Are Burglar Alarms Effective?

Mammoth Takeaways

• Types of Burglar Alarms: Commercial burglar alarms come in various configurations, including wired and wireless systems, each with distinct pros and cons.
• Monitoring Methods: Monitoring can be local, relying on on-site responses, or central, involving a monitoring center that contacts authorities.
• Business Security: Properly installed burglar alarms deter theft and vandalism, protect a business's reputation, and may lead to lower insurance premiums.

Technology is at the forefront of security in this day and age. So many options are available, from DIY kits to professionally installed security systems.

But are burglar alarms really effective at protecting your business and assets?

Are commercial systems worth the investment?

You may be wondering how these systems work and how they can help safeguard your property from theft, vandalism, or data loss. Well, Mammoth Security is happy to explain.

Understanding Burglar Alarms

What Are Commercial Burglar Alarms?

Commercial burglar alarms are security systems that consist of a control panel and attached sensors. The sensors, using a variety of technological methods, detect motion or intrusion and communicate with the control panel to activate an alarm. The alarm can be audible with a siren, or it can be a silent alarm that dispatches the authorities.

Also, many devices are equipped to send notifications via phone notification, call or email. There are many different configurations of burglar alarms, which means it’s easy to find a combination that works best for your one-of-a-kind business.

Types of Commercial Burglar Alarms

As mentioned above, there are different burglar alarm setups, each with its own pros and cons. Different features work using varied methods, and mixing and matching these features for a tailored solution is the best way to achieve comprehensive security.

Wiring

Wiring refers to the method by which the sensors, cameras, and peripherals are connected to the control panel.

Wired: As the name says, this method uses physical wires to attach each component. The benefits of this method is the unparalleled reliability in service and its protection against hacking, the downside is that installing wired configurations are much more labor and cost intensive.

Wireless: This method uses radio signals to create a communication network between the various components and the main hub. The benefit of this setup is the ease of installation and the flexibility when it comes to sensors and unit placement. The drawback of this method is that wireless systems are more likely to suffer from interference from other devices and are more susceptible to hacking attempts.

Alarm Monitoring

Burglar alarm monitoring is how actions and responses are initiated via the alarm.

Local: This monitoring method relies on the interaction of people onsite or the owner of the system. Local monitoring does not connect to a service, and the authorities will not be automatically contacted.

Central: Central monitoring is the opposite of local. This method of monitoring involves an alarm system being connected to a monitoring center, which keeps an eye on alerts and triggers. This setup is connected to the authorities and can be activated even if you are not onsite.

Alarm Type

Bell: This is a simple method that triggers a loud bell when a breach is detected. This method is only used for local alerts.

Siren: Similar to a bell alarm, sirens are louder alarms to cover a greater area and deter any would-be thief.

Silent: These alarms make no noise, rather they automatically alert the authorities in order to better improve the chances of catching the perpetrator.

Communication Method

Dialer: Using a programmed list of numbers, this method calls the recommended contacts in case of a disturbance.

Smart Technology: Smart technology is on the rise and has become one of the more popular methods of communication in a burglar alarm system. Notifications can be sent via text, email, or app notifications in the event of a breach.

Necessity of Burglar Alarms in Today's Business Environment

Your business is your livelihood, so it’s important to protect it to the best of your ability to ensure a long and prosperous career. Commercial burglar alarms are one of the best ways to secure your facilities and safeguard your assets.

Vulnerability to Vandalism

A property that isn’t protected by genuine security systems is a property that is vulnerable to threats, damage, and theft. When a business doesn’t have any type of alarm or surveillance, thieves can feel emboldened to target your location.

Reputation Damage

Your customers’ trust is valuable, sometimes even more so than monetary gains. Word-of-mouth is the best way to gain a following and increase your customer base. If your customers feel that their data, assets, or well-being aren’t safe on your property, they aren’t likely to refer anyone to you. Even worse still, they may stop patronizing your business as well.

Operational Disruptions

Physical damage or data loss can cause long stretches of downtime. Downtime where your business isn’t pulling in an income. This can lead to a doubling of financial losses between damages and loss of operation hours.

Higher Insurance

Many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses that have comprehensive commercial security and burglar alarms installed on their premises. The reason is that a business that is protected is less likely to have to file a claim. If you are less of a risk of financial loss for them, they are usually more willing to offer discounts and benefits. It’s important to contact your insurance company for their specific requirements before installing a system.

If you are not protected in a qualified fashion, insurance companies will see you as a liability and charge you more for your policy to offset the risk.

