Burglar Alarms
Browse through our articles section below for useful guides, advice and insights into our industry and the technology available. If you have a question, get in touch with our friendly team.
5 Benefits of Upgrading to Full Monitoring: Peace of Mind with Police Response
Topic: Article, Burglar Alarms, Security Tips
Upgrading to full monitoring with Spy Alarms - where your system is linked directly to a professional monitoring center and local police response -offers the next level of protection. This upgrade ensures that your home is guarded by experts around the clock, so you never have to worry about missing an alert or handling an emergency on your own.
Benefits Of A Monitored Alarm System – Is It Worth It?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Home Security, Kent, London, News
We're often asked what benefits a monitored alarm system has for our customers and whether it's worth the extra money.
It's not easy to say in a blog post which benefits relate to your situation if you opt for monitored alarms, which is why we direct people to our free site survey - so we can assess them on an individual level.
Should You Buy Home Security Products?
On a weekly basis we receive calls asking us to install home security products that people have bought at their local DIY store. And, on a weekly basis, we have to politely decline.
ONS Crime Statistics – Is Burglary On The Rise?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
The Office for National Statistics have just released crime statistics for the year ending March 16. We took a look, expecting to see burglary on the rise, here's what we found instead.
Why Security Lights And Locks Aren’t Enough
Topic: Access Control, All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems
According to statistics from an FSB article, business security measures are lax in Britain. Incredibly, 60 per cent of small and medium enterprise respondents in the UK rely on locks and security lights to protect their business, while two thirds of these enterprises didn't even have these security measures operational during working hours.
Pokemon Go Evolves Into A Security Risk For Businesses
Topic: Access Control, All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Home Security, Kent, London, News
This week, the technology headlines have been dominated by Pokemon Go.
The new augmented reality game has now officially been released in the UK, but fans who couldn’t wait were able to get their hands on the game early by doing a bit of digging online.
The Cost Of House Alarm Systems
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
House alarm systems have become a common security feature for many homes in the 21st century, yet some homes still haven't installed them. Why? For a lot of people it's the cost that puts them off. Times have changed though, and so have the prices.
Which Motion Detector Alarm Should You Have In Your Home?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
A motion detector alarm is a security system that activates when it senses movement. They are most commonly used in home and business security systems and provide protection against unwanted intruders, such as burglars.
7 Reasons To Choose Wired Alarm Systems For Businesses
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
Wired alarm systems are a great way to secure your business and prevent a burglar from ransacking your office, so why do so many businesses not have them?
House Alarm Or No House Alarm, Why Bother?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News
Whether or not you should install a house alarm is something many home-owners contemplate when they first move into their new home. Then, it's forgotten about.
Testimonial For Intruder Alarm Installation, London
Many thanks for sending David to install our new intruder alarm system. He is a hard worker, very tidy and thought through the install before he started. He also made improvements to a previous installation and estimated he would finish after 3 and that's exactly what happened.
Home Security Tips For Holiday Makers [Infographic]
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Home security tips are something you probably don't think about all the time. And especially when you're going on holiday, there are so many other things to think about; holiday insurance, packing, flights, transfers, passport renewal, who's going to feed the cats, converting your spending money etc...
How To Secure Your Home – Spy Alarms Top Tips
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
When considering how to secure your home, there are a few very obvious things to bear in mind. However, the problem is that many people either don’t think about them or simply just forget them. It has to be said that, in the 21st century, you have to think “security” at all times.
Christmas Burglaries Ruin The Magic For Your Children
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
It’s nearly Christmas and your children are getting excited at the thought of unwrapping their presents! But they aren't the only ones. Unfortunately burglars too are rubbing their hands in glee at the thought of unwrapping your child’s presents.
When Home Invasion Devastates Lives
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
For some home owners, a burglary is much more than the theft of a few personal items, they view the whole traumatic incident as a home invasion.
What are PIR sensors and why are they are so effective?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security
A PIR, or passive infra-red detector, is a motion sensor used in business and home security systems. It uses an infrared sensor to check for movement at all times of day. The sensor sees movement by monitoring temperature changes in its field of view.
Swift Alarms in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent
Since the take over of SwiftSafyre (formerly Swift Alarms), Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge customers have been getting their burglar alarm services from us at Spy Alarms.
How To Avoid Being A Victim Of Burglary
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News, Security Tips
Kent police have some sterling advice to offer if you wish to take every precaution to avoid becoming the victim of a burglary.
Spy Alarms & Brownhill Insurance Group in Joint Venture
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, Wireless Intruder Alarms
Spy Alarms is excited to be part of a Joint Venture with fellow local business, Brownhill Insurance Group, to bring quality home and business security to your property.
