Since the time human beings started to hold possession of something, probably the act of stealing started. In order to keep these uninvited guests at a distance and to keep our properties safe, we often use burglary alarms. Initially this alarm was invented by Augustus Pope back in 1850 which was then modified and patented by Edwin Holmes and Thomas Watson in 1858. Burglary alarms are electronic devices which alert the owner of potential threat of dangerous intrusion. These alarms are used domestically as well as commercially, for example, in hospitals, offices, superstores etc.

As types of threats and dangers vary, so do the types of burglary alarms. Some alarms are used merely for the detection of movement. These alarms are usually used in household front and backdoors to determine whether anyone unwelcome has entered the premises. There are other alarms which detect the presence of smoke, carbonated gases. Such alarms indicate the possibility of fire and save lives and invaluable properties many times by helping us to detect the source of smoke/fire and extinguish them. Some alarms are built in such a manner that detection of smoke automatically starts a water sprinkler in the entire premises to dismiss the first threat of danger. Same type of alarm is used in cars where intrusion can be detected and the owner can be informed right away.

Some burglary alarms, very complex and sophisticated in nature, are used to detect infrared, photo electric beam, infrared waves, ultrasonic waves etc. These alarms are usually used for the protection of extremely expensive assets like bank vaults, gold, diamond, museums and so on. In laboratories and hospitals, such alarms are used to help save people from lethal hazards. It is often the case that there are some gases released in the environment by accident which have no smell. Some of these gases are so harmful that they may cause death the moment they are inhaled( like Carbon Monoxide). Due to the lack of their smelling property, these gases are impossible to detect in the surroundings. Burglary alarms are life savers in such cases by detecting the first sign of presence of such gas.

Nowadays, burglary alarms are so widespread that we often tend to forget how important a role they play in our lives. When any forgery is prevented with the help of such devices, only then is the important of burglary alarms can be realized. So, it can be said that, such investments are worthy of their prices, and since nothing can beat the value of lives, these often life-saving devices should be utilized more often and thus accidents due to mere ignorance would be minimized.