More than seven out of 10 residential and business alarm calls to the RCMP in 2023 were false alarms.

Those false calls consumed over 300 RCMP hours states a media release from the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO). The regional district鈥檚 security alarm systems bylaw was revamped this summer to minimize the number of false alarms.

The RDCO urges residents and businesses to register security systems, whether self-monitored or monitored by a company, to reduce police time required to deal with false alarms and allow officers to focus on high-priority calls.

Property and business owners can register for the , or in-person at the RDCO office (1450 KLO Road), Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an alarm permit.

New permits are $40 for residential properties and $80 for businesses, with renewal fees of $30 for residences and $60 for businesses. 

Permits must be renewed every two years.