Advice on Burglar Alarms

Residential Burglary emerges consistently as the greatest concern in the Community Forum surveys.

This is not surprising. Not because the Chiltern area is, by national standards, a burglary hotspot. But because any burglary, in addition to financial or property loss, often triggers a strong emotional and fearful response, and a sense of violation.

Residential Burglary has therefore been consistently a ‘top 3’ priority in every quarter that the Forum has operated.

As with a number of crimes, however, there are actions we, as residents and property owners, can take to improve our security. Here are some pointers on installing alarms, taken from a Thames Valley Police Neighbourhood Alert on “Home Security Reminders”, distributed on 29th April.

Burglar Alarms – what to look for?

Around 60% of burglaries carried out on homes fitted with burglar alarms are unsuccessful. This suggests that burglar alarms are a useful deterrent for opportune criminals.

The British Security Industry Association suggests that householders use a professional alarm installation company registered with a police-recognised “alarm inspectorate” – ask to see your security company’s registration documents, and look for the following accreditation:

1. NSI – National Security Inspectorate
2. SSAIB – Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board

There is a wide range of security alarm types, so which to choose? Below are a couple of links to pages which may help you:

https://www.which.co.uk/news/2018/09/five-burglar-alarm-buying-tips-revealed/

https://www.moneysupermarket.com/money-made-easy/burglar-alarms/

Flexible Home Improvement Loans

If you are a home-owner aged 60 or over, you may be eligible for a Flexible Home Improvement Loan from the Council to help fund the installation work.