Intruder Alarm Systems
The idea of an intruder alarm is to simply try and deter a potential burglary occurring at your house, and to an extent it works a treat. After all if your house is alarmed and another house just up the road isn't then your house is a lot less likely to get targeted.
A burglar does not want any attention, he just wants to get in with as little fuss as possible take what ever he wants and leave to go on to the next house, if he triggers an alarm system it could obviously ruin his entire day, noise is his worst enemy because it attracts attention.
House Alarms
Our burglar alarms are professionally designed and installed to suit your lifestyle. Multiple codes for family and friends let you control who can enter your home and control your home security system. If you have pets and want to give them freedom to certain areas, this can be built into the design of the intruder alarm, home burglar alarm, or house alarm system.
Installing quality security measures is an investment in the safety and security of your home. It is a long term investment that will reduce the risk of being the victim of crime and will bring considerable peace of mind.
Business Security Systems
Intruder theft and criminal damage is a threat and cost to business. Electronic intruder detection systems can provide cost-effective protection and act as a deterrent to intruders while alerting staff and police.
Many companies ignore the real cost of a break-in until it is too late. The theft of stock, hardware and increasingly data can be detrimental. Insurance may cover some of the losses, the disruption can mean delays, lost work and even lost customers.
Whether you need external detection, building security, or to safeguard key internal areas we have the answers you need. Our experience has shown that security systems must be individually designed, professionally installed and regularly maintained.
We will assess the particular risks your premises and operations present, and build a solution around them combining proven techniques with leading edge technology. Our approach ensures that your system is user-friendly, simple, trouble free and effective at protecting your business, employees, visitors, information and assets.
Before deciding on the type of intruder alarm to install check with your insurance company first. They may offer discounts off your premium depending on the type you have fitted and the kind of installer you use.
Details of Intruder alarms
An intruder alarm consists of a combination of detection, control and signaling devices. Every part of this equipment has been developed to fulfil a specific task within the system. The components are strategically placed in the building to be protected, in such a way that you can count on their constant, reliable and disturbance-free functioning.
There are basically 2 choices to when choosing an alarms system
Choice 1. Audible only:
The alarm sounds at the premises only. Response is reliant on somebody contacting the police to report it. Many forces have a policy whereby they will not attend audible only alarms unless there is additional evidence to suggest a crime is being committed, in other words they are not likely to attend unless someone reports a visual sighting or noises such as glass breaking.
Choice 2. Monitored:
The alarm sounds at the premises and a signal is sent to an alarm receiving centre via your phone line, mobile network. The ARC will contact your nominated key holders or the police* (see standards page for more info)
There is also the options of Hard wired or wirefree systems
Option 1. Hard wired:
Can be more reliable and cheaper than wire free, but takes longer to install. Most commercial alarms are wired
Option 2. Wirefree:
Easy to install but more expensive than a wired system. Used mostly in homes or small business premises.
Top technology
Police will respond to a monitored alarm when an alarm-receiving centre notifies them. However, from October 2001 newly installed monitored alarms must also use "confirmation" technology to receive a police response. Here, people at the alarm-receiving centre check using either CCTV (to see an intruder), an audio connection (to hear an intruder) or something called "sequential confirmation". Sequential confirmation sounds a bit complicated, but basically this means detecting an intruder using sensors in a number of different places in or around you home - to spot if someone is moving around.
Intruder Alarm Components
Intruder Alarm Equipment come in many different types to build up a security system, here is a brief explanation of what some of the device's actually do.
Alarm Control Panel
The control unit is the nerve centre of the alarm and is usually situated in a cupboard, or under the stairs for a domestic system. The control unit works jointly from the mains supply and a rechargeable battery. It processes signals from the various detectors and sensors – and operates the sounders accordingly. Whilst it normally incorporates a keypad to allow you to set and unset the alarm, on most systems a separate or remote keypad will be installed.
External sounder (Bell box)
The external sounder box (usually referred to as a‘bell box’) will provide mechanical and weather protection for the warning sounder located inside the box. The bell box will be protected against unauthorised tampering or attack. Noise pollution legislation requires that external sounders do not operate for more than 20 minutes.
Fitted on the underside or inside the bell box, a strobe light will give visual warning that the alarm has activated, which is useful for identification within a row of alarm box-bearing buildings.
