|
Comparative
burglar alarm features & costs. |
AMCO
"interactive" monitoring |
Standard
"Call-back" Monitoring |
"Siren
Only" Alarm Systems |
| Does the system have an adequate
number of detectors? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| When the alarm is activated does
someone take action immediately? |
Yes
Controller
listens in to property |
Yes
Controller
telephones the property |
No
Depends
on public response |
| When someone is detected in the
property does the controller challenge the person(s) over a loud speaker system? |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
Do the controller's challenges
or the sirens normally frighten
off intruders?
|
Yes*
(*
13 years with 100% success)
|
No |
No |
|
When an alarm is
activated:-
A)
Can the controller call the police
immediately?
B)
Does
the
controller have to telephone the property to get confirmation that it is
not a false alarm before any further action can be taken? (i.e action 1
- 2 minutes after activation)
|
"A"
Immediate
Action
|
"B"
Action
only after making telephone call
|
N/A
|
| How many detectors have to be activated
before the police are called? |
1 |
2 |
Public
have to see crime in progress |
| In addition to monitoring
break-ins, does the system monitor against personal attacks, fire, medical emergencies and power failures? |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
In an alarm
emergency situation, does the system:-
A) provide hands free communication from anywhere in the property?
B)
require an
individual to pick up a telephone somewhere in the property?
|
"A"
Hands
Free
|
"B"
Pick-up
phone
|
N/A
|
| Does the equipment conform with
European standards EN5031/PD6662 ? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| What is the approximate cost of a system with 6
detection devices including registration fees, VAT, etc? (+/- £20) |
£400- £500 |
£350-£800 |
£250 - £800 |
| What is the normal monthly fee for monitoring and
maintenance? |
£9.90-£12.95 |
£26 - £30 |
£3 - £8 (Maintenance
only) |
| What is the minimum contract
period? |
1 Year |
3 years |
Nil |
| What is the normal charge for a
call-out if a fault occurs? |
£29-£59 |
£75-£150 |
£30 - £150 |
| What is the minimum notice required to
cancel a contract? |
3 months |
1 year |
Nil |
| What is the
approximate cost
over 3 years (assuming 1 callout in this period) |
£870 |
£1450 |
£550
- £700 |
| Total cost over 4 years (If you
forget to cancel at the end of your 3rd year) |
£990 |
£1750 |
£600 -
£750 |