Met invites Capital-based end users to join keyholder database

During the next nine months, the security manager of each business premise across London will receive a letter from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police – Sir John Stevens – explaining the benefits of joining a keyholder database service for the owners of audible alarm systems.

Under the London Local Authorities Act 1991, the owners of commercial and industrial properties in London boroughs with an audible alarm of any type are legally obliged to notify their local police and Local Authority with the name of the keyholder(s). The new system is an approved method for security managers to register their details directly with the Metropolitan Police instead.

It's a service that should offer a far more efficient and accessible solution – one which means that the Met and Local Authorities no longer have to rely on a disparate range of methods for collecting the necessary information. Until now, this has included card indexes and, of late, computer databases.

In practise, the new database will be accessible by police Control Rooms and environmental health officers, and should allow easier and faster contact with keyholders when and if there's an alarm event at their premises.

The Metropolitan Police is offering either a basic or premium service. Registration for the basic service is free. Security managers simply need to call 0800 1977711.

The premium service allows managers to update details of their keyholders either online, on the telephone or by post. There's also a monthly newsletter for end users. Telephone 0870 0601212 for this service.