Why
Security Grilles?
Advantages over Alarms
The effectiveness of burglar or intruder alarms is largely based on their acting as a deterrent. When alarms were relatively uncommon 30 or more years ago they were an effective deterrent. Now that they have become commonplace this is rarely the case.
Even the opportunistic burglar knows that most alarms are not monitored and that, even if they are, the police will take some time to get there. The average burglar will be in and out in a few minutes or less if glass is not physically protected.
Alarms are also very limited in there use when the premises are occupied or where there are animals. Even where areas can be zoned off, there is always the danger of forgetting that the alarm is activated in other zones.
The problem with alarms has been exacerbated by the amount of police time that has been taken up with responding to false alarms. In 1999 the Metropolitan Police received 219,503 alarm calls of which 183,996 (84%) proved to be false. The estimated cost in wasted manpower and resources was £18.4m, or £100 per false alarm.
To try to combat this problem, as of October 2001, new Association of Chief Police Officers rules mean that any new alarm installation has to be capable of verification (Type A) i.e. they will only respond immediately (Level 1 response) if a "recognised alarm monitoring centre" can confirm that there is a burglary taking place. This Type A system will have its Level 1 response removed if there are more than 2 false alarms in any twelve month period.
While this policy will no doubt save valuable police time, it means that existing non-verifiable systems are of very little use and that the cost of any effective new alarm system will be much higher both in terms of the initial installation and on-going monitoring and maintenance costs.
Sliding security grilles offer the following advantages over alarms:
- A more powerful deterrent
- A physical barrier not just a deterrent
- Equally effective when premises occupied
- No false alarms
- No maintenance costs
- No monitoring costs
Advantages over roller shutters
The other most common form of lockable physical security is the roller shutter. Sliding security grilles have many major advantages over roller shutters in both commercial and domestic situations.
Better on security
- Installed inside the window - the intruder has to risk detection by breaking glass before tackling the grille. Externally fitted roller shutters or grilles can be removed first
- Fixed close behind the window frame - restricts intruder access to the grille
Better on practicality and safety
- Lets in light allowing a clear view outside even when the grille is fully drawn
- Windows can be open when the grille is drawn and locked
- Maintenance free with an easy sliding action
- No electric motors to breakdown and repair
- Do not need planning permission
Better on appearance
- No ugly boxes and frames on the outside of your property
- Stacks back behind the curtains when not in use
- Traditional attractive trellis design
Better on price
- Can offer significant savings over the cost of the equivalent roller shutter
Advantages over fixed bars and grilles
The main and overwhelming advantage is the fact that they can be quickly unlocked in the event of an emergency. Any form of physical security that cannot be unlocked is a potential death trap and should never be considered in any occupied building, commercial or domestic.
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