Crime Prevention Products Stress the Right Advice for Personal Alarms

With investigations such as those in November 2008 bringing to light that violent crime is sadly on the rise in the UK (contrary to the initial claims of Home Secretary Jacqui Smith), personal protection and crime prevention are becoming an increasing concern for men and women alike. Crime Prevention Products, a leader in the personal alarms market, advises individuals to make sure they choose the device that suits the particular risks they potentially face.

The concept of Personal Alarms, designed to produce an ear-piercing sound that shocks and disorientates an attacker, originally evolved as a protective measure for women against sexual assault. Increasingly though, they're being used by a variety of individuals who, through their work or social life, run the risk of finding themselves isolated in potentially dangerous situations. Healthcare workers in the NHS for example are estimated to be attacked every seven minutes.

While crime prevention products are being increasingly recognised as a smart approach, there are often a bewildering number of options to choose from. For this reason, companies like Crime Prevention Products are stressing that people must be given the clear advice that allows them to choose the security products that match their particular needs.

CPP's Terry Rattee, Managing Director of Crime Prevention Products says, "A personal alarm can be an extremely useful item, giving a person confidence they have sound security recourse if involved in a dangerous situation. But if the alarm isn't suited to their circumstances, they end up with a product that doesn't help them when they most need it. We make sure this doesn't happen by advising each customer (if required) on what would suit them best."

There are 2 main types of personal alarm – they each have pro's and con's depending on the situation:

• Gas Alarm - pressure in the gas canister (typically 10cm in height) produces a constant, ear-piercing shriek for 3 - 6 minutes. It generally has a button that locks down when pushed - this means it can be set off by pushing the alarm against any part of the body (or anything relatively solid) which can save valuable seconds, particularly for people with dexterity problems. Volume wise, these are the loudest types of personal alarm.

• Battery Alarm – these produce a pulsating siren. Their benefit is that they tend to be very small and unobtrusive, often in the form of key rings or fobs that can be clipped to clothing or bags for easy access. They also tend to last longer before needing a refill than gas alarms. Most battery alarms are set off by pulling a pin out with a chain or cord.

Both types of mechanism are comparable in price – the cheapest personal alarms, starting at £5, will deliver a simple, powerful alarm function. As the price increases, the alarms incorporate added features suited to their power source. For battery alarms this can include torches or strobe lighting to further distract an assailant. The more expensive gas alarms combine formidable sound with a repelling odour spray, and an ultraviolet tracer that leaves no visible stain until detected by a police UV scanner.

Finding the right personal alarm to fit the circumstance can make all the difference in whether or not help is at hand during a dangerous situation. The advice from leading personal alarm companies like Crime Prevention Products is that people need to make sure they're getting the security they need by choosing a supplier who takes time to understand the risks they face as individuals.