The Role of Alarms in Mitigating These Risks

Alarms work by acting as a visual and audio deterrent as well as a method to record evidence in case of an event. Research has shown that many thieves admitted that they would look for an alternative target if they saw a house or business with an alarm system. This means that the mere presence of a comprehensive commercial burglar alarm system is enough to greatly reduce the chances of vandalism or theft.

How Burglar Alarms Work

As we briefly discussed at the beginning of this article, burglar alarms are an interconnected system of sensors and data processors, mainly the control panel, that work together to detect any abnormality or unauthorized activity. Below is a further breakdown of the components that make up this system.

Control Panel

This is the main hub of the outfit. All information passes through this unit whether through its keypad or via data from the connected sensors. This piece of technology is also the place where you will interact with the system itself to arm, disarm or program the alarm.

Sensors

• Motion Sensor: These sensors use infrared light to detect motion in a monitored area.
• Glass Break Sensor: These sensors are able to detect the vibrations or the specific frequency of glass breaking to activate the alarm and notice a break-in.
• Window/Door Contact Sensor: Implementing a unique magnetic system, these devices detect the opening and closing of door and windows.

Cameras and Optional Peripherals

CCTV: An acronym for the term “Closed-Circuit Television”, CCTV’s are an on-site, local network of video surveillance. These transmissions do not go to a monitoring center.

Fire Alarm: Some burglar alarms also have the option of an integrated fire alarm. These alarms can use smoke detectors and heat sensors to identify possible fire hazards.

Burglar Alarm Installation and Maintenance

Pre-Installation Planning

Before installation can even begin on a burglar alarm system, there is a stage in which professionals will work with you to determine the best set up. This means determining the best locations for sensors, cameras (if included), and whether one or more control panels will be needed. This step ensures that the burglar alarm is tailored to your specific business and property needs.

Installation

Depending on the chosen configuration, installation may involve running wires, installing wireless equipment, cameras and any other specifics identified in the pre-installation plan. Professionals will work diligently to make sure that the installation process goes as smoothly as possible to reduce any disruption to your business operations.

System Testing

Once all of the components and devices are properly installed, technicians will run the system through a variety of tests. These tests check for the proper functioning of all of the sensors and peripherals. Testing ensures that the system is working properly and that your business will be protected from threats.

Training

With the system installed and tested, professional security alarm associates will educate you and your staff on the operation of the system. This can include activating the system, disarming, basic troubleshooting and how to respond to triggered alarms.

Statistical Evidence on the Effectiveness of Burglar Alarms

Did you know that a single incident of vandalism to a business averages around $3,370?

This number could be higher depending on the nature of your business and the value of your assets. Unsecured businesses are an easier target for vandals, as there is a lower risk of them being caught and facing any legal ramifications. The likelihood of being a victim can also increase if you are located in a higher crime area with no protection.

Choosing the Right Burglar Alarm for Your Business

As you have seen, there are a lot of different options available regarding how you customize your burglar alarm and guarantee its effectiveness.

Here are some factors to consider:

Cost

Every company has its own budget, so it's good to know how much you can invest in a commercial burglar alarm. Security is key to reducing the risk of theft and minimizing potential financial losses. It's wise to invest in quality equipment to keep your business safe and secure.

Location

Where your business is located can affect which alarm is most appropriate. If your building is located in a high-crime area, you may want to invest in a more extensive security setup.

It also depends on what kind of services are nearby. Is your location rural or urban? Is the building new or already established? Be sure to research your needs based on these factors or work with a professional who can help you find the right fit.

Size

The size of your building or property can also play a factor. A large building may need a different connection type than a small location. The cost will also be influenced by the size of your physical area, as more cabling or equipment will raise the total price.

Installation Method

Although the market does have a wide variety of DIY kits for security, it is heavily suggested that when investing in a commercial burglar alarm, that you work with a professional. Security professionals will be able to guarantee a proper setup, install the right equipment and be available as a great knowledge source.

Latest Technologies in Burglar Alarms

Every year it seems that there are more and more features, capabilities, and technologies coming to market in regards to security. Since security is an ever evolving sphere of tech, it’s a good idea to stay abreast of the latest innovations.

The most recent breakthroughs have been in regard to AI for better detection and reliability. This rapidly progressing technology is helping security more quickly detect between a threat and non-threat, and these systems are able to learn based on owner input.

Mammoth Conclusion

If you’re looking for an effective burglar alarm system for your new or existing businesses, look no further than Mammoth Security.

Our technicians and sales staff are trained in a variety of different systems and are the perfect resource for finding out your best security options.

Reach out today and schedule a no-cost on-site evaluation to see how you can secure your property today!