risk assessments and insurance compliance records are up to date.
