If you’re aiming to improve security around your business premises, an intruder alarm system is essential. Keep reading as we discuss the 5 ways that intruder alarms can protect your business.
The decision to invest in a commercial security system is one of the most critical decisions a business owner will make. With crime against businesses being a persistent and costly threat, with the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealing that theft offences rose by 9% in the last year, largely driven by a significant increase in shoplifting, a proactive approach to security is non-negotiable.
An intruder alarm serves as the cornerstone of this proactive strategy, providing both a formidable deterrent and a critical layer of rapid response protection. Beyond the core function of detecting an unauthorised entry, modern intruder alarms are now integrated components of a wider smart security ecosystem, offering advanced monitoring capabilities, remote management, and seamless integration with other vital safety systems like CCTV and access control, thereby offering comprehensive site protection.
There is and always has been a big threat of burglary for those who own business premises. This is because the value of stock and equipment found in the average workplace makes them a prime target for thieves. In many business sectors, such as manufacturing and logistics, theft remains the most common type of crime recorded. The question is – how do you protect your business from theft when you and your employees are not around?
The answer is an intruder alarm system. It’s a vital element that should be a priority for you and your business. Here’s why:
For high-value stock held by retailers, or for specialised equipment found in the utilities sector, the financial implications of a single theft incident can be devastating. Beyond the immediate loss, the disruption to supply chains, the cost of replacing IT equipment, and the downtime required for insurance claims can compound the damage. Investing in a security system, alongside having a clear procedure for what your employees should know about intruder response procedures, demonstrates a commitment to operational continuity and staff safety. Businesses that install certified alarms, adhering to standards like the EN50131 intruder alarm grades, show serious intent to deter criminals, who prefer easier targets.
Protecting your business from vandalism can be equally important to deterring thieves. According to a recent survey, vandalism was one of the most common crimes experienced by businesses in England and Wales. Vandals may be intent on causing as much damage as possible to your building. Cracked windows and graffiti on walls is damaging enough but what happens if they manage to break in and enter your premises?
The destruction caused to your building, stock and equipment has the potential to:
Installing an intruder alarm system is an effective way to improve security in your business. It will help to deter trespassers from entering your premises. In the event that they break in and enter, the system will detect them and sound an alarm. This is particularly vital for sectors like leisure facilities and schools, which can be vulnerable outside of operating hours. When paired with high-quality CCTV cameras, an alarm activation can capture clear evidence, assisting in the swift prosecution of offenders and helping you to prevent repeat incidents.
Because most intruders strike in the middle of the night, it is in the early hours when your premises are most at risk. Not all businesses can afford a physical security presence around the clock but intruder alarms can still provide protection.
An alarm system can be configured to alert you in the event of a break-in so you’ll know if there is an intruder. You’ll, therefore, be able to rest easy during the hours when the building is empty. This benefit is becoming increasingly important for businesses adapting to modern working patterns, where office and commercial spaces are often empty or minimally staffed outside of traditional hours. Knowing you have a reliable system in place allows key personnel to focus on other priorities without constant security concerns.
BusinessWatch offers an intruder alarm monitoring service, which operates around the clock. In the event of a break-in to your premises, our Alarm Receiving Centre is alerted. Upon confirming a signal we can then:
This service can provide much-needed peace of mind for those with more alienated premises. For example, buildings on outlying business parks. It is in locations like this where alarms may not be heard and thieves have more time to operate. The efficiency of remote monitoring services cannot be overstated; they act as a force multiplier, giving your business the same level of response capability as if you had dedicated security guards on site, twenty-four hours a day. The ability to verify an alarm remotely significantly speeds up police response times, as they prioritise verified threats over unconfirmed activations.
Installing an intruder alarm will improve security at your workplace by reducing the risk of an incident. As a result, you can often lower your annual insurance premium. Savings may be increased further still with the introduction of intruder alarm monitoring, which many insurers require for higher-risk businesses.
This adds an extra layer of security to your building because it ensures 100% that somebody (other than the intruder) is aware of the break-in. Insurers see certified alarm systems as a substantial reduction in risk. For instance, holding an NSI or SSAIB certification is often mandatory for obtaining cover or for benefiting from premium reductions, as detailed in the advice provided by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA). Therefore, businesses should carefully select a system that meets or exceeds these industry standards to maximise financial benefits and ensure comprehensive protection. We have an entire guide dedicated to how fire safety impacts your commercial insurance premiums, which is closely related to security system certification.
The amount your business can save will depend on your provider. However, it is common that much of the cost of commercial security systems is offset by insurance premium savings. Businesses must also understand that the type and grade of alarm system installed, often specified in the business security packages compared, will influence the potential savings. Higher grades, such as those used for larger commercial sites, offer greater security and thus yield better reductions.
Has your business had problems in the past with false alarms? By introducing an alarm monitoring service that confirms the signal, you could also make savings here. False alarms are not only costly in terms of potential call-out fees but also risk police not responding to a genuine emergency. Systems equipped with video verification (CCTV linked to the alarm) virtually eliminate false alarm risks.
There may be people nearby who will hear a criminal breaking in and notify the police. However, it is just as likely that an intruder can gain entry into your building undetected.
By fitting intruder alarms, you can alert everybody in the vicinity to an invader. This will greatly increase the chance that the police will arrive in time to apprehend the offender. As mentioned above, intruder alarm monitoring can increase this chance greater still. This is especially true for businesses with premises in more sparsely populated locations. The ability of a professional monitoring centre to immediately verify an alarm activation means that police response is prioritised, following the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) policy on responding to security system activations. This verification is crucial for ensuring a prompt response, as unverified alarms typically receive a much lower priority. Furthermore, for those managing large estates or facilities, such as in waste management, the remote verification capability is essential.
The presence of intruder alarms also lessens the chance that your staff will be put in a dangerous situation. Police officers have been trained to deal with dangerous criminals but your staff are unlikely to have such experience. Our guide on the role of security systems in preventing workplace violence highlights this important safety aspect.
By installing an alarm, you can reduce the chance of personnel encountering a trespasser if they were to visit out of hours. Having your alarm monitored and opting for a police or guard response meanwhile would eliminate this risk entirely. For a deeper understanding of securing your premises outside of operational times, you might find our article on securing business premises after hours insightful.
The modern intruder alarm system is a sophisticated layer of defence that offers far more than just a loud siren. From providing critical evidence through integration with CCTV to ensuring rapid, verified police response through professional monitoring, it is the single most effective deterrent and protection measure for businesses. It is an investment in continuity, compliance, and, most importantly, the safety of your people.
If you are interested in finding out more about intruder alarm systems for your business, contact our experts today. Our team will be happy to provide free advice and a no-obligation quote for your requirements.
