Shanu Singh Guliani

Alarm Systems Cracked!
April 13, 2007

Security alarm systems are a must have in the jewelry industry not only do our insurance companies require security alarm systems, but the added benefit of feeling safe and secure allows jewelers to sleep a night.

I’m learning about alarms and alarm systems and came across these interesting finds with scenarios to help understand the benefits. I hope they help. We can’t run a business without our merchandise but I wouldn’t risk my life to save my goods…that’s what insurance is for.

The Burglar Waits For You:
You set the alarm at 7pm and walk out of the store. A burglar waits around the corner. He puts a gun to your head and makes you unlock the door and disarm the alarm. You forget your other code to set off the silent alarm, which would dispatch the police, instead you do as he says and disarm the alarm with your regular pass code. Now inside, the burglar takes you to the back of the store to unlock the safe. What has to say he doesn’t make you open the safe and then shoot? How do you get word to the police?

• I just learned of something new that most UL alarm companies (ADT, Priority One, and Sonitrol) can provide but will not offer unless you ask for it. You can have a separate keypad for your safe hidden in the store in a closet or your office. The alarm company programs it so that if you were to open the safe after hours (hours that you specify) the silent alarm is triggered.

Snatch and Grab:
During business hours, the alarm is off. An armed burglar comes in and breaks the cases. You and your staff are too scared to hit the panic button.

• Sonitrol offers glass detectors with an audio system built in that are placed on your ceiling. They detect the frequency that breaking glass gives off. The detectors send a silent alarm to the dispatch and the audio built-in allows the police to hear any voices so to better handle the situation.

The Door Buzzer:
In layman’s terms, a door buzzer is a magnetic mechanism attached to the front door, which doesn’t allow anyone in the store unless you buzz him or her in or physically open the door. I think door buzzers are a huge waste because you’re going to buzz everyone in and the person who is going to rob your store is not going to be dressed shabbily but instead with a suit and tie. We are getting a door buzzer because my dad says he will feel at ease…he’s in FL and I’m in NC…it lets him sleep at night so I figured I should just buy it. My alarm company says it’s so you can get one last look at the person you are letting in. Do you and your employees carefully pay attention to the face of the person you are buzzing in? Do you have a mantrap?

Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on April 13, 2007 | Comments (0)