Do Intruder Alarms Really Deter Intruders? The Facts You Need to Know

The primary purpose of an intruder alarm is to alert a building owner or occupier to a security threat. This then allows them to react and prevent a security issue. However, audible intruder alarms can sometimes have the unintended effect of drawing attention to a premises, indicating that valuable assets may be present. Fortunately, intruder alarms in a commercial business don’t usually operate in isolation, and should form part of an integrated security system which includes a number of solutions that combine to provide robust security, to safeguard your people and assets and minimise security threats.

What is the role of an intruder alarm?

Intruder alarms are a first line of defence against unauthorised access. They alert you to an intruder entering your property and can operate on a 24/7 basis. They can also be linked to a central monitoring station which activates a call-out response from security professionals, or can be monitored by your own security personnel, who can also react upon an alert.

An intruder alarm has two main impacts:

• Psychological – An installed intruder alarm sends a clear message to a potential intruder that the business takes security seriously, that there are security measures in place and therefore, there is a risk of getting caught. In a lot of cases, triggering an alarm will deter the would-be burglar from proceeding with any criminal activity. The fear of getting caught is the biggest deterrent to a criminal and the intruder alarm heightens this fear, raising panic levels and in most cases preventing an intruder from proceeding.
• Visual – A visual intruder alarm or alarm signage shows that your premises are protected and won’t be an easy target to breach. Upon seeing signs of an intruder alarm externally, the would-be intruder will also assume that your premises include a number of other security measures, whether they do or not.

The question a potential burglar will ask themselves when they see or trigger an intruder alarm is whether the risk is worth the reward.

• They can see that there is a risk to attempting to enter this particular property as they may activate the intruder alarm and get caught.
• They may also encounter additional security measures such as CCTV, security fogging or security guards.
• Even if they are not caught as a result of triggering the intruder alarm, they may be recorded on camera by a CCTV system.
• If the intruder decides to proceed with an attempted burglary even after triggering the intruder alarm, the time available for them is significantly reduced as a result of the alarm activation. This can cause panic and reduce the chances of the criminal act passing successfully.
• The intruder may consider the risks too great and will move on to other properties which look more appealing, perhaps with less obvious security measures in place.

The facts about intruder alarms

There are a number of facts which help to build a strong case for the effectiveness of the intruder alarm.

• Deterrence – Intruder alarms are more likely to deter criminals than attract them, because of the risk versus reward scenario outlined above, particularly in residential settings, where most burglars are opportunistic.

However, in commercial environments, the threat is often more complex. While there will still be some opportunistic theft, many incidents are a result of more organised criminal activity. In these cases, an intruder alarm remains an important deterrent, but should form part of a wider, layered security strategy.

• All businesses – Any commercial property will benefit from an intruder alarm, regardless of size, location or the type of goods and materials stored in it. Every employer has a duty to protect its people and to protect its assets from security threats. Intruder alarms are proven to be an effective security solution to prevent burglary, trespass and vandalism.
• Technological solution – Intruder alarms are effective technological systems with a range of features which can include zoning, motion detection, alerts and remote monitoring. They also provide this protection on a 24/7 basis and for extended periods where a building is not occupied, such as weekends, holidays and shutdown periods.
• Insurance – An intruder alarm will help satisfy insurance requirements and may lead to discounted premiums, as insurance companies recognise the role they play in reducing theft and unauthorised access.
• Integrate – Intruder alarms can be integrated with other security measures such as CCTV cameras, security lighting and access control systems. These can also be remotely monitored and linked together to form a fully integrated, smart security system.
• Scale-up – Modern intruder alarms are user-friendly and sufficiently robust to reduce the number of false alarms. With regular maintenance they can work effectively to safeguard your business for many years and can be scaled up to match the increasing size and operations of your business as it evolves.

A visible intruder alarm system increases the perception that a would-be intruder will get caught, this raises their anxiety levels and makes it much more likely that they will move on to another property which has signs of vulnerability. However, an intruder alarm should not act as your only security measure and should form part of an integrated security system designed to meet the needs of your business. This can include other security measures such as security officers, mobile patrols, CCTV, access control and secure doors and windows. An intruder alarm is therefore a valuable investment and an effective deterrent against organised crime and opportunistic theft, and you should speak to our experts at First Response Group if you need to improve your business security with an intruder alarm.