Internal Sounder
The internal sounder will provide a very loud audible warning inside the premises. This is particularly important when the outside warning device may be difficult to hear.
Door / Window Contact (Magnetic Reed Switch)
These sensors are used where detecting the opening of a window or door is required. A magnetic sensor comes in two parts - a magnet and a contact. There are two basic types – the FLUSH type, designed to be unobtrusively sunk into a wooden door or window frame, and the SURFACE type, intended for use where sinking the sensor would be inappropriate, for example metal and UPVC doors and windows.
PIR (Passive Infra Red Sensor)
Passive Infra-Red sensors detect movement of heat, by looking at the room in Infra-red. The detector lens splits the room up into 10+ areas and any movement of heat between these areas will cause an activation.
Dual-Tech Detector
This is two different technology detectors built into the same unit, most common is PIR / Microwave Detector.
Shock Sensors (vibration sensor)
Detects shocks or vibrations, and is used to detect an attempted break in by forced entry.
Break Glass Detectors
Detects the breaking of window or door glass
Beam Type Detectors
Beam Detectors have separate transmitter and receiver units, and movement is detected by something crossing the beam created between the units.
Panic Button (PA)
Deliberately operated by a push button and reset via a key, this device is used to activate the alarm at any time, whether the control unit is switched on or off.
Alarm Monitoring
Simply detecting intrusion is not enough. Help must be summoned without delay. A monitored alarm - connected to a 24 hour monitoring service is the answer. Traditional bell-only alarms may alert staff, but outside business hours they offer little protection. Police forces will not respond to a ringing bell unless there is evidence of an offence in progress.
Consequently insurers insist on monitored alarms. These provide 24 hour, 365 day monitoring by skilled operators in a remote centre, confirming alarms with sequential, audio or visual verification, and ensures police, keyholders or service engineers can be alerted in seconds. False activations are filtered out, avoiding the risk of losing police support.
For a small annual fee, most alarm systems can monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When your system is activated a message is sent to the Alarm Receiving Centre or "ARC". The ARC will call the premises to see if you are OK or a mistake has been with the alarm system, then if appropriate will call your keyholders and or *police.
*If you require police response please phone for more info, because of the extra standards and costs involved .
Speech Dialler
This is the most basic form of Monitoring, if your alarm is activated it will phone several home or mobile phone numbers and alert them to the activation of your alarm system.
Digital Communicator
A digital communicator is a device that connects your alarm to the phone line and sends alarm messages to the ARC. (some alarm panels have built in digital communicators)
On the above Telephone line is not monitored so if the phone line is cut or damaged then no signals can be sent.
DualCom
DualCom plus is a totally integrated dual-signaling device using both telephone and radio paths. This combination ensures an alarm signal can be transmitted despite deliberate or accidental failure of either path.
WHY CHOSE DUALCOM PLUS?
Offers advanced protection for people and property
Costs less to install and run on an annual basis than any other dual-signaling device
Transmits alarm signals end-to-end thus eliminating the potential delays associated with text messaging (SMS) as used by other similar products
Uses the low-traffic, high speed and secure Vodafone Data Network (typically 3 seconds to ARC)
Five-minute polling on telephone or radio path in the vent of signal-path failure
Conforms to ABI (Association of British Insurers) requirements by indicating signal-path failure locally
Conforms to Police standards (ACPO & DD243) and Inspectorate requirements
Complies to Grade 4 for maximum insurance approval
DualCom currently protects national supermarket chains, high street pharmacies, jewellery chains as well as other high risk independent stores, offices etc.
Redcare and redcare home monitoring
redcare offers the most secure form of alarm monitoring available. The service provides continuous monitoring of a BT telephone line that links a professionally installed alarm system on a customer’s premises to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The result is continuous protection of our customers' property, every second of the day, 365 days a year.
Unlike other alarm monitoring services, redcare both alerts the Alarm Receiving Centre when it detects a line cut AND provides encryption to prevent the substitution of equipment or "spoofing" (emulation) of line conditions. This is why redcare is the most secure system of its kind.
redcare is a Secured By Design product and as such has gained Police Preferred Specification status. This was achieved after testing against and meeting the highest grade (Grade 4) of European Standard 50131.
No need for an extra telephone line (a Modem Compatible Device may be required if fax and data services are to be used on same line).
