Can Burglars Disarm Intruder Alarms? (And how to protect your Home)

The aim of an intruder alarm is to deter burglars from going anywhere near your home. Yet, with sophisticated criminals in circulation, it is possible that they might bypass or disarm the system.

The chances of this happening are minimal but it is more likely to occur if you have an older system, which is reliant on a phone line. A burglar may try to cut the phone line, to disable the alarm.

To reduce the risk of having your burglar alarm disarmed, it is recommended that you have a modern wired or wireless intruder system installed, which is regularly maintained, equipped with its own back-up power supply – and monitored 24/7 for good measure.

Key Takeaways: The likelihood of a Burglar Alarm being disarmed

• Burglars have been known to disable burglar alarms, with older systems that are reliant on phone lines being the most susceptible
• Smart intruder alarms can also be targeted by sophisticated criminals
• A well maintained modern wireless system with anti-burglar features offers the best protection against an intruder looking to disarm an alarm
• Having a well-maintained modern intruder alarm system with remote monitoring 24/7 offers the optimum solution
• Always work with a fully accredited and highly experienced security company

What makes a burglar alarm vulnerable?

There are various ways in which a burglar could disarm your intruder alarm. Much will depend upon the system type and how it’s been designed, but here’s where vulnerabilities may show up:

1. Cutting Power Supply: Wired alarms are more susceptible to being tampered with, as burglars can physically cut the power supply. However, approved alarm installations are supported with battery back-up, so if the power supply is interrupted, the alarm will still function.

2. Control Panel and Sensor Tampering: Control panels and sensors are often the most vulnerable components. To combat this, many modern approved alarm systems have tamper switches and alerts, which are an effective line of defence if a burglar is looking to shut down a control panel or interfere with a sensor.

3. Jamming Wireless Signals: An astute criminal could attempt to jam a wireless alarm system, temporarily or permanently blocking the signals travelling between the sensors and control panel. That said, many of the most advanced alarms feature jamming detection equipment, which alerts the homeowner, keyholder or monitoring centre to a potential break-in.

4. Trickery: A wily thief may try to manipulate a homeowner, passing themselves off as a bona-fide tradesman and persuading them to reveal a system code or password. Never share this information unless you are absolutely certain of the person’s credentials. If you are unsure, phone the security company to double check.

How Modern Alarms Reduce Risk

Contemporary intruder alarms are designed with multiple layers of protection, keeping the risk of disarmament to an absolute minimum. These systems use:

• Dual-Path Communications: A combination of internet connection and mobile networks which communicate an alarm alert to a monitoring station, rendering line cutting ineffective

• Encrypted Wireless Signals: These prevent interference or tampering

• Remote Monitoring: A monitored alarm will immediately go through to an alarm receiving centre (ARC), such as the dedicated monitoring facility which Justice Fire & Security operates. A proven, highly effective deterrent, if your system is hooked up to an ARC, a burglar would be very hard pushed to attempt an alarm disablement

• Smart Technology Integration: For an equally rapid response, if you have a smart alarm, you will be alerted in real-time via an app, again giving an intruder no time to try a system disarm.

Is it possible for a Burglar to Disable a Smart Intruder Alarm?

Yes, smart intruder alarms can be disabled by burglars, using the following methods:

• Physical Damage to Alarm Panel or Sensor: If a burglar breaks-in quickly enough and causes instant physical damage to the system, it can be disarmed before it activates.

• Wireless Alarm Jamming: A burglar with know-how may utilise a wireless alarm jammer device, which will neutralise the signal between the sensor and the alarm base station, preventing all external communication.

Five practical ways to prevent a smart intruder alarm from being disabled

1. Install a modern system

Go for a system that is equipped with built-in protective measures, like anti-tamper protection and sensors which pick up radio jamming attacks. Such attacks, incidentally, are highly illegal.

2. Regular Servicing

Make sure the alarm system undergoes regular servicing and maintenance. A fully accredited, professional alarm installer, like Justice Fire & Security, will ensure this happens as a matter of course.

3. Check Back-Up Power Supply is Operational

It’s important that the alarm still works if the power fails, for whatever reason. This should be checked as part of the system service.

4. Understanding your Alarm System

It really helps to make sure that anyone operating the alarm system is fully informed as to how it works. This helps avoid any false alarms or the system not being correctly set or, left unset.

5. System Enhancement

Modern alarm technology never stands still. Make sure you know about any upgrades or product enhancements that will help guarantee your system stays highly effective and super reliable.

Implementing these measures will help ensure you maintain round-the-clock, peace of mind security for your home and family.

Practical Advice for Homeowners to reduce the risk of alarm disarmament

• Prioritise professional alarm installation from a fully accredited home security company that can offer a combination of regular on-site and remote maintenance

• Make sure you use robust, unique codes that are frequently updated.
• Ensure that battery backups are tested and any tamper detection equipment is regularly checked
• Give serious consideration to remote alarm monitoring, so that the relevant authorities and emergency services are notified if an activation occurs
• To enhance your home security, it may be worth considering using additional security equipment, such as CCTV cameras and external lighting, as well as having reinforced doors and windows fitted with strong locks.

The Risk of Alarm Disarmament: In Summary

Whilst no intruder alarm system is completely impervious, modern professionally installed alarms with encrypted communications, tamper alerts and with robust monitoring in place make it significantly harder for a determined burglar to disarm the equipment. Combined with sensible security practices, this should be more than enough to deter anyone from breaking into your home.

About Justice Fire & Security

As founder members of the NSI Gold Premier Scheme for industry excellence, for the last 40 years we have installed and maintained intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems for residential properties across the Greater Midlands area. This includes the entire Birmingham catchment, as well as major towns and cities such as Wolverhampton, Bromsgrove, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Coventry, Lichfield, Cannock, Telford and Stoke.

For all home security enquiries, including how to take advantage of our monthly domestic security subscriptions and temporary home rental alarm packages call the Justice Fire & Security main switchboard on 0845 468 9077.

Frequently Asked Questions about Burglar Alarm Disarmament

Can burglars disable alarms?

Although it is technically possible for a burglar to disarm an intruder alarm, if the system is well installed and well maintained, it is highly unlikely for it to be completely disabled.

Do alarms still work during power outages?

Yes, they do. Even if the power goes off, most modern intruder alarms have back-up batteries to maintain full functionality.

Are alarms effective deterrents?

Yes. Statistics show that your home is far more likely to be broken into if it is not fitted with an approved intruder alarm.

What is an “approved alarm” or an “approved installer”?

It is an alarm installed by an accredited, NSI Gold-approved installer to meet police and UK insurance standards.