As revealed in today’s Telegraph Money, some BT customers have resorted to spending hundreds to install back-up generators. One ADT customer said they had been quoted £500 to upgrade their analogue alarm.

Former burglar Michael Fraser, who is now a security consultant and television presenter, said homeowners, particularly the elderly, were being left in a vulnerable position. 

There were almost 260,000 recorded burglaries in 2020, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. Mr Fraser forecast a rise in crime as burglars could easily tell which homes have analogue alarms which no longer function. “Criminals will take advantage of any new weaknesses in home security they possibly can. They can use property websites and Google street view to scout out potential targets and assess the value of possessions in homes,” he said. 

The Association of British Insurers, a trade body, warned non-working alarms could leave victims with no payout if they are burgled, as insurers could deny claims

ADT, Yale and BT said they were working together to inform affected customers of the dangers and the necessary upgrades that need to be completed.  

Last week this newspaper revealed the digital phone rollout will cause some personal health alarms to stop working as well. Around half a million BT customers wear such devices in order to call for help in case of an emergency such as a fall or stroke. Customers must cover the cost of the upgrades themselves, as BT has so far ruled out any financial assistance.