Home Security Advice

What Can I Do To Protect My Home?

You can reduce the risk of your home being burgled by taking some simple precautions.

Around 20% of all house burglaries are carried out without the use of force as entry is made through an open door or window. Fit strong locks to your doors and windows and keep them locked even when you're home.

To further reduce the risk of being burgled, there are a number of security measures you may wish to consider.

Visible burglar alarms make intruders think twice.  They not only act as a deterrent, but will also provide a warning that an intrusion is taking place.

However 'bells-only' alarms will not give you an automatic police response; they will only act if an unlawful entry has been reported by a 999 call.

Those alarms connected to a monitoring service are the best. Opting for a remotely monitored alarm, where activation signals are sent to a monitoring centre ensures the police are contacted on your behalf in the event of a confirmed signal.

Signals are filtered for false activations avoiding the risk of losing police response to your alarm.

Other electronic security systems include CCTV and access control.

There are many alarm systems on the market ranging from the fairly cheap 'bells-only' which you can fit yourself, to the more expensive systems that need to be installed by professionals.

You may wish to ask the Crime Reduction Officer at your local police station for advice before you buy a system.

Choosing a burglar alarm or security system for your home is one thing. However, if you want it to be effective and meet the requirements set out by the police and your insurer, it's important to have it installed and maintained in accordance with the required standards by a professional company such as those approved by NSI.

Here are some key questions to ask the company you are considering to install your system. Are they...

  • capable of meeting the standards of workmanship and service you would expect?
  • properly security vetting all relevant staff to British Standards?
  • operating a 24 hour call out service and able to respond within 4 hours?
  • fully insured?
  • rigorously inspected twice a year to ensure standards are maintained?
  • completing a thorough security survey and Risk Assessment of your property?
  • installing reliable, up to date equipment?
  • issuing you with a Certificate of Compliance for your system?
  • offering you a maintenance contract?
  • meeting the stringent requirements of the police and your insurer?
  • operating to the highest level of business excellence through achievement of the industry specific ISO 9001 Quality Management system(NACOSS Gold only)?

NSI NACOSS Gold & Systems Silver approved companies can answer 'yes' to these questions. NSI provides the most rigorous inspection process to ensure that all its approved companies continuously meet the highest standards.

Is Your Intruder Alarm Officially Certificated?

You will be issued with a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ on completion of the installation of an electronic security system by your NSI approved company.  

This provides you with evidence that the system was installed by an approved company and meets the appropriate standards.

This uniquely numbered 'Certificate of Compliance' may be required by your insurance company as proof that the system meets their criteria when it's a condition of insurance, or where an insurance premium discount is available for suitable intruder alarms.