3 Ways Jenson Button Could Have Used Holiday Home Security
A few weeks ago, Jenson Button and his wife were robbed whilst staying with friends in a holiday home in the South of France.
It is believed that thieves put gas into their air conditioning system to knock out the holidaymakers. Then they broke in and stole valuables, including a £250,000 engagement ring.
A Guide To Pet-Friendly Burglar Alarm Systems
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, London, News
As a nation of pet lovers, it’s not surprising that we are often asked the question: “If I install a burglar alarm, will my cat or dog set it off?”
Burglary Figures For Sevenoaks Town And St John’s, Kent
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
Crime statistics for the year June 2014 to May 2015 have just been issued by Kent Police, and they make gloomy reading. Overall, there were 1,919 crimes of all types carried out in the town over the year, or 37 every single week.
The Difference Between Wired & Wireless Intruder Alarms
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, London, News, Wireless Intruder Alarms
If you are considering the installation of an intruder alarm system for your business, you are probably aware that you can have a wired or a wireless system.
Latest Crime Stats For Hadlow, Mereworth And West Peckham
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
Kent Police have just issued the latest crime stats for Hadlow, Mereworth and West Peckham for the year from June 2014 to May 2015. They make pretty shocking reading.
What Is A Burglar Alarm Maintenance Contract?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
A burglar alarm maintenance contract is a contract between the owner of a burglar alarm and a security company. A high-quality alarm system can decrease your chances of becoming a victim of crime.
What Safecontractor Approved Means To Homeowners
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, London, News
As a homeowner, although you may not realise it, current UK legislation means that, when you use a contractor – whether it is to do some plumbing, roofing, electrical work, installing a security system, glazing, or even gardening – you can be held responsible for the failings of that contractor.
Protecting Yourself Against Intruders The legal way
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
We are dedicated to giving homeowners the best security advice and protection available. As crime statistics rise, more and more residents are taking action to protect their possessions.
Burglary Statistics For Old Bexley And Sidcup
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, London, News
Old Bexley and Sidcup is a largely suburban area, sandwiched between industrial north Kent and densely populated south-east London.
Burglary Stats For Westerham and Biggin Hill
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
You could be forgiven for thinking that Westerham and Biggin Hill are sleepy little places where not much happens. Read on to find out the latest crime statistics for these areas!
Shocking Crime Facts! Burglaries in Kent 2015
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
According to the UK Crime Statistics website, Kent Police reported a shocking 2057 burglaries in January (1153) and February (904) 2015. Not a good start to the year!
Crime Statistics for Kent: Homes Under Attack
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
Many people who live and work in towns and cities such as London, the Medway towns, Bromley, Orpington, Dartford and so on, yearn to move out into the country for the “quiet life.”
Kent Crime Stats: Alarming Results For Medway River
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
Kent police have just released the latest crime statistics for Medway River. While this is not an area recognised by many members of the public, it is one that the police use to define as the area of Medway next to the river.
Burglaries Are Rife In Sevenoaks, Kent
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Kent, News
Sevenoaks is a pretty Kentish town. It has up-market shops, a famous public school and Knole Park, where you can take a picnic and watch the deer. In fact, it is probably the last place that you would think is a hotbed of crime.
The Art of Summer Burglary Prevention
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
As our evening starts to stay lighter for longer, it can only mean one thing. Britain’s favourite season is on its way.
10 Fantastic Kitchen Fire Safety Tips
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Fire Alarms, Home Security, News
In Great Britain, from April 2013 to March 2014 - 21,577 of accidental dwelling fires were first ignited in the kitchen. Over two thirds of fire-related deaths occurred in accidental dwelling fires.
Maslow’s Hierarchy – It’s up to you to secure your home
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
In 1943, a psychologist by the name of Abraham Maslow established a hierarchy of human needs. The points taken into consideration included our need for food, water and of course, a place to sleep.
5 Tricks For Preventing Vehicle Theft
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News, Security Tips
Having your car stolen can be a very costly crime. Other than not leaving your keys accessible - would you know how to avoid being robbed?
6 Ways To Avoid Being Burgled
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Not only is burglary a costly crime, it’s an invasive and emotionally damaging one. Every home owner should be aware of the best burglary prevention tips.
Eight Minutes To Steal
There is possibly nothing worse in the world than returning home to find that you have been burgled. A stranger has been in your home, helped him or herself to any of your possessions that took their fancy and disappeared off into the night.
5 Reasons You Need A Burglar Alarm
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Many homes are still unprotected and vulnerable to attacks by burglars. This is all because of one main reason – they’re lacking an alarm. A burglar alarm can protect your property in many ways.
Don’t become a crime survey statistic!
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, Kent, London, News
The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ended June 2014 shows that there were an estimated 7.1 MILLION incidents of crime against households and resident adults (those aged over 16) in England and Wales.