Active, continuous 2-way monitoring – 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
High-speed alarm transmission summons help within a matter of seconds.
Alarm signals can be delivered to the ARC even when the phone is in use.
Encrypted signals which cannot be replicated.
Instant detection if your phone line has been cut.
Our duplicated network ensures the highest levels of resilience.
No additional call charges.
No added reprogramming costs, which may be necessary in areas affected by code changes.
redcare gsm
redcare gsm combines a secure redcare land line connection with a GSM radio backup path. In the event of a line cut it enables alarm systems to be monitored by the radio path.
If the BT land line fails, the ARC will receive a communication failure message. The GSM path will continue to communicate with the alarm receiving centre, sending any subsequent alarms.
redcare gsm is capable of sending a confirmed activation if either the primary land line or secondary radio path is lost, regardless of which one is lost first.
POLICE ATTENDANCE
For security systems there are three levels of police intervention.
LEVEL 1 Immediate
LEVEL 2 Police response is desirable but attendance may be delayed, e.g. due to resource availability.
LEVEL 3 No Police attendance, keyholder response only.
Service and Maintenance
Security systems are like any electrical goods, even with the best installation techniques and high quality parts, there is always the possibility of something going wrong!
Our service and maintenance facilities are available for systems installed by others, subject to a satisfactory survey. Please contact us for further details
Preventative Maintenance
This provides for the on-going periodic testing of the system in line with current British & European Standards, Insurance requirements and ACPO Alarm Policy.
This type of maintenance allows for the inspection and diagnostic testing of the system on a regular basis to prevent any unnecessary false alarms and to ensure that in the event of a genuine alarm activation, you receive the correct response.
Preventative Maintenance Schedules (PD6662:2004)
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Grade 1 Alarm System: 1 x Visit per Year
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Grade 2 Alarm System: 2 x Visits per Year or 1 x Site Visit & 1 x Remote Visit
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Grade 3 Alarm System: 2 x Visits per Year or 1 x Site Visit & 1 x Remote Visit
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Grade 4 Alarm System: 2 x Visits per Year
Corrective Maintenance
Should you require corrective maintenance repairs or an upgrade of your alarm installation in the future, then we at J P Alarms will be at hand to provide ongoing support. Corrective maintenance is carried out within the required timescale and in accordance with documented quality assured procedures.
J P Alarms provide a 24 Hour Service, 365 days a year, with full call-out support and a maximum of 4-hour response. In addition, our preventative maintenance visits will ensure all systems are always operating at optimum performance. However, should any unforeseen problems occur, you can be sure of a fast, friendly and efficient response at all times.
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Maintenance/service contract to suit your needs
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Technical advice from experts
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Highly trained engineers on-call
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24 Hour support
Maximum 4-hour response
Regular Service and maintenance has been proved to:
Wirefree Alarm Systems
At home and in the workplace, wireless communication is ever-present.
From mobile phones to internet-ready PDA's and wireless computer networks, wireless is the way of the world today. Now this convenience and reliability can be yours in a security system, thanks to the quality, dependability and ease of use of modern class 6 wirefree security alarms.
Wireless Alarms, (sometimes known as wirefree or cordless alarm) are often now fitted in place of a wired alarm. With home security being ever more an necessity in the fight against crime and the local burglar, there has never been a more convenient way of protecting your property from intrusion and the subsequent distress caused by a burglary.
The advantages of modern Wireless Systems are that, Wires do not have to be run all through the building to link the sensors to the Control Panel, and being wireless this avoids drilling, lifting carpets, floorboards etc, and the disturbance to the structure that could result from wiring,
With a wireless system you can enjoy peace of mind of a reliable and secure alarm system that will not only protect your premises, it can also be used a panic alarm or even a medical alarm. With regular service and maintenance your wireless alarm system will provide many valuable years of protection and piece of mind to your family.
On some wireless alarms the control devices e.g., Panel, keypads, and external sirens are still all hard wired.
We specialise in the Sale Installation and Maintenance of Wirefree Security Systems.
Sale – We are able to supply a fully installed new wirefree alarm system that will be installed in accordance with the current British and Insurance Company recommendations. We can also supply spare parts or upgrade an existing system, whether installed by our network or another company.
Maintenance – As with all equipment it is imperative that it is maintained to ensure its operates at an optimum level and in the event that the system does have a fault this can be rectified at the earliest opportunity. As wireless systems rely heavily on battery technology to keep them running, it is important that all wirefree alarm systems are maintained regularly.
