How to choose a burglar alarm

Wired alarms

Pros: Reliable and robust, they need less maintenance than a wireless service.

Cons: Need to be fitted professionally because the wires have to be hidden, increasing labour costs. They run on electronic sensors connected to a control panel.

Price: From around £400 upwards, plus installation and monthly monitoring fee.

Wireless alarms

Pros: Uses battery-powered sensors that communicate with a control panel via radio signals. Quick to install by someone with reasonable DIY skills.

Cons: The sensor batteries will need replacing.

Price: £170 - £200

Bells-only alarms

Pros: Makes a loud noise, which may scare off an intruder or alert someone nearby. Good for those with friendly neighbours or an active Neighbourhood Watch.

Cons: Won’t automatically alert you or the police.

Price: £100 - £200

Auto-dialler alarms

Pros: Automatically dial your number or a nominated friend when the alarm goes off. Speech diallers connect to your phoneline, GSM diallers use mobile networks. Can come with an alarm or be bought as an add-on for an existing alarm.

Cons: Needs a phoneline or strong mobile phone signal.

Price: From £60 (auto dialler only) - £200 (alarm and auto dialler). Automatic Security Dialler ASD02, £61.45, responseelectronics.com, 0345 257 1000

Monitored alarms

Pros: When the alarm is triggered, a receiving centre is alerted. They will then contact the police or your designated keyholders.

Cons: There’s an annual or monthly fee. Police will stop responding after too many false alarms.

Price: From £20 a month.

Smart alarms

Pros: Smart home security systems will call you or a family member on a smart phone if your alarm is triggered. Try Cocoon, a multi-room smart home security system that can be set up in minutes and uses unique Subsound® technology which senses unusual activity in your home and alerts you instantly.

Cons: You will need a smartphone.

Price: Cocoon is £159, from https://cocoon.life, with no monthly fee.

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