Burglar Alarms?

[blanc]

Having just read the **Stolen vehicles from a PHer- Lookout please** thread I feel the need for a burglar alarm.

Having heard some horror stories (urban myths?) about unscrupulous alarm suppliers I wondered if anyone has any suggestions for suppliers in Suffolk?

Also what sort of kit do you go for?

Am I being paranoid?

Thanks in advance.

Blanc

[Plotloss]

Texecom are a very well regarded alarm manufacturer.

They provide a comprehensive API to their panel which has been integrated into at least one home control system so has the scope for functionality in the future.

[Muncher]

We use GS Security, they installed our alarm and have serviced it for about 10 years now.


S SECURITY
5, Belgrave Close, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 2TT
Tel: [phone]
Classifications:
Burglar Alarms & Security Systems
,
Closed Circuit TV Installers

• New security systems • Old systems upgraded • Camera systems • Door entry systems • Free no obligation quotations • SSAIB approved installer

[blanc]

Thanks for the quick info!

I think I'll give GS Security a call.

I really want a dog (Boxer maybe?) but feel that it might not be fair as it would be on it's own all day alone. It would be great when my wife is home alone though.

[Don]

Gazboy said:

I'll get a ADT alarm when the new windows and front door is fitted, and have it linked to a call center.

I have an ADT equivalent. If there's an alarm I get called up (on up to three numbers) and alerted. If they can't get hold of me or if I tell 'em to they'll alert the coppers.

If I could have a dog I would.

My sis (and "Security Consultant" husband) have a Rottweiler and an Alsation. Lovely dogs. But you wouldn't with them.

[blanc]

Gazboy said:

How many hours would it be on it's own?

Could be 12 hours a day for 4 days of the week.

Not sure how we would deal with it when we are both away overnight although this will hopefully be only about once a month now.

[Vee]

I went for an ADT alarm when we moved into our house.
£800 installation & it costs roughly £300 for annual maintenance & monitoring (including CO sensors).
Family all went for cheaper alternatives but at least ours always works.
The one time something went wrong (SKYs fault) they came out and sorted it immediately.

Whatever you go for I'd recommend getting a second panel & panic button fitted upstairs.
If the alarm goes off at night at least you can check which sensor has been activated & act accordingly.

Our cars are nothing special btw.

[Muncher]

blanc said:

Thanks for the quick info! I think I'll give GS Security a call.

Cool, tell them the Munnings family of Dryden Road recommended you. It's a family run business too.

[blanc]

ADT seems a popular choice. Is this because they have the infrastructure for the monitoring part?

[blanc]

Muncher said:

blanc said: Thanks for the quick info! I think I'll give GS Security a call. Cool, tell them the Munnings family of Dryden Road recommended you. It's a family run business too.

Will do

[Pigeon]

Design and build your own alarm system, that way the scrotes' recipes for overcoming the standard systems won't work.

[mybrainhurts]

I use land mines....

[2 Smokin Barrels]

mybrainhurts said:

I use land mines....

That must be a bit dangerous for somebody so perpetually confused.

[wedg1e]

Another vote for Texecom gear. Also, don't use the 'standard' wiring colours, just to confuse yourself in years to come...!

[mybrainhurts]

2 Smokin Barrels said:

mybrainhurts said: I use land mines.... That must be a bit dangerous for somebody so perpetually confused.

Double bastid.....

[marcos maniac]

blanc said:

ADT seems a popular choice. Is this because they have the infrastructure for the monitoring part?

No! - its probably because it is a well known name.

Check out yell.com - look for companies that are NACOSS/SSAIB registered, get a few quotes but make sure the quotes are for the same/similar equipment. Ask lots of questions - clients, engineer call out times (trust me you could end up waiting for hours for an engineer - and the national companies are the worst offenders- I could post some horror stories about some of them, but PH has a no naming and shaming policy), maintenance contract cost, out of hours call out cost etc

Any reputable company can sort monitoring via redcare/digi

[up-the-dubs]

Triple-deadlocked toughened glass on all the windows and front and back doors.
Monitored alarm with fire alarm, battery back-up and wireless pager if the power/phonelines are down.
Phone line alarm to alert when the line is down.
Multiple panic alarms.
Full cctv coverage of the outside of the house with night vision on a 14 day loop.

Multiple call outs by the cops when we it up!
Security concious, us? Nah.

[blanc]

Some really good advice here which is very much appreciated.

Only thing to look out for may the fact that the building is Grade II listed.

[superlightr]

Did my own :smug:

Bought the kits from a web site and have our office rigged with a wireless system and also linked into the phone line which will call 3 numbers if activated. Also has a smoke alarm as well as the pirs and glass break sensors.

Visonic Powermax+ works very well. I was not keen on yeary subscription and the kits in total cost about £550 but you can add more bits as needed.

[meeja]

Another vote for Texecom kit if you are installing yourself.

Also if a DIY job, another vote for don't use the "standard" wiring combinations.

make sure that you don't just "short out" the tamper circuit (it makes sense to have a tamper monitored cable!)

If going down the professional install route, Ademco Microtech control panels are very, very good bits of kit.

I used to work for an installation company that is now owned by ADT (ok, it was over 15 years ago!), but I would have to think twice before employing them to install a system for me.