Burglar Alarm Britain

Where vigilante culture meets vernacular design

Tag Archives: London

DR Security & Electrical Ltd, Islington: blobby

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 25, 2013

“DR Security & Electrical Ltd” burglar alarm, Islington • Dr Blobby’s in da house – another version of a very old favourite, as posted here. • Spotted: Compton Street, Islington, London, EC1, England, 2008 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Islington South and Finsbury

2008, Audio, Bonkers, Building, House, Human body, Illustrated, Labour Party, Lightning, Police and thieves, Rectangle, Shadowy intruder, Soundwaves, Stylised graphic burglar alarm, EC1, graphic design, Islington, London, politics, surveillance

Premia Security, Southwark: Dickensian

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 21, 2013

“Premia Security” burglar alarm, Southwark • Another rooftop-mountain-pyramid -triangle thing. Notable for being found in Wild’s Rents, one of London’s most Dickensian-sounding roads. • Spotted: Wild’s Rents, Southwark, London, SE1, England, 2011 • Politics: In the Liberal Democrat constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark

2011, Building, Delta, Excellence, Illustrated, Lib-Dem Party, Stylised graphic burglar alarm, graphic design, London, politics, SE1, Southwark, surveillance

IHD Security Limited, Ealing: sonic dot

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 18, 2013

“IHD Security Limited” burglar alarm, Ealing • Rounded 1970s house-arrow surrounding sonic dot and unexplained acronym. • Spotted: Bideford Avenue, Ealing, London, UB6, England, 2006 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Ealing North

1970s disco, 2006, 3 initials, Audio, Building, House, Illustrated, Labour Party, Rectangle, Soundwaves, Stylised graphic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, Ealing, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, UB6

Tel Cam, Lambeth: Ecurity

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 14, 2013

“Tel Cam Security Systems” burglar alarm, Lambeth • Or, in this case, Ecurity Systems. I think that’s a weird tall house in the middle of the triangle, but it’s a bit hard to say. • Spotted: Electric Avenue, Brixton, Lambeth, London, SW9, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Dulwich and West Norwood

Illustrated, Labour Party, Delta, Stylised graphic, Vision, Monogram, Unexplained acronym, House, SS, Science and Technology, Building, 2012 London, politics, burglar alarm, graphic design, surveillance, Lambeth, SW9

Trust Alarms, Camden: blubbing

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 13, 2013

“Trust Alarms” burglar alarm, Camden • Another version of the superb blubbing house I featured here, near the start of this blog. • Spotted: Leather Lane, Camden, London, EC1, England, 2011 • Poliatics: In the Labour constituency of Holborn and St Pancras

2011, Bonkers, Building, Cartoon, Favourite, House, Human body, Illustrated, Labour Party, Male, Pantomime burglar, Police and thieves, Rectangle burglar alarm, Camden, EC1, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance

Wimpey Security, Southwark: reflected

1 Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 12, 2013

“Wimpey Security Systems Monitored Alarm” burglar alarm, Southwark • Another arrow-house, this time reflected into an angular crenellated shield. • Spotted: Glasshill Street, Southwark, London, SE1, England, 2010 • Politics: In the Liberal Democrat constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark

2010, Building, Fortification, Heraldry, House, Illustrated, Lib-Dem Party, Lightning, Militia, Rectangle, Shield, Stylised graphic burglar alarm, graphic design, London, politics, SE1, Southwark, surveillance

Home Security Services, Southwark: arrow-house

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 11, 2013

“Home Security Services” burglar alarm, Southwark • Cross between a giant arrow and a house, and pretty old and faded. • Spotted: Riley Road, Southwark, London, SE1, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Liberal Democrat constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark

2012, Arrow, Building, Faded, House, Illustrated, Lib-Dem Party, Rectangle, Stylised graphic burglar alarm, graphic design, London, politics, SE1, Southwark, surveillance

Securaplace, Southwark: lockdown

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 9, 2013

“Securaplace” burglar alarm, Southwark • Fabulous old sounder with a lock and a house. • Spotted: Borough High Street, Southwark, London, SE1, England, 2011 • Politics: In the Liberal Democrat constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark

