🚨 Why a Private Control Room Offers No Safety Guarantee

Misleading Claims About Control Rooms: What You Really Need to Know

Many alarm system providers falsely suggest their systems are directly linked to the police. This is legally impossible for private users. In Spain and other EU countries, government agencies like the police prohibit direct connections with private alarm systems.

What Really Happens When an Alarm Goes Off?

Contrary to what some companies imply, alarm alerts aren’t sent straight to the police – they’re first handled by a private control room. These control rooms operate under Spain’s Ley de Seguridad Privada and have limited authority. While they can be useful in some cases, they come with significant limitations and risks.

The Limitations of a Private Control Room

1. No Guarantee of Follow-Up

Control rooms are commercial entities that process alerts, but there’s no legal obligation to act on every one.
➡️ In practice, evidence shows that in eight out of ten cases, no contact is made with the homeowner after an alert.

2. No Direct Police Contact

Even an authorised control room can’t call the police without verification. They must first confirm a real emergency, which can waste precious time.
➡️ During technical failures or sabotage, the alert might not even get through.

3. Language Barriers for Expats in Spain

Most Spanish control rooms don’t offer English-speaking staff. This can lead to miscommunication and delays during an alarm, critical moments when expats need clear support.

Sabotage via Jamming: A Hidden Risk

Burglars increasingly use signal jammers to sabotage wireless alarm systems.
➡️ When a jammer is deployed, the alert never reaches the control room, meaning no action is taken at all.

High Monthly Costs Without Guaranteed Results

Many people sign up for expensive control room subscriptions assuming it adds safety. In reality, a control room is just a middleman with no direct power to prevent a break-in.
➡️ Costs can climb to tens of euros per month, with no assurance of effective response.

Our Take: Is a Control Room Subscription Really Necessary?

Many homeowners think a control room is vital for safety, but there are better alternatives:

✔ Choose a system that alerts you directly on your smartphone.
✔ Opt for anti-jamming technology to thwart sabotage.
✔ Consider if a control room subscription is worth it, or if investing in stronger security makes more sense.

Don’t fall for marketing hype. Understand the limitations of control rooms and pick a solution that genuinely enhances your security.