Intruder Alarms

The global market for alarm monitoring is projected to reach $54.46bn in value by 2020 at a CAGR of 6.73%.

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.