To all businesses that have alarm systems in Chicago, this is another reminder to make sure that your burglar alarm system is in good operating order and that everyone using the alarm understands how to properly operate it. If it has been a while since we last provided an inspection, now is the time to call us to arrange an appointment to have us thoroughly check and inspect your burglar alarm to keep false alarms under control. Remember, there are no more “free” false alarm violations in Chicago. This ordinance was passed in 2009 but some business owners still  are not aware of this new law until they have a false alarm and receive the $100 fine in the mail from the city of Chicago.

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Chicago businesses won’t get any mercy for false burglar alarms under a new revenue gathering policy quietly approved by the city.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, previously, businesses could have up to three false alarms before fines kicked in. They only had to pay $100 for their fourth through sixth ticket per year and violations jumped to $200 per false alarm after that. Now, the fine is $100 per violation right off the bat.

“We just felt that business owners need a deterrent to make sure their burglar alarm systems are operating properly,” said Ed Walsh of the city’s Revenue Department.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the city hopes to collect between $8 million and $20 million in unpaid debt from parking tickets, red-light citations and city administrative hearing judgments. The debt owed on parking and red-light tickets would only be deducted from income tax refunds if the debtors have been repeatedly notified and failed to pay the fines. Administrative hearing fines come from violations of building, fire and sanitary codes, as well as city tickets for such infractions as false burglar alarms.

A mass mailing alerted businesses to the abrupt change in policy, Walsh said. An act of nature such as wind or lightning is a defense for a false alarm, as well as having the alarm checked annually by a licensed contractor, he said.

Walsh also said a $34-a-year permit fee was scrapped under the new policy.

Mayor Daley’s 2009 budget is precariously balanced with 635 layoffs and $52.5 million in taxes, fines and fees — including the end to false-alarm freebies. Residential burglar alarms are not affected by the change.

Police said they have already begun ticketing businesses under the no-mercy system.

Could you use some assistance with your security system? Contact SCG Protection today at 800.811.7370.

]]> http://scgprotection.com/no-mercy-for-business-owners-chicago-cracks-down-on-false-burglar-alarms/feed/ 0 http://scgprotection.com/scg-protections-top-5-reasons-to-change-your-alarm-service-provider/ http://scgprotection.com/scg-protections-top-5-reasons-to-change-your-alarm-service-provider/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:15:46 +0000 Bill McEvilly http://scgprotection.com/?p=224 Are you shopping around for a new security provider for your home or office? Take 5 minutes to read the top 5 reasons you should call SCG Protection to takeover your existing security system!

1. You do not want a long-term commitment
If you own your security system at home or at work, you are able to call SCG Protection and switch your monitoring company to ours!

If you already own your alarm system, we don’t believe in locking you into long-term service agreements. You can cancel our service with no penalty after the first year. We build solid relationships without having to write multi-year monitoring contracts! We leave you in control to decide to continue our service, make us earn it.

Our customers enjoy this flexibility and are very happy with the level of customer service we provide – check out some of our reviews here!

2. You need an affordable security option
We get it. The property you need to secure is probably worth less than you originally paid. Why should you go broke to protect your family, prized possessions or emplyees with an inflated security monitoring agreement?

The majority of security companies will charge you heavily for basic services, simple installations and follow-up calls. Some companies will even write an escalation charge that you are contractually obligated to pay after your first year of service. That’s not cool with us.

At SCG Protection, we contract our services for you though a national private Central Monitoring Center, just like the “well-known” security companies you see on TV. We also meet or exceed the same UL and FM standards, but we cost less. Save the extra cash for more important things…like a banana split!

3. Your current service provider is sooo outdated

SCG is an authorized Honeywell dealer. What does that mean for you? We have the most user-friendly state-of-the-art security systems available! Here are some examples:

Did you remember to turn on the alarm before you went to drop the kids off at school? Pick up your smartphone and click on the Total Connect App. Arm the house or office in 5 seconds flat!

Did you leave the curling iron plugged in? Pick up your iPad and check your security camera in real time. Now you know whether or not to cut your lunch date short or have another glass of your favorite vino!

SCG Protection supports IP, GSM and SMS monitoring, which is all just tech speak for “you can monitor your alarm system through the mobile devices you already have”. If you want to upgrade your current system to meet today’s technology, we can help with that, too. We’re pretty good at this stuff!

4. You need a local provider, not a chain

Most alarm systems don’t fail often. But when they do, you want your provider to get the problem fixed without paying through the nose. It’s all about profit for them, not service. They talk a good game when they want to sell you something, and promise that they are the biggest and best. Best at what, you ask? Best at making a profit and nothing more.

We are not the largest security provider in the nation, but we are based here in the Chicagoland area. Our mission is simple: Service our customers like we would want to be serviced. Pretty simple huh? You can’t do that when you are so big that you have to get transferred between departments or wait on hold for what seems like forever until an operator in another state picks up the phone.

5. You need to know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth

We tell it to you straight! Choosing an alarm company can be  challenging.  Most alarm sales people you will deal with at your home or business are new to the industry and have been selling everything from copy machines to newspaper subscriptions.

These sales people know little more about the systems they sell than you do. They are mostly paid on commissions only and have to attain minimum sales targets to earn a living wage. Are they really looking out for your best interest?

We are serious about security. Don’t purchase a security system based on name recognition! You should be educated on system capabilities and how your security system fits your needs. Our team at SCG Protection does not get paid on commission. We are seasoned security professionals who will spend the time to explain ALL of the features and benefits of our systems and services,  so you are better educated to make a smart buying decision.

Ready to make the switch to SCG Protection? Give us a call at (847) 515-6269 or email us at info@SCGProtection.com.

1. We are a licensed Honeywell dealer. Honeywell is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electronic security systems. Their range of capabilities for residential and commercial security applications are extensive, and their products protect millions of homes, businesses and government facilities around the world.
2. We offer innovative security options. Honeywell’s Total Connect Remote Services allow you to receive email notifications with video of your home or office location upon an alarm or pre-programmed event. This service provides the ultimate convenience, control and flexibility since you can log in from any remote location with your phone, computer or iPad.
3. DIY alarms have never been so easy. Why pay to have your security system installed when you can do it yourself? SCG Protection sends you the programmed systems directly to your home or place of business, and you can install the keypad and monitors on your own. If you can mount a TV to the wall or assemble a simple piece of furniture, you can install your own security system!

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