Burglar Alarms

bert&ernie

Since moving to our current house 5 years ago, we have suffered two burglaries and two further attempted burglaries. The latest one being a few weeks ago when a neighbour spotted people in our back garden in the middle of the night.

I've resolved to install some kind of intruder alarm system.

So far, Ive looked at the ATD monitored range and had a quote from a local company.

I've already pretty much decided to rule out the monitored systems with police response, but I would like something more than bells only.

The local companies surveyor proposed a system that would dial out to up to 4 numbers on alarm activation. Its a relatively small system for a terraced house requiring 2 wireless PIRs, 1 door contact, Bell Box and control panel with a 4 number autodialer and 2 keyfobs. I've been waiting for a quote since last thursday and today they told me that this would be £850 + VAT an optional £70 pa maintenance

TBH, this is about double what I was expecting. Seems like an awful lot for what I expect is ~£200 worth of equipment at trade price and couple of hours work.

The ADT systems are a lot less upfront, but have a minimum 36 month contract. That said, I'd need to keep the installers system for 5 years to start saving any money over an equivalent ADT system - which is monitored, but with out police response.

Neither are looking particularly great value for money, so I'm wondering of anyone has any experience of the self-installed systems supplied by British Gas (about £200 + 8 pm) or other DIY solutions?

Owain_Moneysaver

If you don't need response centre monitoring then why not DIY install a system?

I would advise against keyfobs - if you lose your housekeys you have also lost your keyfob. Use a keypad and have a different code for each person. Have a disposable code for any tradesmen etc.

You could also consider CCTV - some CCTV digital video recorders, and almost all IP cameras, will email you on a motion detector alert and with a smartphone you can watch the clips or live camera feeds. If this provides confirmation that there are intruders you can then request police attendance. In effect you become your own monitoring centre.

Have a crime prevention survey from the local police, and they will advise on things like gravel paths and prickly plants which can be surprisingly effective.

ormus

you can buy systems with an auto dialer for about 150 quid. easy enough to install and no contract.
diy or handyman job.
or you can buy the auto dialers alone, for about 50 quid.

bert&ernie

Thanks for responses. Think I am leaning towards a self installed system and I don't really see the benefit in a pro install unless you need it for police response.

I have got a an indoor IP camera which I used for a while after the last break-in. I suppose it can give you some reassurance by allowing you to remotely monitor your home, but its no deterrent and I'm not convinced an e-mail alert would arrive in time to take any action.

As a way of verifying an alarm call, then I think it would work as you can get live images on a smartphone (providing you have an internet connection wherever you happen to be at the time)

I've been looking again at the British Gas Safe and Secure System http://www.britishgas.co.uk/products-and-services/safe-and-secure.html?bglink_id=imm10036

This looks suspiciously like a branded derivative of the Visonic Powermaster Kit http://www.visonic.com/uk-powermaster-10-kit

The technology certainly looks similar even if some of the device casings aren't. Unfortunately, the Visonic kit is not sold via self-install channels, although I found a manual and it doesn't exactly look like rocket science.

smudger1964

I have fitted a yale wireless alarm with a dialling system in about 3 hours or so and if I can do it anyone can cost just under £200 but since fitting it has come down to about £170 typical

Owain_Moneysaver

bert&ernie wrote: »

This looks suspiciously like a branded derivative of the Visonic Powermaster Kit http://www.visonic.com/uk-powermaster-10-kit

The technology certainly looks similar even if some of the device casings aren't. Unfortunately, the Visonic kit is not sold via self-install channels, although I found a manual and it doesn't exactly look like rocket science.

Visonic is sold through Denmans and Senate wholesalers, I think they will probably sell to you if you wander into a branch with a handful of readies.

bert&ernie

Apologies, the British Gas Safe & Secure system is not the same as the Visonic powermaster.

It's more likely based on the Alert Me Home Monitoring system
http://www.alertme.com/products/smartmonitoring-kit-1776.html

Devices look very similar and the web dashboard is almost identical. The starter kit contains a different mix of devices, but is £50 cheaper.

landbound

Hi, If its any help I've just started an unofficial forum for the British Gas Safe and Secure system as there doesnt seem to be one around (even with BG)

It is in a nutshell the AlertMe system, even down to the AlertME stickers on the British Gas items although British Gas have added a vast array of features and accessories over AlertME

Just search for allthelatest.info

rpb

I've been looking at the British Gas "Safe and Secure" system with a view to getting one.

Does anyone have any feedback from using these systems? I've read a few comments on the Internet about them being temperamental, with devices shutting down and needing resetting and communication being lost, and the British Gas servers going down; and other comments saying people like them.

Are there any S&S owners on MoneySavingExpert with opinions on how good the system is? Also are there any technical people with comments on the security of the wireless it uses to communicate and how tamper-resistant the bells/devices are, etc.?

xyz123

rpb wrote: »

I've been looking at the British Gas "Safe and Secure" system with a view to getting one.

Does anyone have any feedback from using these systems? I've read a few comments on the Internet about them being temperamental, with devices shutting down and needing resetting and communication being lost, and the British Gas servers going down; and other comments saying people like them.

Are there any S&S owners on MoneySavingExpert with opinions on how good the system is? Also are there any technical people with comments on the security of the wireless it uses to communicate and how tamper-resistant the bells/devices are, etc.?

Ditto. I would also like to get some feedback.