Guides How burglar alarms raise the alarm
How burglar alarms raise the alarm
The three ways an intruder alarm can tell someone it has gone off, and what each needs.
Bells-only
The alarm sounds and the bell box flashes, to scare off an intruder and alert people nearby. There is no monthly cost. It relies on someone hearing it.
App alerts (self-monitored)
The alarm sends an alert to your phone, and to anyone else you choose, when it is set off. You can check what is happening and decide what to do. Most modern alarms we fit can do this.
Monitored, with police response
The alarm signals to an alarm receiving centre, which checks the activation and can call the police. To get police response, the system must be fitted and maintained by an installer the police recognise, usually one with NSI or SSAIB certification, and connected to a recognised receiving centre. Some insurers ask for this for higher-risk properties, so check your policy.
Elite does not hold NSI or SSAIB certification, so we do not fit police-response systems. If you need one, we will tell you at the quote.