The number of false alarms hit a record low last year through the concerted efforts of the Intruder Alarm Inspection Unit (IAIU) of the Crime Prevention Bureau (CPB), the security sector and other stakeholders. The figure showed a substantial decrease from 10 251 to 7 968, or 22 per cent, as compared with 2017.

The CPB held a presentation ceremony on the "Prevention of False Alarms Awards 2018" at Police Headquarters on February 18 to commend security companies for their contribution to the prevention of false alarms. Chairlady of the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority (SGSIA) Ms Jane Curzon Lo and SGSIA members were invited to officiate at the ceremony, with nine security companies receiving gold, silver and bronze awards in three categories. In addition, Bank of China (Hong Kong) was awarded a Commendation Certificate on the "Best Partner in Prevention of False Alarm".

The IAIU has been implementing the Reducing False Alarm Project from mid-2016 with the aim of engaging the community to minimise resources wasted in dealing with false alarms, and to enhance the reliability of alarm systems to prevent crime. The IAIU will continue to work with the security sector to enhance relevant technologies and service quality and to streamline procedures to cope with the development of the security industry.