had a phone call this morning as the out come is that as i have above a certain amount of firearms in order to keep my fac i am required by the home office to have a monitored house alarm fitted. this is from tvp but it is now home office guidance/rules . has any one else come up against this ?
fac renewal, must have a monitored alarm system or no fac
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pete evans
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I’m TVP and not had this. How many rifles if you don’t mind me asking?
There’s something in the HO guidance about different security levels. If memory serves, it’s 1-3 with 1 being the lowest and 3 the highest.
Someone with a few guns and living in a normal area is likely level 1. If you’re somewhere with more crime or have a high number, then probably level 2. Level 3 seems to be reserved for the highest risk (in the police view) holders.
I recall “level 2” security does mention an alarm but I think it is an “audible alarm” not monitored.
High number, I think, is between 6 and 10 depending on the circumstances.
What do they mean by monitored? You can get fairly basic alarms now which use Wi-Fi to tell you if the alarm is triggered. If that will suffice that’s not too terrible. I’d be inclined to push back if they mean monitored in the old sense, i.e. calls the police or security company as that will be a more expensive alarm with an ongoing contract. Unless, of course, there’s a particular reason like you’ve got 3x 50 cals…
Someone with a few guns and living in a normal area is likely level 1. If you’re somewhere with more crime or have a high number, then probably level 2. Level 3 seems to be reserved for the highest risk (in the police view) holders.
I recall “level 2” security does mention an alarm but I think it is an “audible alarm” not monitored.
High number, I think, is between 6 and 10 depending on the circumstances.
What do they mean by monitored? You can get fairly basic alarms now which use Wi-Fi to tell you if the alarm is triggered. If that will suffice that’s not too terrible. I’d be inclined to push back if they mean monitored in the old sense, i.e. calls the police or security company as that will be a more expensive alarm with an ongoing contract. Unless, of course, there’s a particular reason like you’ve got 3x 50 cals…
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As above. Think you would fall into level 2 due to number.
It’s not framed as mandatory under the HO Security handbook, but as desirable/advised, and a (standard un-monitored) house alarm is usually sufficient.
TVP tend to be relatively pragmatic in my experience (or at least my FEO is). I’d certainly ask for a rationale and what is their basis under HO guidance or is it their Force policy/interpretation.
Once you have that, you may be able to take some advice.
However they are not monitored alarms in the true sense, that requires a commercial third party to be 24hr 7days a week monitoring the alarm and acting immediately if required.
Think it was required for 50cal owners, to be able to keep them.
Just had a look. Level 2 security is at Para 18.32 of the HO guide.
It says the following sort of alarm should be “considered”
A monitored alarm is only recommended at level 3. While I don’t know your circumstances, level 3 is mostly particularly high risk individuals and I wouldn’t think 10 qualifies.
If I was you, I’d say I’m happy to get an alarm as per level 2 but I’m not getting a formally monitored one.
It says the following sort of alarm should be “considered”
- c) An audible intruder alarm to the appropriate standard protecting either the whole the premises or those parts of the premises where guns are stored.
A monitored alarm is only recommended at level 3. While I don’t know your circumstances, level 3 is mostly particularly high risk individuals and I wouldn’t think 10 qualifies.
If I was you, I’d say I’m happy to get an alarm as per level 2 but I’m not getting a formally monitored one.
Think 50cal was considered level 3 regardless of where you lived.
goldypurple
Well-Known Member
I was advised to have one fitted when over 12 firearms. I fitted a reasonably priced self install wireless alarm that can call your mobile if the alarm goes off, have CCTV, dogs and nosey neighbor lol think should be ok.
I have heard that TVP was 10 guns and then they wanted enhanced security from a few people I know who I shoot with in the TVP area. Its certainly a number I had in mind to stick below as I was not sure what extra they had in mind as a ring system isnt much hassle but a monitored system is a fair bit more serious cost wise.
timbrayford
Well-Known Member
HO guidance is just that, your legal responsibility is to keep your firearms secured. That said why not upgrade your household security anyway, the authorities now make all manner of excuses to not even prosecute, let alone imprison career crooks.
This guidance.
Firearms security handbook 2020 (accessible)
Firearms security handbook 2020 (accessible)
The HO Guidance identifies levels & layers, effectively level 2 is <12 firearms (excludes moderators) & >12 puts you into level 3 from memory. The layers of security provide options that can be used to reduce risk in location specific situations and which should be considered based on the level involved. Speak to BASC or NRA etc. and ask them to intervene if nothing has changed since your last renewal.
i will question the monitored alarm system as they are expensive ! i dont have a problem getting an alarm fitted ,i have a camera at the front rear and side of my property and security light at the side and rear <there is one at the front but the neighbours complain !! so only used when i need to > my home was build with an alarm fitted but has died so needs to be replaced,i have security windows internally glazed and locks on all the windows high security front door and 3 locks on the rear door i have never had any issues and live in a good area ,i get monthly reports on any crime locally and we had three low level incidents last month with in one mile of my home <drink drivingx2 and a road rage incident> i know that the local police do not respond to house or car alarms as they would be on the new estate every two hours !! i dont think my feo knows this area but he does know all my security arrangements .also the dog has free range of the rear of the property and he is NOT people friendly.
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