Effective security with our intruder alarms

An intruder alarm system primarily acts as a deterrent and to detect intrusion at the earliest possible moment by activating sounders at the premises or by sending signals to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) to inform keyholders, police or a keyholding company. We install professional intruder alarm systems with the utmost care and attention to detail; whilst always focusing on the protection that it provides your home.

Over many years we have tested hundreds of products to bring you the most reliable and efficient detection and control equipment. Our highly trained and experienced engineers install cabling and devices with diligence and attention to detail. From the simplest audible siren to high-security dual-path monitored systems with or without police response, we will match your risks and concerns with the response option that is appropriate.

We install alarm systems from scratch, replace and update old systems and in some cases take-over maintenance of systems that meet current Standards and our own exacting codes of practice. Our systems can be set with the use of a proximity token and/or codes. For alarms with police response, the use of the tag is required in order to set and unset the system. For all other alarms, you may use tags or codes to set and unset the alarm.

All new installations are to current European Standards and issued with an NSI Certificate of Compliance. Indeed we are subject to regular inspections by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) to ensure that we maintain the same high standards required for accreditation. Wireless alarm systems now offer a cost effective and reliable solution where running cables is not practical or desired. These systems can include panic buttons, smoke, heat and CO2 detectors as well as shock and motion sensors.

For larger properties or where properties are undergoing refurbishment, wired systems are often advised. Where it is practical to run cables during construction or refurbishment, we are happy to work with contractors to install cabling fitting in with their schedules.  We do not use salespeople and our surveying engineers are always happy to discuss all options with you and advise which type of alarm is best for your home. 

Your domestic burglar alarm system can connect to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), sometimes called a monitoring station or central station to alert either keyholders and/or police of an activation with or without the use of the internal and external sounders to alert the area and scare off an intruder.

There are a wide variety of monitoring methods and insurance companies may have specific requirements for your premises so it is always wise to check with them before making a final decision. In some instances, insurers offer discounts for premises protected by intruder alarms.

Historically, alarms have been connected via a dedicated telephone line but with the rise in wireless coverage and improvements in technology, these are no longer as necessary. 

We offer both single path and dual path monitoring options.

Single path monitoring connects the alarm system to the ARC via a radio signal. Dual path uses both radio and landline paths to ensure that an alarm signal can still be sent even if one path fails.

This level of protection is much more affordable now and gives peace of mind to the home owner knowing their property is protected day and night.

If a monitored system is activated, the ARC will inform keyholders, a chosen keyholding company or the police as applicable. It is possible to have any combination of the above.

In order to connect the system to the ARC, the following are required:

The names and contact numbers of at least two named keyholders, along with a confidential password so that their identities can be verified. The keyholders must also hold keys, alarm tag to the property and ARC account details. They must also be able to operate the alarm system.

They should reside within a reasonable distance of the site and at least one keyholder should be independent of the others in case of holidays bearing in mind that temporary keyholders are required if any keyholders are away.

Keyholding companies are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a safe and reliable method of dealing with alarm activations, genuine or otherwise. You may not want to send your friends, family or staff members to investigate an alarm at your property (commercial or residential) in the middle of the night. Keyholding companies will send a guard to the site and call relevant authorities as required.

If a system requires police response, a one off charge is made by the police for a Unique Reference Number (URN) and an application form must be completed by the client and installing company. Police response is contingent upon the alarm being installed to the current Standards.

In order to reduce the number of false alarms, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has issued a policy on the policing of intruder alarms. The full policy can be found on http://www.securedbydesign.com/security-systems/index.aspx

1. There must be at least two keyholders available for call out.

2. They must be contactable by telephone at their home address and reside not more than 20 minutes travelling distance from the protected premises.

(PLEASE NOTE – The advice from the Association of British Insurers is as follows: If a keyholder cannot be contacted or decides not to attend, the insurance is void.)

If you wish to apply for police response to your current Woodside Security Systems monitored alarm, please contact us.