A fire and security company you can trust

Tamar Security was founded in 1984 by Keith Southwell, then in his early twenties. Keith began his career as a maintenance electrician at a local manufacturing firm in Exmouth, East Devon, before moving into the jewellery retail sector. While working in the shop, he noticed several customers reporting burglaries and the loss of their jewellery.

Spotting an opportunity, Keith returned to his electrician roots, this time focusing on electronic security. A chance job via the local job centre led him to a national intruder alarm company, where he became a regional installer across the South West. Realising the region lacked a local, personal service, he took the leap and started Tamar Security.

He named the company after the Tamar region, where much of his early work took place. The business started in Exmouth with a small shop, later expanding into offices on the seafront, and making several small acquisitions. In 2012, Tamar Security moved to Exeter after acquiring Venture Security.

Forty years on, Tamar Security has grown from a sole trader to a team of over 20. It continues to thrive while staying true to its roots. One of Keith’s early apprentices, Martin Shearer, is now the owner and Managing Director.

Over the years, we’ve adapted to the changing security landscape, expanding from intruder alarms into fire safety and CCTV, always embracing new technology to meet our customers’ needs.

Through it all, one thing remains constant: we are a local provider offering a personal, hands-on service, committed to protecting homes, businesses, and people throughout the South West.

Choosing Tamar Security means you can trust our care, service, and the quality of our installations, recognised by all leading insurers. No matter the size of the project, we deliver the personal, reliable service you can depend on, just as we have for over 40 years.