Intruder Alarms for Commercial Premises – What You Need to Know
Introduction
Keeping your commercial premises secure is about more than protecting assets – it’s about protecting staff, ensuring business continuity, and meeting insurance or compliance requirements. Intruder alarms remain one of the most cost-effective and reliable ways to deter and detect unauthorised access. But with so many options available, how do you know what’s right for your site?
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons, handy things to know, and the key considerations when specifying an intruder alarm for your business.
The Benefits of Intruder Alarms
Deterrence – Visible alarms act as a strong deterrent. Criminals often avoid premises with obvious security measures in place.
Detection – If an incident occurs, alarms provide immediate notification, either through a loud siren or a monitored system alerting a control room.
Insurance compliance – Many insurers require a compliant intruder system, especially for higher-risk sites such as warehouses or retail units.
Peace of mind – Staff and management know the building is protected, even outside working hours.
Integration potential – Modern systems can integrate with CCTV, access control, and fire panels for complete site security.
The Drawbacks to Be Aware Of
False alarms – Often caused by poor installation, incorrect specification, or lack of maintenance. These can lead to wasted time and even police response issues.
Ongoing maintenance – Like any system, alarms require regular servicing to remain compliant and effective.
Varying quality – Not all intruder alarms are created equal. Choosing the cheapest system can lead to reliability issues later.
Key Considerations When Choosing an Intruder Alarm
Risk profile of your premises
– A small office requires a different setup to a large factory or food processing site. The system must be tailored to your risk.
Monitored vs. bells-only
– Bells-only alarms sound on site, while monitored systems send alerts to a control room for 24/7 response. Commercial sites usually benefit from monitoring.
Grading and compliance
– Intruder alarms in the UK are graded (Grade 1–4) depending on risk and insurance requirements. Commercial premises often require Grade 3 or higher.
Integration with other systems
– Linking alarms to CCTV or access control allows for better incident management. For example, when an alarm triggers, cameras can automatically record.
Scalability
– Can the system grow with your business? Adding new areas or outbuildings later should be straightforward.
Handy Tips
Always check that your installer is SSAIB or NSI accredited – this ensures systems meet insurance requirements.
Ask about response protocols: who gets notified and how quickly?
Don’t overlook backup power supplies – intruder alarms should remain functional during a power cut.
Review your system every few years to ensure it still meets your site’s needs.
Conclusion
An intruder alarm is not a “nice-to-have” – it’s a fundamental part of commercial security. By understanding the pros and cons, and considering the factors above, you can specify a system that’s reliable, compliant, and tailored to your risk.
At Security Solutions Yes Ltd, we specialise in designing, installing, and monitoring intruder systems for commercial sites across East Anglia. If you’d like advice or a survey, call us on 01603 425 100 or visit ssygroup.co.uk.
