46 years on and stronger than ever – CIA’s history

The story of how Barrie and Janet Christie made the company the success it is today by commitment to the customer and investing in people and technology.

Peace, love and CIA

It all started back in the ’60s when Barrie Christie decided to go into partnership with his wife, Janet.  In 1970 they registered the name Christie Intruder Alarms Ltd and Janet designed the “crooked man” logo which is so widely recognised today.  In 1971, they moved into their first office which was not much bigger than a cupboard.

In 1983, the company commissioned purpose-built offices in Waterlooville and in 1985, another office block was built on the site for sister company –Southern Monitoring Services Ltd – now the third largest Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in the UK, and the largest independent ARC in Europe.  Together, the two companies currently employ over 300 staff.

No one cares more for customer service and quality of engineering than Barrie Christie.  His favourite saying is “Never worry if someone is cheaper than us.  Worry if someone is better.”  The company’s philosophy has always been forward thinking and bold.  CIA prides itself on innovation, staying ahead of the current trends in technology, and places great emphasis on apprenticeship, training and staff development.

In 2010, Capital Security Systems, Gardner Security and State Digital Security, the three subsidiaries which had been acquired during the previous decade, were amalgamated with Christie Intruder Alarms Ltd.

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  • Mrs J Gxxxx Southampton, Hampshire

    Technician and office always pleasant.

  • Mr P Mxxxxx Titchfield, Hampshire

    All CIA staff seem to be friendly and keen to provide a good service

  • Mrs Wxxxxxxxx Locks Heath, Hampshire

    Very happy with the work. Engineer is a credit to your company. My son is also looking to have an alarm fitted, and would like him to do that as well.

  • Dr P Darling Basingstoke, Hampshire

    Have been with CIA for over 10 years now and they have never disappointed me.  The system designer showed a great deal of professionalism and expertise as well as being personable.

  • Mrs Ann Nash Woking, Surrey

    When I ring I speak to a real person who takes time to find my details and so can speak to me as an individual.  This personal contact is invaluable.

  • Alan Jones – Newbury, Berkshire

    We always receive excellent service from CIA. We appreciated the text ‘reminder’ about the service appointment.

  • Mrs F K Stephens West Sussex

    Whenever there has been a problem, it has been sorted.  Care is always taken and your men are very polite and pleasant.  Thank you.

  • Mrs Bell Camberley, Surrey

    Had CIA at previous address and were so impressed with the level of service, we had one installed at our new address!

  • Mrs N H***** Bournemouth, Dorset

    Engineer arrived on time and was very friendly, willing to take on board our comments regarding box location from the moment he arrived – He went through the system and demonstrated it several times.  He was thorough in his testing.  He took extra care to hide the cabling, swept up and even offered to vacuum!

  • Mr A Dxxxxxx Chichester, West Sussex

    The same technician has serviced our system several times.  He knows us and he knows the system.  Always helpful, friendly, cheerful and professional.

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