Effective September 10, 2018, the Toronto Police Service will no longer respond to residential or business security system intrusion alarms, unless the monitoring company provides verification. Since it’s the responsibility of property owners to ensure their alarm companies are registered, this new policy is likely going to impact how authorities will be dispatched to tend to any alarms at your location.

What does this mean for you?

If you have a residential or business security system, here’s what you need to know:

• The Toronto Police Service will no longer respond to alarms solely on the request of alarm monitoring stations.

• The verification requirement will apply to burglar alarm activations. Note that the verification of a burglar alarm can be established with the help of at least one of the following: an audio device, a video device, an eyewitness (such as private security on the scene) and multiple zone activation.

• Panic alarms will not be included in the verified response requirement.

• The police utilize a fee-based false alarm reduction program; meaning, they can charge a $130 fee when a police field unit responds to a security system alarm event, but the event is determined to be a false alarm.

You can reduce the odds of false alarms from both home and business security systems.

Preventing a false alarm can save you time and money. Here’s what we recommend:

• Position security system equipment so animals and debris will not accidentally trigger it.

• Know all your alarm codes.

• Make sure everyone who needs to operate the alarm system is properly trained to do so.

• Secure all windows and doors.

• Report damaged or faulty equipment to your alarm company.

• Maintain your call list.

• Ensure your alarm company offers a mobile response unit solution in response to all calls set off by your alarm system.

Security systems coupled with mobile response units can keep your property safe at all times.

Whether you’re away on holiday or just gone for the evening, there are several ways to ensure your home or business is safe while you’re not there. Investing in a security system with a professional monitoring station and mobile patrol units will ensure triggered alarms are valid and tended to effectively. Moreover, it may just help you avoid a hefty bill from the police due to false alarms.

With 60 mobile units in operation across Ontario responding to 20,000+ alarms a year, and an average response time of less than 30 minutes, GardaWorld is the trusted security supplier of a multitude of alarm monitoring companies. You can learn more about GardaWorld’s mobile patrol services here.

Everyone deserves to feel reassured knowing their home or place of business is under the protection of security professionals. Contact us to learn more about how GardaWorld can help you protect your assets. This is a responsibility we take seriously.