Protecting your business requires more than just a few basic alarms and cameras. In today’s world, investing in an advanced and verified commercial security system is essential for safeguarding your employees, customers, and assets..

Here's what to consider when evaluating commercial security systems, and why verified security solutions set the benchmark for fast response, minimal false alarms, and total peace of mind. In fact, most cities across North America, including Vancouver, Surrey, Calgary and Edmonton, won’t allow police response unless the systems are verified.

What to Look For in a Commercial Security System

When evaluating a new commercial security system, it's important to understand the different types available and how they work together to provide complete protection.

Here are the top systems that businesses should consider:

1. Audio Intrusion Alarms

Active audio intrusion alarms are among your first line of defense, but not all alarms are created equal. Most traditional systems send an alert to the owner when a door or window is opened, but they often suffer from high false alarm rates. This can affect police response in the future Verified audio intrusion alarms, such as Sonitrol's, will send a signal to a 24/7 monitoring centre to confirm whether a break-in is actually occurring, which ensures authorities respond faster.

2. Video Surveillance

Video surveillance or CCTV does not deter criminal activity it simply records the event. Sonitrol monitored Sonavison provides the management tool of CCTV but also sends video to Sonitrol’s monitoring staff to dispatch Police if required. Look for features like high-definition recording, remote access, real-time 24/7 monitoring, and cloud storage. Explore Sonitrol's CCTV and video surveillance solutions with live monitoring for advanced, integrated options.

3. Access Control Systems

Effective access control protects sensitive areas by allowing you to manage who enters and exits your premises. From key cards to biometric scanners, modern access control systems can be customized to fit any business size or need. Learn more about Sonitrol's managed access control to enhance your business security.

4. Environmental Monitoring

Beyond physical threats, environmental risks like fire, flooding, or extreme temperatures from a potential fire can cause catastrophic damage. A comprehensive commercial security system should monitor for these dangers and alert you immediately when conditions become hazardous.

All the ones listed above are great, but if it isn't verified and 24/7 monitoring, there is a higher chance for false alarms

The Problem with Traditional Alarms

Here's a sobering statistic: nearly 98% of alarms in the commercial security industry are false. This massive rate of false alarms has led to no police response or slower response times, and, in some cases, fines for businesses. This results in no risk of apprehending thieves, thereby increasing the likelihood of a break-in
When authorities respond to non-verified alarms, they are essentially reacting blindly. There's no way to confirm whether a real emergency is unfolding, leading to prioritization delays that can cost businesses dearly.

Why Verification Matters

Verified security means that an alarm is confirmed through audio or video evidence before police are dispatched. This simple but crucial distinction results in:

• Faster Police Response Times: Law enforcement prioritizes verified alarms, such as those from Sonitrol, treating them as "crimes in progress." In fact, Sonitrol’s Police Response is documented at 3.5 minutes with over 187,000 Police Apprehensions at Sonitrol protected sites since 1977. More importantly our clients report that after installing Sonitrol Verified alarms, their break-ins stopped as criminals knew they would likely be apprehended.
  
  
• Reduced False Alarms: With Sonitrol's technology, the false alarm rate drops to just 3%. Sonitrol eliminates regular occurring conventional alarm company wake up calls to staff asking them to get up and check the business, because police will not attend otherwise.
  
  
• Cost Savings: Fewer false alarms mean fewer fines and better allocation of security budgets. Fewer break-ins means less broken windows and doors to replace, no stolen products to replace, no insurance claims which leads to no insurance premium increases, and no cancelled insurance.

Why Sonitrol Western Canada's Verified Security Solutions Are the Best

When it comes to protecting Canadian businesses, Sonitrol Western Canada leads the way with superior, integrated security systems. Here's why:

1. Verified Audio and Video Detection

Sonitrol's proprietary verified audio intrusion detection system allows operators to hear and see what is happening during an alarm or emergency event. This gives law enforcement real-time, actionable information, leading to priority response and higher apprehension rates.

2. Integrated, Scalable Solutions

Whether you need intrusion detection, video surveillance, access control, or environmental monitoring, Sonitrol offers integrated solutions that can grow with your business. This unified approach simplifies management and enhances overall security.

3. Local Expertise, National Support

Sonitrol Western Canada provides local service backed by an international network. You get personalized local support with the strength of an international group of security consultants.

What Industries Benefit from Verified Commercial Security Systems?

Virtually every industry can benefit from verified security, but it is especially crucial for:

• Retail Stores: Prevent shoplifting and after-hours break-ins.
  Office Buildings: Protect employees and secure assets and potentially sensitive data.
  
  
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Help deter theft and monitor high-priced items. Detect break-ins through roofs or walls.
  
  
• Equipment Compounds and Construction Sites: Sonavision Monitored Video keeps an eye on external compounds.
  
  
• Healthcare Facilities: Protect your patients, staff, sensitive medical data, and pharmaceuticals
  
  
• Educational Institutions: Keep students, faculty, and the campus safe and secure.
  
  
• Financial Institutions: Defend the business against theft, fraud, and unauthorized access to secure data and areas.

Protecting people, property, and data has never been more important. Choosing a verified system ensures you're not just "protected" in name only but truly secured with rapid, reliable response when it matters most.

Final Thoughts: Don't Settle for Less

A basic alarm system isn’t enough to protect your business in today’s high-risk environment.. If you're serious about securing your business, you need a comprehensive, verified, and integrated solution. Sonitrol's commercial security systems deliver unparalleled protection, ensuring faster police response, significantly fewer false alarms, and real peace of mind.

When every second counts, make sure you're backed by a system that's proven to work. Trust Sonitrol Western Canada, because your business deserves the best protection available.

If you are not going to utilize Sonitrol, get a “free” conventional alarm, it’s the same deterrent as an expensive conventional alarm.