2011, Blue, Building, Chain, Favourite, House, Illustrated, Lib-Dem Party, Lock, Locksmithery, Monochrome, Rectangle, Stylised graphic burglar alarm, graphic design, London, politics, SE1, Southwark, surveillance

SPE, Islington: shortform

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 5, 2013

“SPE” burglar alarm, Islington • Short for Special Purpose Electronics, perhaps. • Spotted: St Peter’s Street, Islington, London, N1, England, 2011 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Islington South and Finsbury

2011, 3 initials, Awkward diagonal logo, Initial-based, Labour Party, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, graphic design, Islington, London, N1, politics, surveillance

REB, Greenwich: faded

1 Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 3, 2013

“REB Security Services” burglar alarm, Greenwich • I think this says REB but it’s a bit hard to tell, it’s so faded and torn. • Spotted: Crane Street, Greenwich, London, SE10, England, 2011 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Greenwich and Woolwich

2011, 3 initials, Awkward diagonal logo, Faded, Initial-based, Labour Party, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, graphic design, Greenwich, London, politics, SE10, surveillance

MCSS, Southwark: stencilled

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on May 1, 2013

“MCSS” burglar alarm, Southwark • Randomly stencilled, army-style – that’s hard core old-school. • Spotted: Bermondsey Street, Southwark, London, SE1, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Liberal Democrat constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark

2012, 4+ initials, Awkward diagonal logo, Initial-based, Lib-Dem Party, Rectangle, SS, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, graphic design, London, politics, SE1, Southwark, surveillance

DSA, Lewisham: confusing

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 27, 2013

“DSA” burglar alarm, Lewisham • Confusing typography: looks like DIA but probably says DSA. Graphic design 101 says not to use all upper-case script for this very reason. Apologies for blurriness, this was a very early burglar alarm shot. • Spotted: Deptford High Street, Lewisham, London, SE8, England, 2002 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Lewisham Deptford

2002, 3 initials, Awkward diagonal logo, Initial-based, Labour Party, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, graphic design, Lewisham, London, politics, SE8, surveillance

CSS, Islington: Canadian

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 26, 2013

“CSS” burglar alarm, Islington • Ah yes, the good old Canadian Space Society. • Spotted: Wharfdale Road, Islington, London, N1, England, 2010 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Islington South and Finsbury

2010, 3 initials, Awkward diagonal logo, Initial-based, Labour Party, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, graphic design, Islington, London, N1, politics, surveillance

BTA, Westminster: conglomerate

5 Comments Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 24, 2013

“BTA” burglar alarm, City of Westminster • I think BTA was actually a massive conglomerate of some kind. • Spotted: Rochester Row, City of Westminster, London, SW1, England, 2005 • Politics: In the Conservative constituency of Cities of London and Westminster

2005, 3 initials, Awkward diagonal logo, Conservative Party, Initial-based, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, City of Westminster, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, SW1

East Tower, Camden: iconic

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 22, 2013

“East Tower Security Systems” burglar alarm, Camden • Tower bridge isn’t exactly a city, but is iconic enough of London to represent it, and is central to both the London skylines featured previously. East Tower have had many sounder designs, but they always boast this same illustration. • Spotted: Mount Vernon, Camden, London, NW3, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Hampstead and Kilburn

2012, Bridge, Building, Drawing, Geographic, Illustrated, Local, Oval burglar alarm, Camden, graphic design, London, NW3, politics, surveillance

LT Security Services, Wandsworth: romantic

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 21, 2013

“LT Security Services” burglar alarm, Wandsworth • I thought that was a Japanese flag in the background, then I realised it’s the moon in a night sky. Quite a romantic illustration for a burglar alarm. • Spotted: Longbeach Road, Wandsworth, London, SW11, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Conservative constituency of Battersea

2012, Astronomy, Building, City, Conservative Party, Geographic, Illustrated, Local, Moon, Rectangle, Stylised graphic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, SW11, Wandsworth

