Time running out in Notts to upgrade alarms

The deadline set by Nottinghamshire Police for all systems to be upgraded to confirmed alarms by April 1 2006 is fast approaching. Most alarm installers operating in the area have written to their customers but many report a poor response.

The Fire Protection Association - supported by the Association of British Insurers - has warned that urgent action is required. They have recommended that alarm users check with their insurance provider whether or not an alarm receiving police response is, or will remain, a requirement of cover. They also advised users to discuss action with their alarm installer.

In 2004 Nottinghamshire Police announced that all systems that cannot provide confirmed activation must be upgraded or police response will be withdrawn.

Installers who have tried to arrange for the necessary upgrade report a poor response or reluctance to invest in a quality confirmation system able to provide an ARC with a dual signal. Insurers' advice is that extra detection devices and a dual path signalling is usually necessary to ensure a confirmed activation is obtained. They also advise users to pay careful attention to how the system is to be unset as this can help ensure that police can still be called if intruders force open the entry door.

Warned the PFA InFiReS/Insurers Property Crime Research Group: "Alarm users who delay acting may find that it is not possible to have the necessary work completed by the deadline. Policyholders who do not upgrade or seek their insurers' agreement to dispense with police response may find themselves in breach of their policy conditions."

They also warned users to be aware of their duty of care under Health & Safety legislation. If police response is not maintained the employee keyholders attending premises "may be at risk of encountering alone, persons engaged in criminal acts".