Quarter of firms have inadequate alarm systems

Out of 1,500 businesses visited by NURS risk advisers that had security systems in place, three quarters made use of some form of alarm signalling, while 25% had what is often referred to as a "bells only" alarm.

NURS property security specialist Richard Underwood pointed out that those companies with a system which failed to signal in a way acceptable to the police would not receive a response.

He added that it was also important that firms choose a security company registered with one of the industry's approval bodies.

He explained: "Opting for an alarm system from a supplier who is registered with the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems & Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) will help ensure businesses receive a thorough assessment of their needs, providing significant benefits to the business.

"These accredited suppliers are the sole providers of 'Type A' alarms, as defined by strict criteria set by the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland.

"Such alarms are the only ones eligible for a unique reference number (URN), which in turn qualifies them for a police response via an alarm signal handled by a recognised alarm-receiving centre (ARC)."

'Fit for purpose'

Richard added: "'Type B' systems, most typically known as a 'bells only' alarm, are not issued with a URN and police will not respond unless there is some kind of on site verification from the public, which in reality might be too late - rendering them as less effective."

Richard went on to say that intruder alarms were "an essential part" of any business continuity plan, and that firms needed to ensure that their security alarm was "fit for purpose".

He told us: "The level of security undertaken to protect a premises will also affect an insurance policy and failure to check with an insurer that the appropriate grade of alarm is being installed or that suitable alarm signalling and response measures are in place may lead to insurance cover being refused or made conditional upon expensive additional work being undertaken."

Richard put together a special feature for the NURS website last April following changes to the police 'Security System Policy' (SSP), which governs police response levels and false alarm thresholds. This feature is still available to anyone in need of further information - see link above/right.

An NURS two-page 'hardfacts' covering the SSP can also be downloaded from the NURS 'risk advice' section - link also provided above/right.