A Safe House

Keyholders

Can be divided into those who look after houses where the alarm is connected to a security company and those where the alarm is a stand alone. In either case the police should know who the keyholders are.
All alarms are now required to be switched off automatically after 20 minutes. Regardless of category, a maintenance contract is almost always a necessity.

1. Connected to a security company.
   The keyholder(s) should be prepared to attend an alarm at any time, day or night, provided they are not putting themselves at risk. Most security companies may allow the householder 2 false alarms without financial penalty, thereafter are likely to charge at least £25. The police will NOT respond after two false alarms.When entering the house where the alarm has been activated and turned off by the keyholder, the security company will probably phone and ask for a password to verify your right to enter. So be prepared with the password.
   
   
2. Stand Alone
   The keyholder(s) should still be prepared to respond to an alarm (otherwise why be a keyholder?), a, because your neighbour's property might well be at risk and b, for the noise nuisance to you and your other neighbours. If an alarm goes off continually people will cease to respond, so get it fixed!
   
   
3. Keyholder's Register
   You must register your keyholders with the Police Authority at Winchester. Write to:
   Keyholder Data Base
   Alarms Administration
   Hampshire Constabulary Headquarters
   West Hill, Winchester, Hants SO22 5DB
   or
   Fax the details to: 01962 871193
   
   You must notify the Police of:
   Name of occupier
   Full address including Post Code
   Telephone Number
   The name of two independent keyholders (not resident on site) who live within twenty minutes of the protected premises
   Keyholders must provide their own transport and have a landline telephone
   
   
4. Advice
   People wanting advice on the installation of alarms should contact:
   NACOSS
   National Approval Council for Security Systems
   Queensgate House
   14 Cookham Road, Maidenhead
   Berkshire SL6 8AJ
   Telephone: 0870 2050000
   Fax: 01628 773367
   or
   SSAIB
   Security Systems & Alarms INspection Board
   Suite 3
   131 Bedford Street, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 6LA
   Tel: 0191 2963242
   Fax: 0191296 2667