Home and Small Business alarm and CCTV systems
in Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall

Alarm and CCTV systems in Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall

Alarm systems

When trying to stop a burglar, an intruder or burglar alarm system is one of the most effective deterrents.  As a general rule burglars are opportunists, and are very unlikely to break into your house or business if good security measures have been put in place to protect the premises.

There are two kinds of intruder or burglar alarm systems - an audible only system (bells only) or one that is linked to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). The audible only system relies upon noise and flashing light to scare away burglars and prompt passers-by to notify the police. Monitored systems are highly recommended for business premises, but it is also advisable to secure your home in the same manner. Most of us tend to ignore alarm sirens often not knowing where they are or simply not wanting to get involved.

Monitored alarm systems are normally registered with the police, who issue a Unique Reference Number (URN) for the premises. Use of the URN ensures that the police already have full details of the alarmed premises, along with records of any hazardous areas. This saves time and enables a faster response.

A monitored alarm can have an audible delay or be silent, to give the ARC time to notify police, giving them a better chance of catching the criminals on the premises. Alarm systems can incorporate a visual verification of an intruder on the premises via additional signals to the ARC.

CCTV systems

A CCTV system can enhance your security further allowing you to record any event that may occur and you can also keep an eye on your property whilst at work or on holiday.

We've all seen closed circuit television camera (CCTV) systems in public places such as shopping centres and in the street. But they're also becoming popular among homeowners as a crime prevention tool.

Simple CCTV surveillance systems are now reasonably priced. Cameras can also be set to record what's going on outside your home while you are out, keep an eye on your car, or even view certain rooms inside your home. These can all be activated by sensors similar to those used on security lights or alarm systems or can record real time images onto a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). 

Users of small systems or home systems which contain less than 3 cameras, which are not remotely operated i.e. they cannot be moved left/right and zoomed from a controller away from the camera, and the information gathered is passed to no-one but the Police, have no requirement to register with the UK Information Commissioner (Data Protection Act 1998), nor place signs, keep tape records etc although placing signage can assist as a deterrent.

You can buy "covert" systems disguised as lamps outside your home, or even teddy bears for inside. Think carefully about the ethics of spying on your children or nannies (as is becoming popular in the USA). You should only consider this if you're pretty sure there is something to be worried about.

We can advise you on the best system and the most appropriate positions for the cameras.

Access control systems

Access Control can also be used in the home. This can take various forms including electrically operated gates into the property with either a video or audio intercom to communicate who wishes to enter the premises. Coupled with an alarm and / or  a CCTV system access control can be used to enter the property itself. This can be part of the alarm system or for more sophisticated systems you can use biometric technology including fingerprint, iris, retina and facial recognition. Please ask for advise on these various options as each client will have  individual requirements.

Alarm and CCTV systems in Plymouth, Devon & Cornwall