What is a Keyholder Service & Why You Need One

Asking an employee to hold a spare key to your business might seem like a simple, cost-effective solution. But it’s worth pausing to consider what you’re really asking them to do. You’re making them responsible for responding to a potential break-in, fire, or other emergency, often alone and in the middle of the night. This puts them at risk and creates a significant liability for your company. This is precisely why professional keyholding exists. If you're wondering what is a keyholder service, it's the professional alternative that replaces this risk with reliability, sending a trained, equipped security officer to manage any situation safely and effectively.

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Key Takeaways

• Delegate Alarm Response for Safety and Peace of Mind: Entrusting after-hours alarms to a professional service removes the burden and personal risk from you and your staff, ensuring every incident is managed by a trained expert.
• Vet Your Provider Like a Key Employee: The right partner is fully licensed, insured, and can guarantee their response times. Always confirm their staff training, secure key-handling procedures, and reporting processes before making a decision.
• Maintain an Active Security Partnership: A keyholder service is most effective with clear communication. Keep your provider updated with any changes to keys, codes, or emergency contacts, and schedule regular reviews to ensure your security plan remains sharp.

What is a Keyholder Service?

Think of a keyholder service as your business's dedicated first responder. It’s a straightforward concept: you entrust a professional security company with a spare set of your property’s keys. This company then becomes responsible for responding to any alarm activations, security alerts, or access needs at your property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Instead of you or one of your employees having to drive to the site in the middle of the night, a trained security professional handles it for you. This ensures that any potential issue, from a false alarm to a genuine threat, is managed quickly, safely, and effectively, letting you rest easy.

What a Keyholder Actually Does

A professional keyholder does much more than just hold a set of keys. Their primary role is to provide a swift and expert response whenever your alarm is triggered. This involves the secure safekeeping of the keys and all necessary alarm codes around the clock. When an alarm sounds, a trained security officer is dispatched to your property immediately. They will conduct a thorough external and internal check to identify the cause of the activation. If it’s a false alarm, they’ll reset the system. If there’s a sign of a break-in or another emergency, they manage the situation, coordinate with police or fire services, and remain on-site until your property is secured.

Professional vs. Personal Keyholder: What's the Difference?

Asking an employee or a neighboring business owner to be your keyholder might seem like a simple solution, but it comes with significant drawbacks. The main difference is training and safety. Professional keyholders are security experts trained to handle potentially dangerous situations, from confronting intruders to managing the aftermath of a fire. Relying on an employee puts them in a position that can be risky for them, creating a serious liability for your business. Plus, it’s impractical to expect a staff member to be on call 24/7. A professional service removes this burden, ensuring a reliable and safe response every time.

Clearing Up Common Misconceptions

One of the biggest myths about keyholding is that it’s always cheaper and easier to use employees. While you might not pay a direct fee, the hidden costs can be substantial. Consider the potential for employee burnout, the safety risks involved, and the liability if something goes wrong. A professional keyholding service is an investment in both security and your team's well-being. These services provide trained officers who know exactly how to de-escalate threats and protect your property. This is a heavy responsibility you shouldn't place on your regular staff, who aren't equipped with the same skills or protective measures.

Why Your Business Needs a Professional Keyholder

Handing over the keys to your business is a big deal. It’s a decision built on trust. But when you think about who responds to a late-night alarm, the choice becomes clear. Relying on yourself or an employee means interrupted sleep, potential safety risks, and a slow response. A professional keyholding service changes the equation entirely. It’s not just about having someone to lock up; it’s about adding a strategic, responsive, and expert layer to your security plan. This simple service can make a world of difference in protecting your property, your people, and your peace of mind.

Rapid Emergency Response

When an alarm sounds at 2 a.m., who do you want responding? A groggy employee fumbling for their keys, or a security professional who is trained for this exact situation? A keyholding service means a trained security expert holds a spare set of keys, ready to respond to any security issue at a moment’s notice. They can get to your property quickly, assess the situation, and coordinate with law enforcement if needed. This immediate, professional presence is crucial for minimizing damage or loss during a break-in, fire, or other emergency. It removes the burden and risk from you and your staff, ensuring every incident is handled correctly and safely.