DIY (Do It Yourself) – We do not supply equipment for Do it Yourself Installation. Wire Free Alarms require specialist installation and over the years we have replaced many DIY installations due to poor installation/ equipment.
Remote Programming and Diagnostics – All our systems have the facility to be accessed remotely for fault diagnosis or programming, this in most cases prevents the need for an engineer to attend the premises.
Alarm Receiving Centre Monitoring – We are able to provide several methods of remote signaling that will upon activation, supplement the external siren to the premises and notify the Police or the appointed key holder for the property.
Wirefree Frequently Asked Questions
Bells Only Intruder Alarm System
"Bells Only" refers to the type of intruder alarm, burglar alarm, or fire alarm system that uses audible and visual signaling only, i.e. an external Siren and Strobe and is not connected to any monitoring station. Such burglar and intruder security systems can still be registered with the Police but it is optional and police response is dependant upon a neighbour or passer by hearing your alarm ringing and raising the alarm.
Monitored Alarm Systems
Monitored systems are linked by your phone line (or, in the case of high security systems, phone line and wireless transceiver) to a remote Monitoring Station. Each time the alarm is set, unset or activated signals are sent to the call centre.
For all alarm activations, the call centre will first try to contact the protected premises and then, if they cannot get a satisfactory response, they will call keyholders. A password is used to ensure security of communication with the Monitoring Station.
Keyholders
For monitored intruder and fire alarms a minimum or 2 keyholders are required. Keyholders are people who do not live at the alarmed premises but have access to it. For commercial premises keyholders can be the owner (provided they don't live at the premises), Store Manager, etc. For residential premises keyholders are neighbours or friends/family living locally.
If the alarm is activated the monitoring station will call the keyholders who will then be required to attend the premises.
Keyholders must live within 20 minutes of the alarmed premises and have their own transport and set of keys to the premises. They must know how to operate the alarm including knowledge of passwords used by the alarm monitoring station.
There are specialist companies available who, for a fee, can act as keyholders.
What does a alarm control panel do?
The Control Panel is the heart of the intruder alarm system and contains the microprocessor and electronic circuitry necessary to monitor the various detection circuits (zones) and to initiate an alarm condition in the event of an intrusion into a protected area. It incorporates an internal sounder. It allows all user configurable settings to be programmed
What is a PIR? (passive infra red detector)
PIR's detect movement by detecting changes in heat caused by a person moving within the devices detection zone.
What is a Magnetic Door Contact?
Magnetic Door Contacts are used to protect doors and windows. It will detect when the door or window is opened.
What is a Remote Control?
The Remote Control allows you to simply Arm and Disarm your security system from any location (within range) and from outside the property. Most include a panic button facility.
In the event of a power failure will the alarm system continue to operate?
Yes, control panels are supplied with rechargeable back-up batteries fitted. These will power the system (depending upon battery condition and use in the event of a power failure).
HOMELINK 75 Wirefree Security Systems
You want to look after what’s important in life: your family, your home and yourself. With the wire-free Homelink75 you’re already off to a good start. It offers you some of the most advanced security technology available, from one of the world’s leading manufacturers.
With over 20 years’ experience, Scantronic builds state-of-the-art security systems which incorporate intelligence as standard. Intelligence that makes Homelink75 more than a security system. Using mobile technology, Homelink75 combines communications and security to bring you a system that not only protects what you care about, but tells you what you need to know – when you need to know it.
Whatever you’re doing, whether at home, work or abroad, Homelink75 gives you complete reassurance that your premises and all its contents are secure.
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32 fully supervised (to EN50131-3) radio input zones
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Integral radio field-strength meter for accurate detector sitting
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2 FSL wired input zones
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32 programmable radio outputs
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2 wired relay outputs
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Multi-function remote operation fobs
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Scantronic AE2 dual diversity narrow-band 868 MHz radio receiver
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Integral prox reader
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integral social alarm function with Tunstall and SCANCOM Fast-Format communications and semi-duplex
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Loud-speaking facility
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Integral speech dialler with one 12s home message and up to four consecutive messages each 8s long with listening-in and talk back facility
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NiMH batteries giving at least 12 hours standby operation
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Full upload/download and remote servicing facility
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Voice memo recording facility
Technical Specifications
Electrical Mains Power Supply 230VAC, 200mA max, +10%/- 15%
Standby Time More than 12 Hours
Physical
Dimensions 285mm W, 206mm H, 45mm D
Weight 1.060kg (without standby battery)
CCTV - Closed Circuit Television
CCTV - Closed Circuit Television. A television system intended as a "closed" system, rather than broadcast system, to be viewed by only a very limited number of viewers e.g. 1 camera to 1 monitor in its simplest form.
