Cost Comparison and Justification:

The ADT Police Response package is notably more expensive than the Keyholder Response package, which starts at £99. Both systems include a similar array of equipment, and additional wireless movement sensors for the Keyholder package are priced at around £75 each. The significant price difference primarily stems from two factors:

• System Expansion Capabilities: The Police Response control panel supports a considerably larger number of zones, allowing for more extensive customization and expansion compared to the Keyholder package, which is limited to adding only a few more PIRs or door contacts.
• Police Response Feature: Unlike the Keyholder package, which only provides keyholder alerts, the Police Response system is designed to directly notify police during an alarm event, offering an added layer of security.

The ADT Police Response package is notably more expensive than the Keyholder Response package, which starts at £99. Both systems include a similar array of equipment, and additional wireless movement sensors for the Keyholder package are priced at around £75 each. The significant price difference primarily stems from two factors:

What is Police Response?

Police response in the context of home alarm systems refers to the capability of the alarm service provider to notify the local police department directly in the event of a confirmed alarm activation. In addition to informing you and/or up to four nominated keyholders, ADT's police response service ensures that the police are also alerted, providing an extra layer of security.

Cost Implications

Opting for ADT’s police response feature increases the monthly contract fee to £32.99 for a 36-month term. There is also a one-time fee of £52 for registering and setting up a Unique Reference Number (URN) with the police, which is necessary for the direct police alert to be implemented.

Is Police Response Worth the Cost?

The value of adding police response to your alarm system isn’t just about personal peace of mind; it often hinges on several factors:

Insurance Requirements: Some home insurance providers may require a police response feature for eligibility or to qualify for lower premiums, especially in areas or properties at higher risk of burglary.

Security Needs: If you reside in a larger property, have valuable possessions, or live in an area with higher crime rates, the added security of police response could be crucial.

Realistic Expectations: It’s important to consider the actual service level, recognizing that many UK police forces are under-resourced, which might affect response times and availability.

Additional Features and Costs

Smoke Detection: Adding fire and smoke monitoring to your ADT system involves an extra upfront cost of £85 per detector, plus an additional monthly fee of £2.25 for monitoring the first smoke detector and £1.25 per month for each additional detector.

Overall Monitoring Costs: Including police and smoke detector monitoring, the fees can amount to £35.24 per month after the initial equipment costs.

Conclusion

For those who do not require police response or live in a standard-sized home, the ADT Keyholder Response Alarm, which alerts designated individuals rather than the police, may suffice and be more cost-effective. This system still provides robust 24/7 monitoring and includes a comprehensive maintenance package.

For homeowners who need or prefer the added assurance of police involvement or who have larger properties or more complex security needs, the ADT Police Response Alarm is the recommended choice. Both options use wireless technology and are monitored via GSM, eliminating the need for a dedicated landline.

Getting the Best Price for an ADT Alarm

Buy Through an Authorized ADT Agent: Agents often have the flexibility to offer incentives that are not available directly from ADT, potentially leading to better deals due to the commissions they earn from ADT sales.

If the cost of police monitoring is prohibitive or unnecessary for your security needs, consider alternatives like the ADT Keyholder Monitored System or explore other cost-effective solutions from different providers. Always evaluate your home’s security needs thoroughly and consult with professionals to find the best solution that offers both safety and value.