Alarm monitoring - how does it actually work in the event of break-in?

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YourComputerGuy

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#237830 19-Jun-2018 20:16

Hello everybody,

I'm looking to replace a self-monitored alarm at our shop with something else that would be monitored by another company. Reason? Even if the alarm sends me an alert in the middle of a night or when I'm away from work, what am I going to do about it? Show up there with blazing guns? Very unlikely :)

We have a few companies in Nelson offering monitored alarms but I'm not sure what is actually involved in their monitoring and whether it's worth it. If there is a break-in, do they call the police? From my experience, the police here can't be bothered unless drugs or speeding are involved... Also, what would be a reasonable monthly cost of providing monitoring? Is a landline required or will a UFB connection (can get VOIP if necessary) be enough? Do companies usually supply the gear or can they monitor something off the shelf? I see reasonably priced alarm systems on Amazon that have good reviews but not sure if any of them would be ok for New Zealand.

Stu

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#2040742 19-Jun-2018 20:21

Usually, in the event of an activation, one of these will occur:

a key holder/callout person is called (eg, you) and the key holder/callout can either attend or request a security guard attends.

a securtity guard attends and the key holder/callout person/s are only notified if there is a confirmed break in.

Police are usually never involved at the time of activation, unless there is a previous issue and the police request his occurs.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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Stu

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#2040750 19-Jun-2018 20:35

Monitoring usually costs ~$30-40 a month. If the premise only has fibre internet and no landline, the best bet would be to use a 3G data module to transmit the info to the monitoring station. Combined with the battery backup in the alarm system, the data module will also mean the alarm can still transmit if fibre is down for whatever reason. Not all monitoring stations support this, so you'll need to check. This may add a small cost to the monthly payment, but still available at under $40. We have this working at home and everything just works.

I'd get a local (well known and respected) security system installer to give you a quote for supply and installation. They'll often have a monitoring company they recommend and work with so everything should be seamless. Personally, for a business premise I wouldn't be mucking around with imports from Amazon etc. Getting it all done right will mean you have no hassles keeping everything working and also keep your insurance company happy, if nothing else!

Others will no doubt disagree, but the above is my suggestion and opinion.

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chevrolux

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#2040751 19-Jun-2018 20:38

If the alarm does what it should currently, just get a Permaconn unit smacked on and be done with it - pretty much all the security guys will either do these, or the Paradox module.

Permaconn can be configured with IP as primary, and then 3G if you are super keen for resiliency.

Stu

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#2040753 19-Jun-2018 20:42

We added a Permaconn module when we had fibre installed. Works as expected and have no complaints. If your existing alarm is capable, (and as mentioned above, you're happy with it) then that would be a cheap and easy fix.

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kingjj

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#2040761 19-Jun-2018 21:01

YourComputerGuy:

Hello everybody,

I'm looking to replace a self-monitored alarm at our shop with something else that would be monitored by another company. Reason? Even if the alarm sends me an alert in the middle of a night or when I'm away from work, what am I going to do about it? Show up there with blazing guns? Very unlikely :)

We have a few companies in Nelson offering monitored alarms but I'm not sure what is actually involved in their monitoring and whether it's worth it. If there is a break-in, do they call the police? From my experience, the police here can't be bothered unless drugs or speeding are involved... Also, what would be a reasonable monthly cost of providing monitoring? Is a landline required or will a UFB connection (can get VOIP if necessary) be enough? Do companies usually supply the gear or can they monitor something off the shelf? I see reasonably priced alarm systems on Amazon that have good reviews but not sure if any of them would be ok for New Zealand.

Like others have suggested go with a local well regarded company and get them to install a standard model. Toss in $40 a month for monitoring and/or guard call out. If you get it professionally monitored request that Police are notified anyway - even if you think they won't attend you'd be surprised how often someone will be near that will check it out.

YourComputerGuy

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#2040770 19-Jun-2018 21:32

Thank you for the responses.

We are in the CBD near the bars and police is usually around at night. I'll check if the existing alarm can be monitored by the alarm companies

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#2040779 19-Jun-2018 22:05

As above, go local.

You want to see if your chosen monitoring company can see each zone as reported from your alarm. This is always handy for them to see if its simply a false alarm or in the case of break in, all zones will likley be lit (or at some kinda of pattern).

3G is best, this stops the crooks from cutting your landline.

You can instruct the monitoring company to 1) call you and talk about next actions or 2) call you after sending a unit then keep you updated. Remembering they will charge you extra for sending a unit.

Wellingtondave

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#2040781 19-Jun-2018 22:13

Some companies will monitor existing alarms or may offer an upgrade path, what you're paying for within your contract, is that a response can include securing your property / waiting for locksmiths or glaziers at the hourly rate agreed. Also remember they can also respond to the different sensors they may offer, smoke and flood sensors. Best to speak with a local firm that you're comfortable with.

antoniosk

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#2040791 19-Jun-2018 22:41

The situation with the police isn’t good. The alarm guys are normally quite good at showing up and detecting what’s happening, but if the police aren’t acting, the alarm company is not a private police force. That can only be tackled by council, or hitting your MP directly -they are there to represent you, so call on them. Don’t let snide comments about the efficacy of politicians or apathy of council dissuade you - it’s annoying but it’s what your taxes and rates are for.

And of course getting media involved can always help - witness the dairy owners.

________

Antoniosk

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#2040829 20-Jun-2018 06:43

antoniosk: The situation with the police isn’t good. The alarm guys are normally quite good at showing up and detecting what’s happening, but if the police aren’t acting, the alarm company is not a private police force. That can only be tackled by council, or hitting your MP directly -they are there to represent you, so call on them. Don’t let snide comments about the efficacy of politicians or apathy of council dissuade you - it’s annoying but it’s what your taxes and rates are for.

And of course getting media involved can always help - witness the dairy owners.

Council have no influence on what police do.

Mike61

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#2040831 20-Jun-2018 06:51

Talk to other business owners and see if they recommend anyone. In my experience there are some real Muppets running some monitoring stations.