Two Kent Burglaries In One Day
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, Kent, News, Security Tips
Recently Gravesend was hit by two burglaries in one day by the same culprit! In a hearing at Maidstone Magistrates Court on Monday January 23rd, Luke Reader (19) was charged with both burglaries and attempted burglary after jewellery and a laptop were stolen from a home in Austen Road and an attempted break-in in Milroy Avenue.
Reduce The Fire Risk At Home – Bedtime Safety Check
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News, Security Tips
Every year, around 30 children are killed due to house fires. This harrowing statistic from Kent Fire & Rescue highlights the importance of fire safety.
New Year’s Resolution – Test Your Smoke Alarm
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Fire Alarms, Kent, News, Security Tips
To some, choosing a New Year’s Resolution is incredibly easy or even repeated from the year prior. Some of these resolutions such as giving up smoking are focused on our health and well-being. They’re about safeguarding ourselves, our lifestyles and our health. But what about our homes?
E-cigarette Explosion Causes House Fire In Sheerness
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Fire Alarms, Kent, News, Security Tips
On 7th December, Kent Fire & Rescue were called to a house fire in Sheerness after an e-cigarette exploded due to an incompatible charger. Resident Terry Skinner explained, “I put my e-cigarette on charge and within the space of five minutes, it exploded.”
London – The Burglary Capital Of The UK
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
London is now the burglary capital of the UK, following figures released for 2013. It outstrips Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, with no fewer than 12 of its postal districts featuring in a list of the top 20 for household burglary claims.
Avoid Fire Hazards This Festive Season
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Fire Alarms, Kent, News, Security Tips
Kent Fire and Rescue Service have been reminding the public of safety awareness this festive season. National fire statistics show that during December, 20 people a day are either killed or injured due to accidental fires.
Home Burglary Prevention Tips From A Criminologist
In the 400th issue of Scambusters, Criminologist and Associate Professor of Justice Studies at Appalachian State University Elicka S.L. Peterson-Sparks, provided insight into home burglary prevention advice.
5 Tricks Thieves Use To Target Homeowners
Approximately seven million homes were victims of property burglary during 2013. Data from Privilege Home Insurance has identified five common methods that criminals are using to target your home.
£1.5m Jewellery Burgled in Belgravia, London – How to Protect Your Valuables
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, News
On the 18th October, residents of one of the wealthiest districts in England endured a surge of burglaries. According to figures from Scotland Yard, this area has suffered sixty break-ins or accounts of robbery this year.
Security Suggestions For Golf Clubs
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Kent, News, Video Surveillance
If the burglar alarm on the house next door to yours goes off, it is very likely that, as a good neighbour, you would at the very least go and take a look.
The Perfect Match – Spy Alarms Sponsor Charlton Vs Wolves in London
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, Fire Alarms, London, News
Spy Alarms have been maintaining the security for Charlton Athletic Football Club in South London for several years. So it was a great pleasure to sponsor the recent match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 16th September.
Burglary Threat To South London Homes
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, London, News
The Safer Neighbourhood Team was set up in April of 2004 to help the Metropolitan Police tackle anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. The aim was to address local concerns and issues and reduce crime to help Londoners feel safer and rebuild community trust in local policing.
Spy Alarms Wins Prestigious NHBC Pride In The Job Award for Burglar Alarm Systems
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
Spy Alarms are delighted to announce that we have been awarded an NHBC Pride In The Job Award for our burglar alarms.
Choosing The Right Burglar Alarm Installers For Your Home
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
Remember that this is the security of your home that you are talking about, and you need to deal with a company that is not just competent but expert in the field.
What To Do If You’ve Been Burgled
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
There is probably nothing worse than the gut-wrenching feeling that you get when you come home to find that your house has been burgled.
Burglary Statistics For Kent 2014 – The Good News And The Bad
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, Kent, News
There is good news and bad news when it comes to the burglary statistics for Kent in 2014. The Police UK website shows that in the quarter to March 2014 burglary figures were down over the same period for 2013, and obviously the Police are keen to emphasise this point.
Sponsoring The Sam King Golf Day in Sevenoaks, Kent
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, News, Panic Alarms
Spy Alarms are delighted to announce that we will be sponsoring hole 15 in the Sam King Golf Day on Thursday 11th September at Knole Park Golf Club in Sevenoaks.
Spy Alarms Renew Maintenance Contract With Charlton Athletic FC
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems, London, News
Long term Charlton Athletic supporter, Martin Foster, is delighted to announce that Charlton Athletic FC have renewed Spy Alarms' maintenance contract with the club in South East London for a further three years.