Reduce Your Business Risks

An empty building can be an easy target for theft, vandalism, or trespassing. The visible presence of a security partner, however, changes that calculation for potential criminals. Having a professional keyholding service acts as a powerful deterrent. When would-be intruders know that a trained professional will be on-site within minutes of an alarm being triggered, your business becomes a much less attractive target. This proactive measure helps protect your property from damage and disruption before it even happens. It’s a simple way to show that your business is secure, monitored, and not an easy mark.

How It Can Affect Your Insurance

Did you know that police departments in many areas, including here in the Bay Area, may not respond to an unverified alarm? Due to the high number of false alarms, they often require a signal to be a "confirmed alarm"—meaning it’s been verified by audio, video, or an in-person check—before dispatching officers. A keyholder can provide that crucial verification. By arriving on-site to confirm a genuine threat, they ensure a priority police response. This can be a critical factor for your insurance provider, as it demonstrates you have a reliable system in place to mitigate risks, which can sometimes lead to better premiums and smoother claims processes.

A Smart, Cost-Effective Security Layer

You don’t need a full-time, on-site security guard to have around-the-clock protection. A keyholding service offers a practical and affordable alternative. For a fraction of the cost of dedicated staff, you get a professional response team that is always available, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Think about the hidden costs of handling it yourself: lost sleep, time away from your family, and the liability of sending an untrained employee into a potentially dangerous situation. A keyholding service eliminates these costs and risks, giving you a high level of security that fits neatly within your budget.

Gain True Peace of Mind

As a business owner, you have enough to worry about. Your property’s security shouldn’t keep you up at night. With a professional keyholding service, you can finally disconnect and trust that your investment is protected. You can relax knowing that professionals are on standby to manage any security issues promptly and effectively. Whether you’re on vacation, in a late meeting, or simply at home with your family, you have an expert team ready to act as your first line of defense. This allows you to focus on running your business and living your life, confident that your property is in safe hands.

What Are a Keyholder's Core Responsibilities?

A professional keyholder does much more than just carry a spare set of keys. They take on a range of active responsibilities designed to keep your property secure, operational, and compliant. Think of them as your trusted first responder and on-site security manager, handling critical tasks so you and your staff don’t have to. From after-hours emergencies to daily routines, their duties are clearly defined to provide consistent, reliable protection for your business.

Responding to Alarms

This is the keyholder's most critical duty. When a security alarm is triggered at your property—day or night—your keyholding service is the one to get the call. Their primary job is to respond quickly to security issues, get to your site, assess the situation, and take the appropriate action. This could mean liaising with the police in case of a break-in, identifying the cause of a false alarm, or securing the premises after a disturbance. By tasking a professional with this responsibility, you avoid putting yourself or your employees in a potentially dangerous situation in the middle of the night and ensure a swift, expert response every time.

Performing Routine Property Checks

Proactive security is just as important as reactive responses. A keyholder’s responsibilities often include conducting regular patrols and property checks to ensure everything is secure. This can involve checking that all doors and windows are locked, looking for signs of vandalism or forced entry, and identifying any potential security vulnerabilities. Because professional keyholders are trained to handle dangerous situations, they know what to look for and how to proceed safely. These routine checks act as a powerful deterrent and can help you address small issues before they become major problems, keeping your property consistently secure.

Managing Property Access

A keyholder service can also streamline your daily operations by managing access to your building. This is especially helpful for businesses that need to grant entry to staff, cleaners, or contractors outside of standard working hours. A professional keyholder can reliably open and lock your building at the start and end of each day, ensuring your property is never left vulnerable. This service eliminates the need to hand out multiple keys to various people, which can create its own security risks. Instead, you have a single, accountable partner managing who comes and goes, giving you complete control and peace of mind.