Cameras Work!
Statistics point to major reductions in the amount of crime being committed where there are cameras are installed. An article in 'New Scientist' magazine showed that simply installing a system can reduce crime, in the areas covered, by over 95%. As our customers inform us that they are having similar results in all types of business, you will begin to appreciate why CCTV is seen by many as the best system for deterrent and detection.
Benefits of CCTV
CCTV equipment can provide instant alerts when trouble occurs, ensuring that crime against people, theft and vandalism are all substantially reduced. And when crime does occur, CCTV system incident recording can provide valuable evidence, improving the likelihood of a conviction.
CCTV security system technology and CCTV equipment can be used in both internal and external environments to watch over and protect people, property, vehicles and valuables.
CCTV Security Systems - In a retail environment
In the retail sector, the use of CCTV is not confined to the prevention of crime. Properly designed and implemented, modern digital CCTV also provides valuable management information, as well as crowd control, staff monitoring and support.
With a safer environment and increased peace-of-mind for staff, customers and the general public, there are benefits in terms of increased traffic and business.
Internal shrinkage is a major problem for the retail sector. By using CCTV to monitor cashier activity, these losses can be significantly reduced.
Covert & Discreet Cameras
We can supply and install cameras hidden inside a variety of everyday appliances and inconspicuous housings. Take a look at how they can improve the effectiveness of your security installations!
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Hidden cameras are virtually undetectable yet provide high quality picture even through a pinhole
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Hidden cameras provide security without creating an oppressive environment
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They actually detect crime whereas visible cameras tend to deter
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An effective solution for eliminating office theft, shoplifting, stock shrinkage and burglary
CCTV is now commonplace in most environments with a vast array of equipment available. As a professional installation company, we can provide the best solution to meet your requirements and budget.
Our solutions incorporate only quality equipment from manufactures such as Panasonic, Sony Bosch and Pentax.
We also lead the way in Ethernet CCTV, pioneering the latest technology to transmit quality CCTV images over LAN's/WAN's and the Internet.
What Digital CCTV Recording can do for you.
Technology to take your CCTV recordings to a new dimension.
Cost Savings
Tape changes are eliminated saving tape costs and staff time.
Quality and Security
Digital recording provides high quality images far in advance of standard video tapes. Images may be easily copied or emailed without degradation. Authentication software ensures images are tamperproof.
Standalone Digital Recorder
Standalone Digital Recorders offer a simple upgrade for your current system retaining VCR style controls for easy use.
Proper Maintenance
Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Sir John Stevens told a recent press conference:
"CCTV is a powerful weapon in preventing and detecting crime – just look how it helped us catch the nail bomber in a matter of days. But without proper maintenance, clean lenses and decent tapes it's a bit like looking at things through a snowstorm."
Whether you are protecting your business or your home against robbery and theft, If you use CCTV to protect your premises you should check your system.
There are a few simple rules to ensure that CCTV is not rendered useless:
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Change tapes daily*
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Use them no more than 12 times*
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Keep tapes for at least a month (Check with your Data Protection Policy)*
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Use good quality tapes and check them by playing them on a different machine*
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Ensure that the picture is clear
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Check that the time and date displays are correct
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Check that the picture is covering the right area
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Make sure there is enough light for the camera to give a proper picture
*Time-Lapse Video Recorder
Police Investigators
For CCTV recordings to be effective in detecting and investigating crime they must be fit for purpose and easily accessible by police investigators. For digital CCTV there are 4 main areas that must be considered:
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Quality - are the pictures good enough?
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Storage - are the pictures stored appropriately?
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Export - can the pictures be easily exported from the system?
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Playback - can the pictures be easily viewed by authorised third parties?
More information on Police requirements for Digital CCTV Systems.
More information on IP CCTV Systems
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Intruder Alarm Systems 
