SecurityWise: Will the digital switch affect your intruder and holdup alarm system?
04 May 2021
Businesses are preparing for the national rollout of a new digital telecommunications system, which will impact on intruder and holdup alarm systems. What do the changes mean for the jewellery sector and what practical steps should you take to ensure you are ready for the switch?
Insurance broker TH March urges NAJ members to seek advice from their insurance brokers before making any changes to their alarm systems.
A national telecommunications upgrade
Recognising that the current network needed to be upgraded to new, digital technologies, the Government has set out a plan to upgrade voice and data services provided through the UK Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
By the end of 2025, the copper-based PSTN will be replaced with digital networks that carry data traffic using Internet Protocol (IP) networks. The national roll-out should result in a network that is easier to maintain and provides a better service.
The impact on alarm transmission systems
The switch to the IP network will not just affect telephone systems but also alarm transmission systems (ATS). While many alarm transmission systems are already compatible with the IP network, some may need upgrading. However, there is a risk of jewellers investing in new systems which do not meet their insurance needs.
Lee Wallace of TH March says,
Many jewellers will be considering investing in a new ATS ahead of the IP network switch. However, just because the equipment is compatible with the infrastructure and accepted by the police, this does not mean that it will meet your insurer’s requirements.
Most insurers will specify that jewellery and other high value target goods businesses must have a Dual Path Alarm Transmission System to grade DP3. Many of the new ATS use mobile phone networks, ensuring they have two Sims to comply with police requirements. However, this is not something we recommend as it can leave those jewellers with particularly high value items vulnerable to radio jamming technology.
Radio jamming is of increasing concern to the jewellery sector. Intelligence obtained by SaferGems has confirmed that radio jamming devices are being used by organised gangs. In autumn 2020, for example, police dealt with a break-in incident involving someone equipped with heavy tools and a radio jammer.
The risk of false alarms
An ATS that uses two radio paths will detect radio technology within three minutes. It will notify the alarm receiving centre, which will then alert the police or keyholders.
Accidental, or deliberate criminal interference, without a physical attack on the building, could result in police being called to the premises. They would then treat it as a false alarm. “If a jeweller has three false alarms in a rolling 12 months, the police will withdraw their response from the premises,” warns Lee Wallace. “And that could leave businesses without full insurance - or possibly no insurance at all.”
Choosing the right ATS for your premises
Over the coming months and years, businesses are likely to be contacted by their alarm companies advising on changes that are required.
Lee Wallace continues,
“Insurers will, in most cases, accept an ATS with two Radio paths. However, because of the risk of false alarms we highly recommend that the ATS is DP3 with both Radio and IP signalling to give enhanced signalling resiliency,”
“Speak to your insurer or insurance broker before you agree to anything. Changes to your alarm system can have a significant impact on your insurance cover and could even leave you with no insurance at all.”
Find out more about TH March Partnership benefits
Read more SecurityWise advice articles
Source: TH March