City Alarms, Tower Hamlets: Millennium Dome

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 20, 2013

“City Alarms” burglar alarm, Tower Hamlets • Ah, some recognisable lumps on the London skyline, though oddly not the Gherkin. It must be post-2000, as it includes the Millennium Dome; there’s an earlier City alarm here that doesn’t. • Spotted: Leyden Street, Tower Hamlets, London, E1, England, 2010 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Bethnal Green and Bow

2010, 3 initials, Building, City, Geographic, Illustrated, Initial-based, Labour Party, Local, Rectangle, Silhouette, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, E1, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, Tower Hamlets

L or L Security, Hackney: handbasket

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 19, 2013

“L or L Security” burglar alarm, Hackney • A city in a padlock that looks like a basket. Excellent. But I have no idea what the weird name L or L means – hell in a handbasket? • Spotted: Broadway Market, Hackney, London, E8, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Hackney South and Shoreditch

2 initials, 2010, 2012, 3 initials, Bonkers, Building, City, Illustrated, Initial-based, Labour Party, Lock, Locksmithery, Rectangle, Stylised graphic, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, E8, graphic design, Hackney, London, politics, surveillance

Zodiac Security, Camden: big Z

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 17, 2013

“Zodiac Security” burglar alarm, Camden • No big Y (oh why oh why?), but here’s a stonking Z to end; there’s another Zodiac Security sounder here. That’s enough big letters; tomorrow, cities. • Spotted: Finchley Road, Camden, London, NW3, England, 2007 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Hampstead and Kilburn

1 initial, 2007, 2010, 3 initials, Astrology, Heptagon, Initial-based, Labour Party, One big letter, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, Camden, graphic design, London, NW3, politics, surveillance

Telecom Alarms Ltd, Islington: big T

1 Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 14, 2013

“Telecom Alarms Ltd” burglar alarm, Islington • The strangely named (I always think) Telecom alarms has a boring logo, but at least it contains a big T. • Spotted: Clerkenwell Green, Islington, London, EC1, England, 2007 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Islington South and Finsbury

1 initial, 2007, Com and Co, Initial-based, Labour Party, One big letter, Rectangle, Science and Technology, Typographic burglar alarm, EC1, graphic design, Islington, London, politics, surveillance

Q Guard, Islington: big Q

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 11, 2013

“Q Guard Security” burglar alarm, Islington • At last, a chance to feature the Q Guard logo with its excellent big Q. How can one not think of James Bond gadgets? • Spotted: Goswell Road, Islington, London, EC1, England, 2006 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Islington South and Finsbury

1 initial, 2006, Favourite, Guard, Initial-based, Labour Party, Militia, One big letter, Rectangle, Typographic burglar alarm, EC1, graphic design, Islington, London, politics, surveillance

Nu-Tron, Camden: big N

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 9, 2013

“Nu-Tron Security Ltd.” burglar alarm, Camden • Ah, the oft-featured Nu-Tron: starring once again thanks to its excellent big N. • Spotted: Saffron Hill, Camden, London, EC1, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Holborn and St. Pancras

1 initial, 1970s disco, 2012, Arch, Initial-based, Labour Party, Militia, One big letter, Other connotations, Retrofuturism, Science and Technology, Typographic, Uncommon shape burglar alarm, Camden, EC1, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance

Malgor Security, Camden: big M

2 Comments Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 8, 2013

“Malgor Security” burglar alarm, Camden • In the absence of a big L sounder, we jump straight to M. It’s a nice logo, but what on earth does Malgor mean? It sounds like a place from Lord of the Rings. • Spotted: Covent Garden area, Camden, London, WC2, England, 2004 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Holborn and St Pancras

1 initial, 2004, Initial-based, Labour Party, One big letter, Rectangle, Typographic burglar alarm, Camden, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, WC2

E, Southwark: big E

1 Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 4, 2013

“E” burglar alarm, Southwark • A big E. I mean, what can you say? Aceeeeiiid!!!!! • Spotted: Snowsfields, Southwark, London, SE1, England, 2011 • Politics: In the Liberal Democrat constituency of Bermondsey and Old Southwark

