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The Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Security Contractor

Remember when selecting a company to install CCTV, Intruder Alarms or Access Control System, Always ensure the company is registered with the PSA (Private Security Authority of Ireland) and always ask for their licence number. The Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Security Contractor It is not surprising that an unlicensed Security contractor would be less expensive than a licensed contractor. Unlicensed contractors have an advantage that enables them to provide the lowest prices. They do not have to pay licensing fees, they do not have to have insurance to protect their work, and more often than not they do not purchase employers and public liability insurance. Without these added expenses the unlicensed contractor or handyman can provide their services at a rate lower than the legitimately licensed professional. What are the risks to you? QUALITY – an unlicensed installer may install sub-standard equipment in your home and there are no guarantees that this equipment is fit for the purpose of protecting your family, home or premises. Licensed installers must comply with current European standards set out by the PSA for high quality security systems. SECURITY – the PSA require a Garda Vetting form from all individuals engaged in the installation of Intruder Alarms, CCTV & Access Control Systems. This ensures that licensed installers are in good standing with the law and they are obliged to disclose any criminal offences. You do not have this reassurance when dealing with an unlicensed individual. COMPLAINTS – if you have any issues with the standard of service provided by an unlicensed installer there is very little you can do. If you use a licensed installer you can report any issues or complaints to the PSA and they will investigate the services provided by the installer. The PSA may revoke an installer’s license if standards are not adhered to so it is in the installer’s interest to do a good job and ensure you, the customer, is happy with the standard of work. PROSECUTION – if you employ an unlicensed installer you are breaking the law! Penalties range from a €3,000 fine and up to 5 years imprisonment. As you can see there are many very good reasons to use a licensed alarm installer for your home or business security systems. You may pay a little more, but it’s a small price to pay for the reassurance and added peace of mind a professional licensed installer can provide. At Total Technology Solutions we have over 10 years’ experience installing and designing CCTV, Intruder Alarm, and Access Control system, Certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and licensed by the PSA (Private Security Authority ) licence No. 08360 Talk to us today about increasing or upgrading your CCTV, Intruder Alarm or Access Control Systems. Call us on +353 65 6703452 To check that your installer is licensed visit www.psa.gov.ie

How to improve home security. Did you know that 1 in 4 crimes in Ireland is a burglary? You can lessen your chances of being a victim of burglars if you follow these tips. Are your doors secure? Are the doors and their frames in good solid condition? Do you have a solid mortice lock on your doors? Back doors are most vulnerable, so if they are giving way to a push, add extra locks and bolts. Are your windows secure? If you are having new windows installed, make sure they have locks. If you are having new windows installed make sure that the removable strips holding the glass in are on the inside. If you already have windows with the removable strips on the outside, get superglue and seal the strips so that they cannot be pealed off. Remember never forget to close all the windows when you leave home, especially ones that are accessible, e.g. upstairs bathroom window next to a drain pipe! What is a burglar looking for? - A home with no burglar alarm. - Any open windows. - Piles of post in your porch. - Ladders or tools left in your back garden. - Get a burglar alarm of course. - Of all the home burglaries over 90% were on homes with no home alarm system, according to Gardai. - Of the homes burglarised, 70% hadn't switched on the burglar alarm system at the time. - Make sure when you leave your house that you check all your doors and windows are closed and locked. If you have a burglar alarm make sure you set it. - Test your alarm at least once a month. - Have your burglar alarm serviced at least once a year What is the Private Security Authority (PSA) doing about unlicensed alarm installers?. 31st January 2008: The Private Security Authority (PSA), the government approved body that issues licenses to installers, has successfully prosecuted 1st Choice Security Limited, trading as Superior Security, in Carrickmacross District Court, for providing Installer services without a Private Security Authority licence. Judge McBride imposed a fine of 4,000. The successful outcome of this case comes as a result of intensive investigating by the PSA Enforcement Unit and sends a very clear message to others in the industry who choose to operate illegally, that the PSA is actively investigating contractors in this sector and that we will prosecute them, if they continue to operate without a licence says Geraldine Larkin, Chief Executive Officer, Private Security Authority. All installation contractors and alarm monitoring companies are required by law to have a licence issued by the PSA she says. Further details on licensing are available by checking their website or by calling the Private Security Authority on +353861944517. Home owners are required by law to make sure that their company are fully licensed by the PSA. The PSA can also take cases against people who employ unlicensed burglar alarm installers or monitoring companies.  The licensing system is helping to raise the standard of work done by intruder alarm installers.