Abstract: The present invention is a compact security alarm circuitry and apparatus for a portable container comprising a power unit, an alarm unit, a switch unit and a sensor unit all connected in series, whereby the sensor unit can detect an alert event and switch on to activate the alarm unit. It may further comprise a latch unit for keeping the alarm unit activated once the alert event has occurred even if the sensor unit later switches off. It may be built into the portable container, or further comprises housing means for housing the compact security alarm circuitry and apparatus and attaching means for attaching the housing means onto the portable container.