Security questions - alarms, keys etc

lilian1977

Hi

Just looking for some advice. We are completing on our first home tomorrow (:j) and we're wondering about things like burglar alarms etc.

Firstly, can anyone recommend a good alarm? We don't want a monitored one, I like the idea of the auto dialler ones but given that it would take us an hour to get home from work, is there any point in having this? Our house is an end terrace with a fully wooden front and back door, two small kitchen windows and two larger living room windows, all with small openings at the top only. We have a back garden that isn't really overlooked.

Here are the details from UpMyStreet for Burglary Dwelling Offences:

LOCAL COUNCIL 3.2

ENGLISH AVERAGE 4.3

I think this one would suit, what do people think?

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=10001&catalogId=1500001801&langId=-1&searchTerms=7002537&Submit=GO+%3E

---

Secondly, do people generally get the locks changed when they move in? I imagine so?


Thanks for any assistance x

poppysarah

Get one that does ring you. You might have a friend or relative you'd trust to go and check on it if you're too far away.

Our cats set ours off which is annoying - but it is only because one of them has got shut in somewhere it shouldn't. My neighbour texts me if she hears the alarm go off too.
Hopefully your alarm will never have to ring you.

lilian1977

Thanks for the advice Poppy. We won't be having cats but we are going to have a hamster - would the small movement in the cage set an alarm off?

scottishblondie

Shouldn't do. I have 2 budgies, they've never set the alarm off and their cage is in full view of the motion detector. Except for one time i left their cage door open by accident!

lilian1977

Thanks Blondie, that's reassuring!

Thinking of this one now after Poppy's advice:

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7000371/c_1/1|category_root|Garden|14418702.htm

Any thoughts about its suitability?

mchale

http://www.getanalarm.co.uk/ £99 ????

poppysarah

I thinkn OH's auntie had that argos one. The keyfob idea is a bit strange but handy sometimes

lilian1977

Thanks will take a look. And thanks for that too Poppy!

Mozette

lilian1977 wrote: »

Hi


Secondly, do people generally get the locks changed when they move in? I imagine so?


Thanks for any assistance x

If you have any doubts about the people you buy from or the EA, then get it done pronto. It is really a good idea to get the locks changed anyway as you don't know who might have had a set of keys, friends neighbours etc. For the cost it is best to be on the safe side.

eamon

Make contact with the Crime Protection Officer for that area. They will be delighted to visit and offer practical advice. They probably won't advise as to any particular alarm system as each has its own merits. And its free.

Eamon

LeeSouthEast

One advantage of a monitored alarm is the police will go round when it goes off. They will not go round for normal house alarms.