Quarter of UK Businesses Have Inadequate Alarm Systems.
Norwich Union Risk Services (NURS) have revealed that as many as one quarter of UK businesses have innapropriate security alarm systems.
25% of the businesses visited by NURS risk advisors with security systems in place had audible alarms only, when monitored alarm systems are the recommended route for most businesses.
Richard Underwood, NURS property security specialist, commented that those companies with a system which failed to signal in a way acceptable to the police would not receive a response. He also commented that it was important that firms choose a security company approved by one of the industry's approval bodies.
"These accredited suppliers are the sole providers of 'Type A' alarms, as defined by the strict criteria set by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and ACPOS in Scotland. Such alarms are the only ones eligible for a unique reference number, which in turn qualifies them for a police response via an alarm signal handled by a recognised alarm-receiving centre."
He added: "The level of security undertaken to protect a premises will also affect an insurance policy and failure to check with an insurer that the appropriate grade of alarm is being installed, or that suitable alarm signaling and response measures are in place, may lead to insurance cover being refused or made conditional upon expensive additional work being undertaken.
