Commercial intruder alarm systems, which generally comprise detectors, a control panel and a communication system, are invariably connected to alarm receiving centres (ARCs), which monitor and react to security breaches 24 hours a day. Insurance companies generally won’t provide cover to commercial premises without an ARC-monitored system, which also alerts and prompts a response from police. Popular ARCs include Securi-Guard Monitoring, Crime Prevention Services, Custodian Monitoring, First County Monitoring, Southern Monitoring and Orbis, among others.
Modern alarm systems, which are typically activated when an electrical circuit is broken or motion is detected, can even be integrated with video surveillance and other security systems, enabling a coordinated response between cameras, motion detectors and intruder alarms. And signal filtering functions are increasingly sophisticated as the industry continues to make progress in tackling the scourge of false alarms.
The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) recommends that you consult a crime reduction officer at your local police station for advice before buying a system.
Texecom, Honeywell, Pyronix, Optex, Tyco and the RISCO Group are among the biggest names in intrusion detection. Providing the technology that connects intrusion detection systems to ARCs, alarm signalling services are largely provided by three companies: BT Redcare, CSL (formerly CSL DualCom) and Emizon.
CSL is the largest supplier of alarm signalling services in the UK, with an installed base of 500,000, of which 80% is security signalling. In fact, CSL products are so widely installed that they enjoy brand-name recognition even beyond the security and fire industry.
April 1, 2021
The police forces have jointly issued notice to their registered Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) to be ECHO-connected by 1 October 2021. Read More
February 9, 2021
Fenix Monitoring has partnered with OPTEX to support its customers by providing visually verified alarms via the Intelligent Visual Monitoring solution. Read More
January 28, 2021
Mike Reddington, has been appointed to the ECHO (Electronic Call Handling Operations) Board of Directors with immediate effect. Read More
January 21, 2021
BT Redcare has announced the UK launch of Essential IP, a new all-IP alarm signalling solution that is designed to futureproof alarm systems. Read More
November 5, 2020
The UK’s Police Crime Prevention Initiatives has put together advice for consumers to assist with the selection of suitable security systems, stressing the importance of using a reputable and independently approved alarm company. Read More
August 25, 2020
Mark Wall from Webeye expands on the company’s decision to move to a new premises, and what this means for the future. Read More
July 24, 2020
Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed its newest member Vanderbilt, joining the Security Section of the organisation. Read More
June 1, 2020
IFSEC and FIREX have partnered with Skills for Security to deliver an exclusive programme of digital training and career development: Training Week. Read More
May 11, 2020
Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe, alerts us to the potential for Deep Learning video analytics to significantly reduce false alarms. Read More
April 24, 2020
Euralarm has released a communiqué with recommendations on updating national codes (such as a Building Code, Fire Code, etc.) when new standards become available. Read More