1 initial, 1970s disco, 2011, Blue, Favourite, Initial-based, Lib-Dem Party, Monochrome, One big letter, Other connotations, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, graphic design, London, politics, SE1, Southwark, surveillance

CSL, Westminster: big C

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on April 2, 2013

“CSL” burglar alarm, City of Westminster • Here’s a big C – not waves, but a sort of clamp effect. • Spotted: New Cavendish Street, City of Westminster, London, W1, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Conservative constituency of Cities of London and Westminster

1 initial, 2012, Conservative Party, Initial-based, One big letter, Rectangle, Typographic, Unexplained acronym burglar alarm, City of Westminster, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, W1

Electrotect Group, Westminster: elaborate

2 Comments Posted by Vici MacDonald on March 29, 2013

“Electrotrct Group Security Systems” burglar alarm, City of Westminster • A rather elaborate design, and the only one of its kind I’ve ever found. Electrotect Group sounds like a 1980s synth band, but in fact I’m thinking of Electroset, the 1990s rave outfit – here’s How Does It Feel, their quite good version of a New Order classic. Sigh, dance music’s really gone down the dumper since then. • Spotted: Great Titchfield Street, City of Westminster, London, W1, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Conservative constituency of Cities of London and Westminster

2012, Circle, Conservative Party, Flag, Illustrated, Science and Technology, Stylised graphic, Union Jack burglar alarm, City of Westminster, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, W1

Sound Alarms, City of London: unsound

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on March 23, 2013

“Sound Alarms” burglar alarm, City of London • Sound alarm, unsound typography: looks like someone let a work experience kid loose with some old Letraset. • Spotted: Aldersgate Street, City of London, London, EC1, England, 2006 • Politics: In the Conservative constituency of Cities of London and Westminster

2006, Audio, Basic, Circle, Conservative Party, Music, Typographic burglar alarm, City of London, EC1, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance

Bellhouse Security Ltd, Islington: plain

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on March 22, 2013

“Bellhouse Security Ltd” burglar alarm, Islington • I guess a bellhouse is a house with a bell in it. It’s a plain old sounder, but look at the lovely old butcher’s shop I found it on (below). • Spotted: Caledonian Road, Islington, London, N1, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Islington South and Finsbury

2012, Audio, Basic, Bells, Building, Delta, House, Labour Party, Music, Typographic burglar alarm, graphic design, Islington, London, N1, politics, surveillance

Clarion, Camden: shrill

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on March 19, 2013

“Clarion” burglar alarm, Camden • A clarion is a medieval brass trumpet, shrill in sound and popular with cavalries. Hence the term clarion call, and its suitability for a burglar alarm. I like the Chanel-style double C logo too; there seem to be quite a lot of double initials in these sound-based alarms. Maybe the kind of person who chooses musical names also responds to melodious alliterative repetitions (hey, deep). • Spotted: Covent Garden area, Camden, London, WC2, England, 2004 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Holborn and St Pancras

2 initials, 2004, Audio, Initial-based, Labour Party, Militia, Monogram, Music, Rectangle, Typographic burglar alarm, Camden, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, WC2

Trio, Camden: thrice

Leave a Comment Posted by Vici MacDonald on March 16, 2013

“Trio Trio Trio” burglar alarm, Camden • It’s a trio, and it’s written three times, geddit? • Spotted: Richardson Mews, Camden, London, W1, England, 2012 • Politics: In the Labour constituency of Holborn and St Pancras

2012, Audio, Labour Party, Music, Rectangle, Typographic burglar alarm, Camden, graphic design, London, politics, surveillance, W1

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A project by Vici MacDonald, ex-editor of Art World magazine, who explains her obsession here. Launched on 1/1/11, this blog will be updated daily, building into an alarming archive of bonkers burglar deterrents. Subjects range from cuddly creatures to mythical beasts, shadowy spies to seductive belles, with a lot of naive design in between. All this plus the alarms' political constituencies too! The collection will grow fast – keep updated on Twitter or Facebook, or sign up for email notifications.

Tag Archives: London

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