CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 28, 1997
(except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 15, as to which the date is
March 12, 1997) included in the Holmes Protection Group, Inc.'s Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in
this registration statement on Form S-8.

                                                       /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN, LLP

New York, New York
April 16, 1997