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by Lib Dem team on 7 May, 2011
I was called this afternoon by a salesman wanting to sell me a burglar alarm linked into their control centre – for a bit over a grand, including their discount.
I said no, and I’d advise anyone receiving a similar call to think very carefully before taking it up.
First the salesman told me that burglaries were on the rise in my area – not true. We have few burglaries around here and the number’s falling.
Second, there’s a lot you can do with a thousand pounds and – if you want to spend it on home security. If you’re on a low income, you may even be eligible for one of the grants, and whatever your income you can certainly get good advice from the police on home security.
As a general rule, things like having PVC windows and doors with decent locks, and following basic security advice like not leaving your door open in warm weather, is more effective .
I’m not a security expert and I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a burglar alarm: it could well be the right solution for you. But check it out first and don’t part with a thousand quid just because the salesman says so.
2 Comments
As with all “direct sell” operations, a large chunk of the upfront cost is the sales person’s commission. What you’re also paying for here (and there would be ongoing annual costs) is the link to their call centre. Bear in mind this is a call centre and not the police – there will be absolutely no guarantee that the police would turn out to an activation.
That said, I’d take the view that an alarm is a good deterrent – and I mean an alarm, not a fake bell box on the side of the house (criminals can spot the difference a mile off). Seeing a real bell box will act as a deterrent and, if the criminal is still brave enough to break in, the bell going off means they’re likely to spend a much shorter time in the house, thereby not stealing as much as they might otherwise have done.
If you’re going to get an alarm, talk to one of the several highly reputable privately owned businesses around the area. And, no, I have no business connection with the industry.
I’d agree with JH’s response. A good burglar alarm can be bought (supplied & fitted) from a local tradesman. If you have good neighbours who will check if/when it is activated that’s all you need, not a control centre 100’s of miles away who will only call the police anyway.
Also, an alarm gets you a discount on your house insurance.