The alternative is to install one of the readily available wireless systems which can be easily fitted by the householder without needing any technical knowledge or special tools. But experienced burglars know that neighbours very often do not respond to a solitary security siren going off. Having heard it being triggered accidentally in the past, or hearing that it stops (when the intruder disarms it), they assume that it is yet another false alarm. Something more is needed.

A very different kind of wire-free security system has recently come onto the European market. It has been welcomed in the French press and has already won interest and approval from the police and neighbourhood watch organisations in the U.K.. Based on an ingenious invention by a Scottish design team, it has been highly successful in the United States - now installed in over three million homes. It is called Voice Dialler Security System and uses a combination of infra red, radio frequency and mains borne signalling to control up to sixteen devices anywhere in the house. But for the consumer it is simply a question of plugging in to get immediate protection.

The fundamental difference between an X10 installation and conventional wireless alarm systems is that it gives the very convincing impression that a house is occupied. The popular practice of simply leaving lights and a radio switched on may put off a few timid and inexperienced villains. But, by watching for a time and seeing no evident activity inside, the lack of any occupation becomes obvious.

"X10 has a unique ability to deter intruders" says Francois Rossi, Technical Support Manager of X10 Europe. "If you can frighten a burglar before they actually get near to the house, they will leave it alone and pick on one that is clearly unoccupied and unprotected."

When practical demonstrations are given of an X10 system, its powerful deterrent effect is immediately obvious. M. Rossi describes what happens: "If a potential intruder approaches a home protected by an X10 system, their body head activates an external movement detector before they reach the house. Lights come on - first maybe in an upstairs room, then seconds later in the hall. They may even hear a dog barking. Our tests show that you cannot detect that it is an electronic hound!"

For all but the most determined burglar, this creates enough doubt and nervousness to send them away. But, as crime prevention officers will admit, there are some serious criminals who will decide to break in whatever the odds. But if they do so, the X10’s sensitive alarm system is triggered and the deafening siren and flashing house lights will alert the neighbours.

"Imagine trying to burgle when the lights are going on and off as if you were at a disco!" says M. Rossi. "The noise is unbearable and you don’t know what is going to happen next." What does happen next is that an automatic telephone dialler calls up to four numbers chosen by the householder. When the call connects, a short pre-recorded message is played. A microphone on the control unit is then left open, allowing the person receiving the message to monitor sounds in the house and decide what action to take.

The home owner can arrange with those on the alarm call list how to respond in the event of a message coming through.

Another major feature is the system’s ability to call for help in the event of an elderly or infirm person getting into difficulty. A small wireless panic button can be carried around the house at all times and pressed in emergency to trigger the four phone calls.

X10 technology was developed in the late 1970s. So why has it taken so long to find its place in home security in this country? Dave Miller, President of X10 Europe explains: "It is only now that other, new technology has become available which enables us to provide a complete security network. Originally X10 was simply a way of controlling equipment, appliances and lighting from one point through the mains. Now, with the development of new infra red and radio frequency devices it has really come of age. You can have a small motion detector for example sending a radio signal to the central controller. This then transmits a command through the mains to selected lights or alarms via low cost, plug in modules."

Apart from being triggered by various external and internal sensors, the central control unit can be operated manually or by a hand held remote control, to arm or disarm the system or switch lights and appliances on or off. This can be done from inside or outside the house. A small key fob remote control can also be used for arming and disarming on leaving or arriving back. Wireless door and window sensors can be fitted in addition to external and internal movement detectors.

Installing and setting up an X10 system takes very little time, because it involves no wiring, technical knowledge or special tools. It can be extended as and when needed, and every component of a system is compatible with every other. As more and more people are choosing this system for security, they are also learning that it can do a lot more - to help control equipment all around the house. For years in France "la domotique" has not been widely popular because of cost, complexity and doubts as to its real usefulness. The affordable and simple solution offered by X10 technology can do a lot to change that.