24/7 Security Monitoring Services
Turn your alarm or CCTV system from a deterrent into an active response. Find a certified installer offering ARC monitoring.
An alarm or CCTV system that nobody is watching is a passive deterrent. Monitoring connects it to a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) where trained operators see every activation, verify whether it's genuine, and follow your escalation procedure: calling you, dispatching keyholders, requesting police response, or reviewing live video. It's the difference between an alarm that might be heard and a response that actually happens.
Most monitoring is sold as a monthly add-on by your alarm or CCTV installer, who routes signals to an ARC certified to BS 5979 (typically Cat II for commercial sites, Cat I for high-security). The installers in this directory will configure the signalling path, register your premises with the ARC, and document the escalation procedure so the response is what you actually want.
What monitoring covers
Monitoring isn't a single product. These are the services most installers offer.
Alarm monitoring
Standard intruder, panic, and fire signals routed to the ARC. Operators contact you and your nominated keyholders, and request police response if you have a URN.
Video verification
When an alarm triggers, operators look at live or recorded CCTV footage and only escalate if a genuine intrusion is confirmed. Dramatically reduces false dispatches and earns Level 1 police response faster.
Keyholder & lone-worker
Keyholder response means a third-party security firm physically attends to investigate. Lone-worker covers staff working alone. They carry an alarm or app that the ARC monitors for check-ins or duress.
What to look for in a monitoring provider
Five things that matter more than the headline monthly price.
ARC certified to BS 5979
UK Alarm Receiving Centres are certified Cat II (most commercial) or Cat I (highest grade). Insurers and police forces require connection to a certified ARC. Confirm which ARC the installer connects to and at which category.
Response-time SLA
Ask for a written commitment on how quickly operators will pick up and start escalation after an alarm activation. A two-minute SLA is typical for Cat II ARCs.
Documented escalation procedure
Who do the operators ring first, second, third? When do they dispatch keyholders? When do they request police? Every site should have a written escalation procedure agreed up front and reviewed annually.
Dual-path signalling
Grade 3 systems require dual-path signalling (typically IP and 4G) so a cut phone line or broken router doesn\'t silence the alarm. Confirm this is included rather than a paid extra.
Clear pricing & contract terms
Monthly fees vary widely. Make sure the quote covers ARC connection, signalling path, keyholder response (if any), and incidental call-outs. Watch for auto-renewing contracts longer than 12 months. Most reputable providers offer rolling monthly terms after an initial period.
Installers offering monitoring
Verified installers who offer 24/7 monitoring as part of their service.
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Browse all installersFrequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. Still stuck? Get in touch.
What's an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)?
An ARC is a 24/7 manned monitoring centre, certified to BS 5979 by NSI or SSAIB, where trained operators handle alarm signals from connected sites. They follow a documented escalation procedure for each customer: calling keyholders, dispatching response, or requesting police as appropriate. ARCs are independent businesses; your installer routes signals to one of several UK ARCs they have a relationship with.
How quickly does the ARC respond to an alarm?
A Category II ARC will typically pick up and start escalation within 60–90 seconds of receiving the signal. The full response time depends on the escalation procedure. Keyholders may take 20–45 minutes to arrive, and police response varies by force and confirmation status. Video verification can dramatically reduce the time to confirmed dispatch.
How much does monitoring cost?
Domestic alarm monitoring typically runs £15–£30 per month; commercial Grade 2 sites £30–£60; Grade 3 sites with dual-path signalling and keyholder response £60–£150. Add-ons like video verification, lone-worker monitoring, or remote view-and-talk capability are usually quoted separately. Get the breakdown before you sign.
Will the police actually attend?
Police attend confirmed activations at sites with a current Unique Reference Number (URN). To get a URN you need an NSI- or SSAIB-approved alarm system installed by an approved installer and connected to a Cat II ARC. Repeated false alarms can lose you the URN, which is why video verification or "two-detector" confirmation is increasingly standard. Your installer applies for the URN as part of the install. See Alarm Systems for more on this.
What about false alarms?
False alarms cost everyone time and erode the value of the system. Reputable ARCs work with installers to investigate repeat activations: replacing a faulty sensor, adjusting pet-friendly settings, or tightening up procedures. Two confirmed false dispatches in 12 months can cost you the police URN, so it's worth treating false alarms as a problem to fix rather than just a nuisance.
Related services
Monitoring is most often sold alongside one of these.
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