For increased security you may wish to have your intruder alarm system monitored. A monitored alarm is linked via the telephone line or cellular network or both to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).

An ARC is a permanently manned call centre whose staff is dedicated to monitoring security alarms and contacting the right Authority - i.e. the Police usually, or the Fire Brigade in the case of a fire - if there is activation. An ARC is bound by strict legislation which ensures the highest standards of operation.

Why choose a monitored alarm system?

Police Response for Monitored Alarms - The Police will no longer respond to a bell-only alarm, unless there is additional evidence of a crime being committed. The Police will respond to a monitored alarm which qualifies for Police response. However if you have a bell-only alarm system you are relying on your neighbours to quickly come to your aid, which may put them at risk, and you cannot be sure that they will always be there to respond.

Personal Attack Button - Immediate Police Response: A 'Personal Attack' signal from a monitored alarm will be immediately policed. With a bell-only alarm you are again relying on a neighbour coming to your aid and in general, these days most people love to mind their own business. Most of the intruder alarm systems incorporate 'Personal Attack' facility on the remote keypad, but a dedicated 'Personal Attack Button' can easily be installed anywhere in your premises.

Fire Protection - Most battery operated smoke detectors are not properly maintained and a conventional stand-alone smoke detector may not activate fast enough to ensure the occupants are woken up in time.
The Fire monitoring part of the alarm system stays 'set' even if the main intruder alarm is not 'set'.
If you are not in the house and fire breaks out, you are relying on a neighbour/passer by to call the Fire Brigade. With a monitored alarm system, the smoke detector can rapidly detect the fire, and the ARC will quickly call the Fire Brigade.