BSIA praises Scottish false alarm reductions

Figures released by the Association of Chief Police Officer in Scotland (ACPOS) show a 21 per cent reduction in police attendance to false alarms for April 2005 to March 20076 compared to the previous 12 month period.

BSIA technical and membership services director Alex Carmichael said: "These statistics show that the change in the ACPOS Security Systems policy last year, which led to confirmation technology now being required for all new alarm systems, has really reaped its rewards.

"The policy change, combined with the efforts of the private security industry in improving systems and enhancing training for customers, is bringing real benefits in saving the Police time and valuable resources." John Neilson, Assistant Chief Constable (Community Safety) Strathclyde Police, said on behalf of ACPOS: "The ACPOS Security Systems Policy was designed to ensure safer communities through the more effective use of police resources and by continuing to develop the professional relationship between the police and security industry in Scotland.

"These statistics demonstrate that the policy is providing positive rewards and we will continue to engage with our partners in the security industry to make sure that it remains relevant and delivers tangible benefits in our shared objective of preventing crime."

The Scottish results follow the drop from 80,000 to 59,000 in the past year reported by London's Metropolitan Police (Security Installer, August 2006).

Met Police said that this means the London rate stands at a fifth of what it was ten years ago, and means that the cost of attending false alarms has fallen by an estimated £24 million in that time.

The BSIA has moved to new premises in Worcester. The address of the new premises is: Kirkham House, John Comyn Drive, Worcester, WR3 7NS. The Association has also introduced a new local-rate information line, 0845 3893889.

The BSIA says that as a result of the move, it will be able to offer several additional services. These services now include meeting facilities for membership committees, meeting facilities for members, video conferencing facilities, extensive car parking, and good access from the motorway and railway network.