According to Windsor Police, a false alarm is any alarm caused by human error or equipment problems requiring a police response, with no evidence of an actual crime having been committed or attempted.
Why are False Alarms a Problem?
- Alarms were originally designed to protect lives and property. Properly installed, used and maintained, alarms are a real asset. When misused, they become a liability. The Windsor Police Service as well as the security companies, must spend a significant amount of time and money reacting to false alarms. The system users also experience the inconvenience of false alarms and the assessment of fines.
- A false alarm can endanger responding officers and the whole community. It may delay the officers from responding to a real emergency.
- False alarms can lead neighbours to ignore your alarm when it goes off. In effect, your security system becomes less reliable and less credible.
- False alarms make you reluctant to arm your system, in effect exposing your home or business to undetected theft or damage.
- False alarms can cost you fines, and in some instances abusers may even have police response suspended.
What can you do to help reduce the amount of false alarms received?
- Make sure everyone who has a key to your home or business knows how to operate the security system. Keep the name and number of your monitoring station handy.
- Secure doors and windows before turning on the system.
- Be aware of changes in the environment (ie. New animals, design changes, seasonal decorations, plants etc.)
- Notify monitoring facility and Windsor Police Service of new installations, and any changes (ie. Name changes, new employees).
- Check your batteries regularly
- Equipment should be routinely inspected and maintained by qualified personnel.
- Call your security company immediately if your system does not seem to be working properly.
- An alarm system must be installed properly, maintained properly and used properly in order to be a deterrent against crime and perform to everyone’s expectations.
For an evaluation of your security system, or to schedule a service call, call 1-800-265-5317 or just CLICK HERE.
