What Makes the best Burglar Alarm System? A Complete Guide for Homes & Businesses

If you’re searching for a good burglar alarm system, you’re probably looking for more than just a loud siren.

A properly designed intruder alarm system should deter burglars, detect threats early, and keep your home or business protected 24/7 — whether you’re inside the building or away.

At Midland Alarm East, we install burglar alarms for homes and commercial properties across the Midlands. In this guide, we explain what makes a burglar alarm system effective, reliable, and worth investing in.

1. Perimeter Protection: The Most Important Feature of a Burglar Alarm

One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing an alarm system that only detects movement once someone is already inside.

A good burglar alarm system includes perimeter protection, which means protecting the external doors and windows first.

Perimeter protection can include:

• Door contacts on front, rear and side doors

• Window contacts on vulnerable ground-floor windows

• Shock sensors to detect forced entry attempts

• Garage door protection where needed
  

Perimeter protection gives you the earliest warning and significantly improves security.

2. A Visible Bell Box and Clear Alarm Signage (A Major Deterrent) A visible bell box and clear signage are one of the most effective deterrents against break-ins.

Burglars are far more likely to avoid a property that clearly shows it has a professionally installed burglar alarm.

A good bell box should be:

• securely fitted and tamper-resistant

• clearly visible from the street where possible

• loud enough to attract attention

• supported by clear signage
  

Even before a burglar attempts entry, a visible alarm system can be enough to make them move on.

3. Correct Sensor Placement for Full Coverage The best intruder alarm systems are designed to protect the areas burglars are most likely to target.

A professional alarm installer will assess:

• the most vulnerable entry points

• blind spots and side access routes

• garage access into the main building

• internal movement routes

Common high-risk areas include:

• patio and French doors

• rear doors

• garages

• side entrances

• downstairs hallways and landings

Correct sensor placement reduces the risk of false alarms while improving real security.

4. Zoning and Part-Setting: Making Your Intruder Alarm Easy to Use

A burglar alarm is only effective if you use it consistently A good system should allow you to:

• set the alarm fully when leaving the property

• part-set at night while you’re asleep

• protect downstairs while you’re upstairs

• isolate certain zones if required

This is especially useful for families, homeowners with pets, and businesses with separate storage areas.

5. Remote Monitoring: Control Your Burglar Alarm From Your Phone

Modern burglar alarm systems often include remote monitoring, allowing you to stay connected to your property from anywhere.

Remote monitoring lets you:

• receive instant push notifications if the alarm triggers

• arm or disarm the system remotely

• check the alarm status at any time

• monitor multiple properties from one app

• share access with family members or staff

For many homeowners and businesses, remote monitoring is one of the most valuable upgrades available.

6. Monitored Alarm Systems for Extra Peace of Mind

For higher security requirements, you may want a monitored burglar alarm system.

A monitored intruder alarm is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). If the alarm activates, trained operators can contact:

• you

• nominated keyholders

• security response services (if applicable)

Monitored alarms are often recommended for:

• businesses

• high-value properties

• remote sites

• properties that are left empty for long periods

7. Professional Installation Makes a Huge Difference

DIY alarms can be useful for basic coverage, but professionally installed systems are generally more reliable and secure.

Professional installation ensures:

• correct detector placement

• proper tamper protection

• reliable communication and signalling

• a securely fitted bell box

• compliance with best practice standards

A professionally installed intruder alarm system is also easier to maintain and expand over time.

8. Ongoing Maintenance and Servicing

Even the best burglar alarm needs occasional maintenance.

A good alarm company will offer servicing to ensure:

• sensors are functioning correctly

• batteries are replaced before they fail

• communication is stable

• the system remains reliable year after year

This reduces false alarms and keeps your security working as intended.

What Is the Best Burglar Alarm System?

The best burglar alarm system is one that includes:

✅ perimeter protection (doors and windows)

✅ visible deterrents (bell box + signage)

✅ smart sensor placement

✅ zoning and part-setting options

✅ remote monitoring via phone app

✅ optional monitored alarm services

✅ professional installation and maintenance

Burglar Alarm Installation in the East Midlands

If you’re looking for a reliable burglar alarm system for your home or business, Midland Alarm Services East can help.

We provide:

• professional burglar alarm installation

• upgrades and replacements

• remote monitoring setup

• monitored alarm options

• maintenance and servicing

Contact Midland Alarm East today for friendly advice and a no-obligation quote.

⭐ FAQ

What is the best burglar alarm system for a house?

The best burglar alarm system for a home is one that includes perimeter protection (doors and windows), internal motion detection, a visible bell box, and remote monitoring via an app.

Is perimeter protection worth it?

Yes. Perimeter protection is one of the most effective ways to improve security because it detects a break-in attempt at doors and windows before an intruder enters the property.

What is remote monitoring on a burglar alarm?

Remote monitoring allows you to control and check your burglar alarm system from your phone. You can receive instant alerts, arm/disarm the system remotely, and view alarm activity in real time.

Are monitored burglar alarms better?

Monitored alarms offer an extra layer of security. If the alarm activates, an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) can contact you or keyholders, and in some cases arrange further response.

Where should burglar alarm sensors be installed?

Sensors should be installed on the most vulnerable entry points such as front and back doors, patio doors, ground floor windows, garages, and key internal routes like hallways and landings.

Do burglars avoid houses with alarms?

In many cases, yes. Clear alarm signage and a visible bell box act as strong deterrents because burglars often look for the easiest and lowest-risk target.

Is a wireless burglar alarm system reliable?

Modern wireless alarm systems can be very reliable when installed correctly. Professional installation is important to ensure good signal strength, correct placement, and tamper protection.