How Social Media Could Get Your Home Burgled
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Security Tips
Back in November 2011, we wrote about how social media could get your home burgled in this post on home security and social media. We also wrote about the potential effects of social media use on home insurance premiums.
Some UK Burglary Statistics Infographics
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
Back in 2012, Tesco Compare published an infographic which revealed that homes without BOTH window locks and double locks or deadlocks on external doors were SIX TIMES MORE LIKELY to be burgled.
Police Advocate Burglar Alarms
Topic: Access Control, All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News, Video Surveillance
In their crime prevention advice on burglary, the Police UK website and also in the West Midlands video on top tips to keep your home safe from burglars, burglar alarms are recommended.
Top 10 Tips To Keep Your Kent Home Safe From Burglars
Following our post showing video of Kent Police in action, here's ten top tips from West Midlands Police that will keep Kent home and business owners safe.
Should I switch my burglar alarm on at night?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
Many homeowners wonder whether they should switch their burglar alarms on at night. Most because they worry about false alarms.
How do burglar alarms work – a homeowners guide to protecting your family
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
Sometimes home owners ask us to explain simple questions like how do burglar alarms work. Find out more about our burglar alarms.
Five Festive Home Security Tips
Christmas is just around the corner again and at this time, our homes may not only be unoccupied for long periods as we visit friends and relatives, but will probably be full of valuable items both before and after the festive period.
Burglar Alarms: Kent House Break-Ins at 922 in October 2014
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
In important news about Burglar Alarms, Kent Police stats back in January said that residential break-ins were up 11% over the previous year.
Burglars Use Online HouseHunting Sites
The latest Digital Criminal 2012 CyberSafety Report from Legal & General highlights the fact that sites with the focus on flaunting or rooms for rent can prove goldmines of information for local burglars.
Home Security And Family Events
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, CCTV Systems for the Home, Home Security, News
Whether it's a wedding or a funeral, family events cause a lot of preparatory traffic. The sort of comings and goings that can alert the casual thief to 'something happening' at a particular house.
Easy Steps to Keep your Home Safe This Winter
The clocks have gone back, the nights are drawing in. That means bonfires, jumpers and sadly, a rise in break-ins.
FREE Peace of Mind!
It’s all too familiar, the police are appealing for witnesses after an attempted burglary. There was one reported recently in Swindon, Wiltshire Police are on the case.
Home Burglar Alarms – Be Safe Not Sorry
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, Home Security, News
I wouldn't be without my alarm. If it goes off it sends a text to my and my partner’s phone. If someone is actually in the home then we get another text when they activate another room’s sensor to confirm an intruder.
Home Security and Burglary Statistics in the USA
Further to our post on Home Security and Crime Rates in the USA, here's a small section enlarged which shows the times when a property is most vulnerable and also the methods used to gain entry.
Home Security Through The Ages Infographic
Further to our post on Home Security and Crime Rates in the USA, here's a small section of the infographic on home security through the ages in more detail.
Home Alarms or Guard Dogs?
Infographic courtesy of Fixr.com
Find out about our burglar alarms for protecting your home from burglary.
Home Security and Crime Rates in the USA
Another great infographic showing the effectiveness of Home Security in the USA. Whilst the figures may not totally agree with what is happening in the UK, it does give a good overview of the probability of a burglary if you have a home alarm and if you do not.
Protecting Your Home From Burglary
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News, Wireless Intruder Alarms
In July, the Home Office published the British Crime Survey for 2010-2011 which revealed that domestic burglaries had risen by 14%.
Security Alarms and Operation Bumblebee
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News, Wireless Intruder Alarms
Recent studies have shown that a visible alarm system can act as a deterrent to burglars and the Metropolitan Police website for Operation Bumblebee has given the thumbs up to home burglar alarms, stating that they are a "worthwhile investment for the protection of your home and family".
Intruder Alarms and Police Response Times
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News, Wireless Intruder Alarms
The Met site also talks about police response times to activations being dependent upon the type of alarm installed as the number of false alarm calls due to faulty equipment has risen to more than 92% of national alarm activations.
Burglaries Increase in Kent
According to the Kent Criminal Justic Board, the latest figures from the Home Office for October 2009 to September 2010 show that crime continues to fall in Kent with 4,389 fewer crimes in Kent and Medway.
A House/Business Burglar Alarm is Going Off – What Can I do?
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
I was walking to work recently when the burglar alarm of a house on the other side of the road suddenly sprang into life with a strident alarm that cut through the birds singing on a beautiful spring morning.
Wirefree Burglar Alarms – Ricochet Mesh Technology
Topic: All, Burglar Alarms, News
With RICOCHET Mesh Technology, Spy Alarms are able to offer the ultimate in wirefree burglar alarms. Each RICOCHET enabled device provides signalling routes to and from Texecom Spy range control panels.
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