Burglar alarms are, undoubtedly, an important part of a home security system. Not only do they deter potential burglars, they also make it easier to catch a burglar in the act.
But burglar alarms have their downsides too. In this post, we explain the pros and cons of burglar alarms when it comes to installation, cost, home security and other factors.
Pros of Burglar Alarms
A burglar alarm should definitely be part of your home security system in addition to cameras, motion sensors and other components. We are not here to argue otherwise. The benefits of having one in your home easily outweigh any downsides.
Here are the biggest advantages of a burglar alarm.
Burglar Deterrence
Deterrence is the first line of defence against burglars. If you can discourage a potential burglar from attempting a break in, that’s the best outcome since you don’t have to fix any damages, buy a new lock or deal with recovering stolen items.
To make sure your burglar alarm works well as a deterrent, make sure it is visible. Install the sirens or alarm boxes where they can easily be seen from the gate or the street. Most burglars won’t want to risk robbing a home with an alarm.
By the way, don’t get one of those dummy alarms or plaster alarm stickers around your home without installing an actual alarm. Burglars aren’t stupid. They can often tell when you are faking it. They have seen enough fake alarm boxes to know when they are looking at one.
A decent alarm system is not expensive and it’s better than having no alarm at all.
Burglar Detection
Detection is the second of the three Ds of home security: deter, detect and delay. If your burglar alarm doesn’t successfully deter an intruder, it can detect them. Detection is the main role of a burglar alarm with its 100+ dB siren.
Unlike cameras (which are also great for detection), a burglar alarm lets everyone in the neighbourhood know something is wrong at your home. This can deter the burglar before they do any damage or take anything away.
If you have a monitored burglar alarm system, it will even alert the monitoring company or police for a quick response.
Can Be Connected To Different Types of Sensors
Burglar alarms are versatile. They can be connected to different types of sensors, thus providing all-round security and protection.
You can connect a burglar sensor to multiple contact sensors for the door, window, garage door and other potential entry areas. You can also connect motion sensors, sound sensors (in case the burglar breaks a window) and even smoke sensors for fire protection.
Affordable
You can get a basic burglar alarm kit for under £50, such as this one from Yale that includes a motion detector, contact sensor and a key fob to quickly arm or disarm the alarm. For a bit more money, you can get a bigger kit with additional sensors and accessories.
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to secure your home with a good burglar alarm.
Easy to Set Up
You can still get a wired burglar alarm system that takes hours to set up. But most modern alarm systems are wireless and super easy to install on your own.
Each component has its own battery, so there’s no need to plug it in or run electrical wires. The different components then link to each other wirelessly. A wireless system also makes it easy to add more sensors later on.
You don’t need to spend extra money on a technician to set up an alarm system for you.
Downsides of Burglar Alarms
Some Are Expensive
A monitored burglar alarm system is great because you can get the police or security company to respond quickly. On the downside, it will cost you.
Monitored systems are not only more expensive upfront, most also come with subscription costs. So the long term costs can be pretty high.
The other option is getting a self-monitored system. You don’t get the benefit of a fast 24/7 response, but it’s cheaper.
False Alarms are a Nuisance
There is always a risk that something or someone could accidentally set off the alarm. This is especially common with alarm systems that have several sensors.
A racoon or bird can trigger a motion sensor and set off the alarm. Thunderstorms are also notorious for setting off home alarms. You may also forget to disarm the alarm system when you are at home.
False alarms can be a nuisance to your neighbours. If you are using a monitored system, they can attract charges or even get you in trouble with the police if they respond to false alarms multiple times.
Motion sensors are especially prone to false alarms. Here’s a video with tips to reduce false alarms from motion detectors.
Final Thoughts
Burglar alarms have plenty of upsides, and their downsides can easily be mitigated. If you don’t have the budget for a monitored system, you can always start with a cheaper self-monitored burglar alarm.
If you are concerned about false alarms, make sure all the sensors are well calibrated to reduce their sensitivity.
