Friedland Mini Alarms ML2 Window Alarms

Having just moved into my new property, I was seriously disturbed to hear from my neighbour that she had been broken into on her second day in the neighbourhood. It's a rental so I couldn't very well fit my own alarm system. I immediately ordered some of these. They are incredibly loud and effective - they pick up vibrations well which is easy to test out. You can adjust sensitivity as well so although they're a cheap option, they're not completely basic. They mount easily and firmly to your window with the sticky back. These alarms come with a warning sticker that you can use alongside your deterrent. I feel more comfortable having them and although I now have an alarm system in place - I know I'm always going to purchase these as an addition.

Compact & ideal

Although I have a motion-sensor alarm system for use when I am out, I bought these to sound a warning if anyone tries to break in through two large ground-floor windows, even if the main alarm is off, such as during the night. These are small, inconspicouous and do exactly what I want. The size given in the product description is for the packaging. The actual alarm units are only 7 cm high by 3 cm wide by 2 cm thick. Takes a couple of minutes to remove the insulating strip from the batteries, then stick the unit to a window with the double-sided pad provided. Loud and piercing 90 dB whistle if the alarm is triggered. This has an auto shut-off time, or can be manually stopped with a switch on the alarm.

I purchased these alarms after an attempted break in to provide peace of mind that my downstairs windows and door glass would be protected. The alarms are very neat, well built and very loud. However, there are two design flaws that are so obvious that I'm amazed they were missed, or ignored, by Friedland. First, when fitted to the window they need a huge bang to set of the alarm. I tested the second alarm from the pack before fixing and it is much better. I assume, therefore, that the doubled-sided adhesive pad used to fix the alarm is acting as a very effective shock absorber, diminishing the sensitivity. I might fix the second alarm with a dab of superglue instead. The second issue is the switch which is located at the side of the alarm. Through a window it is easy to see if the alarm is on or off. I use one on the front door glass, which means it offers no deterrent protection during the day when I switch it off when I'm at home. It would have been so much better if the switch was on the front of the alarm, facing into the property, where the status couldn't be seen by an intruder. All in all, I'm hopeful that they will act as a deterrent. But I'm not optimistic that they will go off unless the local scallies are very heavy handed. P.S. Friedland - I am available to join your design team for a very modest fee.

They didn't work at all. We banged and shaked out patio doors but no noise was made. These were a total waste of money. No protection at all.

Good Price, & as far as I can see (as fortunately not been put to the test by a burglar yet !) a really good product. Bought as can't afford an expensive alarm system, & prefer to be 'warned' before/whilst somebody is trying to get in, rather than have CCTV of them. Gives you a chance to get the frying pan out. Very loud, & have found that even on 'high' not set off too easily (high wind blowing door/vibration & so on). Would recommend this purchase. Don't make my mistake though, there are TWO in every packet, not one (my fault). Goes great with 'Patlock' on patio doors that are hard to defend. REVISED REVIEW AFTER SOME TIME - THIS ITEM DOES NOT WORK. DO NOT RELY ON IT AS A DETERENT FOR BURGLARS, SHAKE A DOOR TO PIECES NOW ON 'HIGH' AND STILL DOESN'T GO OFF !

These are easy to fix up and hopefully act as a deterrent. They are not too sensitive so can leave them on even with kids running about.. A reasonable blow to window sets them off though.

Friedland by Honeywell, a manufacturer whose name I trust. Easy to install using the adhesive pads supplied, small enough to not be intrusive but big enough to be seen by potential intruders.