It’s 2 a.m., and you’re fast asleep when you’re awoken by your phone’s ringtone. The voice on the other end informs you that your business’s alarm has been triggered and asks whether it’s a false alarm. When you tell them no, they immediately dispatch law enforcement to the scene. At this point, you’re wide awake. This may feel far-fetched, but over 42,000 businesses are burgled annually. While we hope to never find ourselves in that situation, preparation is key, and investing in monitoring services is a crucial step. You may wonder what happens when an alarm goes off. The scenario mentioned above is a great look at a possible outcome. We’ll explore the process in-depth, but first, let’s take a look at why security systems are essential for businesses.
The Importance of Security Systems
Assuming you won’t ever be targeted by criminals is one of the most common security mistakes you can make. It’s true that the majority of businesses won’t experience burglaries, but for those that do, the effects can be financially and emotionally devastating. Installing a security system instantly increases the security of your property, making everyone on-site safer than they’d be without an alarm. Additionally, an alarm makes your building less appealing to criminals because they know they’re likely to get caught. You have the option of posting signage to warn visitors that your property is monitored, which leads to a lower risk of crime. No one wants to experience the worst-case scenario, and preparing for it can decrease the likelihood that it happens.
What Happens When an Alarm Goes Off
You have the option of manually activating your security system — usually while closing the office — or programming it to turn on at a specific time. Regardless of whether you choose to automate the process, you’ll find your building protected even when there’s no one there to guard it. Your security system includes door and window sensors that detect when an entry point is open; more advanced systems offer motion detection as well. Let’s say someone breaks a window with the intent of entering your building. Immediately, a loud noise will sound. Some systems include strobe lights for an even stronger effect. Your 24/7 monitoring team is notified within seconds. They may check video feeds to confirm whether it was a false alarm before contacting you.
Once you tell the monitoring service that you aren’t on the grounds, things move quickly. Law enforcement officers will likely arrive at the scene within minutes to investigate. In most cases, the perpetrator is long gone at this point, but an immediate start to the investigation ensures that no time is lost. The alarm may have scared the intruder from taking anything of value. In more brazen cases, a criminal may not be deterred by an alarm, still breaching the property to steal things. Still, a security system — especially in conjunction with security cameras and access control — proves valuable. Police are dispatched to the scene much quicker than they would’ve been without an alarm system that detected the unlawful entry.
Finding A Security Partner
As a business owner, you’re juggling a lot at once — let us handle your security concerns. Whether you need a system to ward off intruders or something more complex, Integrated Security Consultants is here to help. Our experienced team specializes in video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, fire alarms, and more. We work with you to find security vulnerabilities. Then, we create solutions. It’s one less thing for you to worry about. Are you interested in learning more? Call 813-254-0033 or contact us online.