Which report burglar alarms

For ratings of big-name burglar alarm brands, such as ADT, Honeywell and Yale, based on the experiences of real alarm owners, visit our guide to the Burglar alarm brands rated.

Firstly, you need to decide what type of burglar alarm you want, and crucially what you would like to happen when your alarm goes off:. Below, see the top three best bells-only alarms based on our latest tests.

To see the top three smart alarms, head over to How to buy the best smart security system guide. Sign up to reveal. This fantastic alarm shows that you don't need to spend a fortune to get an effective and reliable alarm to protect your home. For a very affordable price, you get a top quality bells-only alarm that aced our tests. You'll know the brand behind this alarm thanks to its distinctive design.

This bells-only alarm isn't a Best Buy, but it impressed us during testing, and so could be the right option for your home. Another affordable and impressive bells-only alarm has been unearthed in our testing.

This alarm starter kit didn't make it as a Best Buy, but it is easy to use, reliable and effective at safeguarding your home from burglars.

The next decision you'll need to make is whether to opt for a wireless alarm system or a traditional wired one. Wireless alarms use battery-powered sensors that communicate with a control panel using radio signals. These alarms tend to look nicer and are generally easier to install — you can often do it yourself. You can easily add additional sensors, and removing the system when you move house is a lot less tricky than for wired versions.

However, you will need batteries for all components, such as the control panel and all sensors. These will need to be replaced periodically — check our reviews for claimed battery life of each wireless alarm.

Wired systems, on the other hand, need wires running to each of the sensors and device to work. These systems are usually more complex and multi-function, with additional control panels and wired in detectors. However, they are trickier to install: the wires need to be hidden away, and so it is more challenging for the DIY novice. Therefore, you may have to consider the additional cost of paying a professional to install your alarm.

As covered above, wireless alarm systems and notably smart alarm systems can usually be self-installed with sufficient confidence in DIY.

The hardest job is mounting the sounder on the outside of your home. When doing this, do consider how you are going to change the batteries when you need to. Don't put the sounder somewhere hard to access and difficult to renew the batteries.

Besides, you want it clearly visible anyway to scare off potential intruders. With a wired system or if you just aren't comfortable doing the installation yourself , you will need to pay a professional.

Some alarm companies offer their own service, or you could hire a trader. If you're ready to get a burglar alarm installed you can use our Which? Trusted Trader service. All of our endorsed traders have been thoroughly vetted and checked by ex Trading Standards assessors so you can be ensured that whoever you hire is a reliable local trader. Use our search tool below to find a Which? Trusted Trader in your area. Find out more about installing your burglar alarm in our in-depth guide to Burglar alarms and installation costs.

However, unlike a monitored, dialler or smart alarm, it won't automatically contact a named person or the police, so there is no guarantee that any action will be taken if you're out. It's worth thinking about the kind of area you live in before deciding to get a bells-only alarm. Is there an active neighbourhood watch that gives you confidence that someone will call the police in an emergency?

You can understand more and change your cookies preferences here. Whether it's worth having a professionally maintained burglar alarm systemThe costs of alarms and what to avoid if getting oneHow to choose a contract and find an alarm installerTips on how to protect your home and property.

Are smart home security systems the future of burglar alarms? Can a smart alarm really protect your home? We reveal our verdict and explain how to choose the right smart alarm for you. Please enable Javascript within your browser. A faulty alarm can cause serious noise problems at neighbouring properties. It is recommended that if you have an intruder alarm you:. In order for an intruder alarm to be effective your neighbours must react to its sounding. If an alarm sounds regularly neighbours are less likely to take notice and investigate the problem.

Report an alarm related problem now. If you are disturbed by a continually sounding alarm, Officers from the Environmental Protection Team may be able to silence it. Refer a matter to the Environmental Protection Team.