Businesses Saved by Burglar Alarms | Case Studies & Successes

Whether by law or by compliance with insurance companies, businesses require burglar alarms for not just business security, but to also ensure that their brand image and their business assets remain protected.

With most businesses already a victim of crime, it is no surprise that with worsening economic conditions, crime is likely to increase. This is why it has become pertinent for business owners to cover all bases and protect their business from any harm that could potentially hinder business activities.

Businesses in the UK lose a significant amount of money that could be saved by implementing the right security measures. Installing a basic anti-burglar system like a burglar alarm can significantly help you deter crime and keep your business safe from intruders.

In this guide, we will look at some of the benefits and costs of burglar alarm systems for businesses as well as real-life success stories of how burglar alarms saved businesses from theft.

TYPES OF BUSINESS BURGLAR ALARMS

Burglar alarms are available in several varieties. The right type of alarm for your business will depend on your budget and needs. Here are some of the top alarm systems that you can go for:

Bells-Only Alarms

Bells-only alarms are excellent for all types of businesses and are frequently the most economical choice for small-sized businesses. They work using a simple mechanism that employs the use of a sensor and a bell. When the sensor is armed it scans for movement in a particular area. When triggered, the alarm sounds a loud bell that can scare away intruders and alert nearby people.

Dialler Alarms

Dialler alarms work in the same way as bells-only alarms, but they have the added advantage of also sending out a text notification via SMS to specific stakeholders. These numbers can be saved in the alarm system so that when the alarm is triggered, not only does it ring loudly but it also alerts people via SMS wherever they are.

Monitored Alarms

Monitored alarm systems are best for business owners looking for comprehensive security. These alarms work in the same way as the bells-only alarm except that they are also monitored by a dedicated alarm monitoring team.

Security personnel remotely monitor the status of the alarm and take necessary actions in real time so you don’t have to face any delay in taking action in the case of a break-in.

Smart Alarms

Smart burglar alarms use Artificial Intelligence and advanced algorithms to scan for threats. These alarms automate the monitoring process by using past trends and proactively scanning for threats to secure the property.

The sensor data is collected in real time and processed via an online server using cloud computing. If the system detects movement or data that signals a break-in, the system can immediately alert the authorities and notify the business stakeholders via a mobile application.

If you have other smart security systems installed at the premises, then these alarms can also work with them to provide next-level security. The most common combo involves using CCTV cameras, sensors, and access control systems.

For example, if the motion sensors detect a sound, vibration, or pressure on a door or surface, the sensors can trigger an alarm and send out a signal that engages the locks on all entry and exit points, thereby trapping the intruder(s) inside. The CCTV cameras will also record everything!

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST COMMERCIAL ALARM SYSTEM

Here are a couple of key questions to keep in mind when choosing the best business alarm system:

Budget – as a business owner, how much can you set aside for securing your property from all kinds of threats? (this also includes maintenance charges and/or repair charges if needed)
Type of system – do you require professional monitoring services, or would a simple alarm be sufficient for your needs?
Installation method – do you want a wired or wireless system?
Connectivity – do you prefer notifications transmitted via landline, GPRS, or the internet (IP)?
Smart options – do you want the system to be interconnected with other security hardware?
Certifications – are the security companies installing the system NSI and SSAIB certified?

COSTING FOR BUSINESS BURGLAR ALARMS

The total price of a business burglar alarm includes the following factors:

Hardware Cost
Professional installation
Monitoring Services (if required)
Maintenance Contracts (or periodic maintenance)
Repair Services (if required)

BUSINESS BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM BUDGETING

On average, you can expect the price for a business burglar alarm installation to cost around £900-£2500.

The total cost depends on the size of the property as well as the type of burglar alarm installed.

Burglar alarm monitoring services come with a monthly bill. The monthly fee can range from £15-£45. When alerted, the Alarm Response Centre (ACR) performs a check to confirm the alarm, notifies the person in charge, and if appropriate, alerts the police.

Business burglar alarm maintenance services cost around £92 including VAT. This includes full testing of the entire alarm system including the control panel, bell box, and sensors.

Business burglar alarm repair services cost around £92 including VAT, with the charges varying depending on the severity of the fault. If an alarm shows signs of damage, you should ideally have it repaired ASAP.

Failing to immediately address alarm faults can lead to false alarms or, in a worst-case scenario, the faults can prevent the alarm from triggering in the event of an actual break-in.

BENEFITS OF A COMMERCIAL ALARM SYSTEM

There are countless benefits of burglar alarm systems for businesses. From theft prevention to booting the brand image of the business, burglar alarms truly provide multiple benefits that go beyond security.

Here are some of the top benefits:

24/7 Security

Burglar alarms are most important for businesses that face problems during odd hours of the day.

Criminals take advantage of nighttime because they can use the darkness to cover their activities.

