Abstract: A protective alarm system for a vehicle or the like wherein a protective switch initiates operation of a circuit combining two timing effects : effecting time delaying of an alarm device, and determining the duration of the alarm. Once initiated by the protective switch, the alarm is actuated after a predetermined delay and for a predetermined duration despite any action on the switch such as a periodical opening and closing. Circuitry operated by a key switch defeats instantaneously actuation of the alarm system when a further manually operated knob is on, which results in a necessary order of operation, involving the possession of the key, to inhibit definitely the alarm.