Wireless burglar alarms can be classified as two basic types, audible only systems or audible and alerting systems. Audible only systems alert people in the immediate area of a property about a potential break-in. These systems are effective if the home is always occupied, but if the home is vacant can be a nuisance, especially in the case of frequent false alarms.
Audible and alerting systems alert the people in the surrounding area, but also contact a third party that a break-in is possibly taking place. The third party could be an alarm-receiving centre which will contact a nominated individual and the police. This type of system is the most expensive because it involves a contractual agreement between the homeowner and the alarm-receiving centre, a maintenance agreement and regular monthly payments.
However, the third party could also be an individual nominated by the installer. This could be the homeowner or someone else in their absence. If you are thinking about buying a wireless alarm system but don’t want to be tied down to a contractual agreement with an alarm-receiving centre then this would be a cheaper alternative.
Wireless alarm manufacturers have developed new and improved systems which incorporate different types of technology. Probably the most commonly used type of system is one which sends a message to a telephone number preset by the installer. This type of system, known as an auto-dialler, will often accept more than one number (mobile or landline) and will dial them in order on activation. The message can be a text or voice format.
It is important to note that setting the number to 999 is useless, since the police will not respond to this type of call. In addition, the police will not attend if you call them when alerted by the system unless you can independently verify that a break-in is taking place. It is advisable to set the number as your own if you can get to the protected property within 20 minutes. If you are away you will need to nominate either a friend or a neighbour to act in your absence. This will avoid the alarm becoming a nuisance to the neighbours.
Also available are audio verification systems which allow you to listen-in to your home if you suspect a burglary is taking place. Many also have a talkback mode allowing two-way communication. This may be useful if an intruder breaks in while there is someone vulnerable in the home like an elderly relative.
Visual technology can also be used in conjunction with a home alarm system. Motion detectors are now available which not only detect when an intruder has entered the home but also trigger cameras (such as CCTV or VCR) which will record visual information while the break-in is taking place. Some systems also use the Internet protocol (IP) network using IP cameras plugged into a network connection. The homeowner can view the camera remotely using a broadband connection and some models have a built-in motion detection option so they can be integrated into a wireless system
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