However, with a burglar alarm in place, you don’t have to worry about your business being protected outside of business hours. These alarms protect against burglaries, theft, and intrusions, and if you opt for monitoring services, then experts will keep an eye on your property 24/7.

Crime deterrence

Burglar alarms provide proactive security since their existence on business premises is enough to deter crime. This makes them one of the most effective deterrents against burglars and intruders.

Criminals look out for businesses that have major gaps in their security. So, if they notice a business that does not have alarms, or have poorly installed alarms, they will likely choose it as their next target.

Businesses with security alarms, cameras, and security make criminals think thrice since breaking into a secure business would not just be difficult but also not worth the risk since the chances of getting caught are significantly higher.

Cost minimisation

Think that burglar alarm costs are irrecoverable? Think again! Contrary to popular belief, installing security measures has a profound impact on costs and business owners can end up saving money.

Burglar alarms help keep businesses up and running, which means that you are likely to never face any downtime after a security breach. Furthermore, the losses that you would have to face during a robbery would far exceed the costs of a simple burglar alarm system. A well-maintained security alarm system can even lower your insurance premiums.

Damage minimisation.

According to the Crime Against Businesses: Findings from the 2023 Commercial Victimisation Survey, businesses that were victims of crime such as theft had a serious impact in terms of financial loss, lost business time, and stolen goods or services.

Burglaries also have several intangible effects as well, mostly in the context of mental trauma and loss of productivity. It is estimated that trauma from a robbery can significantly affect the quality of life of an individual and have lasting effects.

Compliance with the law

Employees as well as customers look for businesses that provide safety for all stakeholders. This means that they want to feel secure when entering, working at, and exiting a business premises.

Investing in a burglar alarm system also makes the business more compliant with regulations. Alarm systems save you from heavy fines and can potentially help in lowering insurance premiums.

Peace of mind

Finally, having peace of mind is one of the biggest reasons business owners opt for burglar alarms for their business.

Imagine having to constantly worry about your business and its safety outside of business hours. For business owners conducting business in crime-laden areas, this is a reality! However, with a comprehensive burglar alarm system, things can change for the better almost instantly.

Peace of mind is probably one of the biggest benefits you can think of when it comes to installing security alarm systems on your property. With a burglar alarm system, you don’t have to think twice about the safety of your business since your assets will always be protected.

Investing in security for new businesses is especially important since the initial cost of the installation will likely pay back dividends over time by protecting your assets!

REAL-LIFE SUCCESS STORIES: BUSINESSES SAVED BY BURGLAR ALARMS

Bognor burglar arrested after arcade raid

Burglar alarms work around the clock to keep businesses safe. Here’s a success story that shows how burglar alarms keep properties safe even outside of business hours.

A thief in Bognor Pier tried his hand at robbing an arcade. Arcades are rife with cash and since these businesses regularly see a lot of footfall daily, there can be quite a lot of cash stored in the machines at any given time.

This is why burglars regularly scout for these businesses as they can turn into a big score for them. However, one burglar wasn’t so successful because he underestimated the security measures used by the arcade.

As soon as the burglar made his way into the store, the alarm was triggered which immediately alerted the police. The authorities were able to apprehend the criminal who decided to hide behind one of the arcade machines – a “genius” move.

The crime took place at 4 am which is usually when criminals are most active. However, with an effective alarm in place, your business is likely to be safe 24/7.

Burglar caught after triggering nearby security alarm.

Here’s another example of how burglar alarms can be used to alert not just the police but also nearby people.

Bells-only alarms work by sounding an alarm to deter criminals; they don’t alert the police or the stakeholders of the business. This feature is reserved for dialler alarm systems.

However, even bells-only alarms can be useful in preventing crime! In this case, a burglar managed to break into a store, triggering the alarm – but instead of running away, the criminal thought that they could get away with their crime if they quickly robbed and left the premises.

Thankfully, they were wrong!

The store was also equipped with a burglar alarm that immediately alerted nearby authorities who apprehended the robber. What’s most striking about this robbery is that the robber had previously tried to rob three places in one night.

The robber first tried to break into a house by breaking a window but was scared away after the homeowners came downstairs to inspect the sound. On the same night, the robber managed to trigger an alarm at a separate location but got away until they were caught at the third location which also had an alarm installed.

Burglary foiled by Lakewood Police

This criminal thought that they could easily break in and spend their time conducting their robbery.

The thief had surveyed the area beforehand but failed to notice a few key burglar alarms placed discreetly around the property. Professional alarm installers use various strategies to hide these alarms so that even if the criminals can bypass the primary alarms that are placed in sight, they can be caught by these hidden alarms.

As soon as the burglar entered the premises, the alarm sent out a notification to the police as well as the stakeholders who promptly arrived and apprehended the criminal.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards.

We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

We understand the importance of having to regularly maintain security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.

We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.

We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Real-Life Success Stories: Businesses Saved by Burglar Alarms