It was 12:29 AM on Tuesday, March 4, when AlertCentral received a burglary alarm from a glassbreak detector at a business on East Hill Avenue. A longtime client and local merchant had just become the target of a break-in. Surveillance footage revealed the intruder forcing his way through the front and making a beeline for the ATM. But his plan was cut short—Norman Whitten, our AlertCentral dispatcher on duty that night, had already alerted the police. Officers arrived promptly and apprehended the suspect—a three-time convicted felon hoping for yet another easy score. Thanks to the rapid response of Alert-Tech’s monitored security system, the business was secured, and a repeat offender was taken off the streets.
This is just one of many real-life examples of how a monitored security system in unison with video surveillance, can make all the difference—safeguarding property, livelihoods, and even lives. Stories like these remind us why we do what we do, filling us with both pride and gratitude for the trust you place in us.
A success story like this is only possible through teamwork. Your role is just as vital as ours. While Alert-Tech remains vigilant 24/7—ready to dispatch authorities in a critical moment and ensuring your system is always upgraded and functioning optimally—we rely on you to keep your emergency contact information current with our central dispatch and timely report any system malfunctions. Staying proactive together ensures the fastest response when it matters most. Call AlertCentral to ensure your contact list on file is up-to-date.
Our years of experience in this industry have taught us valuable lessons, and a key recommendation we always share with merchants is to avoid leaving large amounts of cash on-site. Doing so not only reduces the risk of significant financial loss in the event of a break-in but also makes your business a less attractive target for criminals. Implementing smart cash management practices, such as frequent deposits and secure safes, adds an extra layer of security to your operations.
Another valuable recommendation is to remember that as your business grows and changes, it’s essential to reassess your security needs. The threats you face today may not be the same as those of years past, and new risks may emerge. Too often, we see businesses neglecting to upgrade their systems, leaving vulnerabilities that criminals can exploit. Revisiting and enhancing your security strategy regularly helps ensure that your protection evolves with your needs. By adding extra layers of detection devices, such as motion sensors, glass break detectors, and shock sensors, along with devices that allow for faster signal transmission, you can better safeguard your property from evolving threats. Taking these proactive steps now can help close security gaps and make your business better prepared for the 21st century's challenges.
