Home security alarms requiring police response must meet certain standards including installation of a graded alarm system installed to British and European Standards and an annual maintenance contract from an approved alarm company. If the police were called to 2 false alarms in a rolling 12 month period the response will be downgraded to a lower level of police response. If further false activations occur the police response will be revoked. To prevent this eventuality, ARC's are required to receive two alarm events within a certain timeframe to initiate a Police response. Your personal habits can also play a role in home security. The Ill encourages homeowners to routinely lock doors and windows and arm the alarm system when exiting your home. If you’ll be gone awhile, the III suggests giving the appearance that your home is occupied: Leave blinds in their usual positions, make a plan to defer mail and other deliveries, and use light timers in various areas of the home smart home devices can help with this task. Another tip from the III: Remove house keys when leaving keys with a parking attendant. That’s because tech savvy thieves can duplicate your house key simply by taking a picture of it. Our pages are filled with helpful tips and information about the topics that most of us face in our everyday lives. We focus on safety and maintenance issues with regard to your home, auto, apartment, motorcycle, boat, small business, finances and more.