Documenting Every Incident

Clear and thorough documentation is a cornerstone of professional security. After every call-out, patrol, or incident, a keyholder is responsible for creating a detailed report of what happened. Writing reports about incidents is a fundamental part of the job, providing you with a complete record of all security-related activity on your property. This documentation is invaluable for internal reviews, identifying recurring issues, and providing evidence for insurance claims or police investigations. It creates a transparent and accountable record, ensuring you are always fully informed about the state of your property’s security.

Meeting Compliance Requirements

Working with a professional keyholder service helps ensure your security practices meet recognized industry standards. Reputable providers operate according to strict protocols that often align with insurance policy requirements. For example, many top-tier services follow guidelines similar to the strict British Standards for keyholding, which dictate everything from key storage and handling to alarm response procedures. Adhering to these high standards not only guarantees a reliable and effective service but can also be a requirement for your business insurance. It demonstrates that you are taking responsible and professional steps to secure your property, which is something insurers always like to see.

The Process: How a Keyholder Service Works

So, how does a keyholder service actually function day-to-day? It’s more than just having someone on standby with a key. It’s a structured, professional process designed to handle security alerts efficiently and safely, so you don’t have to. Think of it as a seamless extension of your own security measures, managed by experts who know exactly what to do when an alarm sounds at 3 a.m.

The process begins the moment you entrust your keys to us. From there, we establish a clear and customized response plan tailored to your property’s specific needs. When an alarm is triggered, our 24/7 command center is immediately notified, and a licensed security officer is dispatched to your location. They follow a strict protocol to assess the situation, secure the premises, and coordinate with law enforcement if needed. Throughout the entire event, we maintain clear communication, providing you with timely updates and a detailed incident report afterward. This systematic approach ensures every alert is handled with precision, minimizing risk to your business and giving you complete peace of mind.

Secure Key Management

The first step is straightforward: you provide us with a set of keys to your property. But this isn't like leaving a spare with a neighbor. We treat your keys with the highest level of security. They are logged, sealed in a tamper-proof pouch, and stored in a secure, off-site vault. Critically, your keys are never labeled with your address or business name—only an anonymous code that we can identify in our system. This practice of secure key handling ensures that even in the unlikely event of a breach, your property’s identity remains confidential. Only authorized, vetted security personnel can access them, and only when responding to a verified alarm or scheduled check.

Step-by-Step Response Protocol

When an alarm at your property is triggered, our team doesn't just show up and look around. We execute a precise, step-by-step response protocol. The moment our monitoring center receives the alert, a uniformed officer is dispatched in a marked patrol vehicle. Upon arrival, they conduct a thorough external and internal patrol, checking all access points like doors and windows for any signs of forced entry or disturbance. If a threat is identified, they immediately contact law enforcement and await their arrival from a safe distance. If it’s a false alarm, they’ll identify the cause, reset the system, and properly secure your property before leaving. This methodical approach ensures every situation is managed correctly and safely.

Clear Communication Channels

One of the biggest advantages of a professional keyholder service is streamlined communication. Instead of a frantic, middle-of-the-night call leaving you to figure out the next steps, you have a single point of contact. Our security officers are trained to manage the situation on the ground while our command center keeps you informed according to your pre-defined instructions. You decide if you want to be called immediately or simply receive a detailed report in the morning for non-critical events. This eliminates the confusion and potential missteps that can happen when relying on employees, who may not be trained in emergency communication or know who to contact first.

Integrating with Your Security Tech

Modern security systems are effective, but they can also be complex. A key benefit of a professional keyholder is having an expert who can interact directly with your technology. Our officers are trained on a wide variety of alarm systems, access control panels, and CCTV setups. When they respond to an alarm, they don’t just check the doors; they can properly disarm and reset your system to prevent further false alarms. This technical expertise saves you the headache of trying to troubleshoot a beeping panel over the phone or the expense of calling out a technician for a minor fault. We ensure your security tech is always functioning correctly and your property remains protected.

Real-Time Updates and Monitoring

Transparency is key to our service. After any alarm response or property check, you receive a detailed incident report outlining everything that occurred. This report includes the time of the alarm, the officer’s arrival time, the results of their patrol, and any actions taken on-site. This documentation is not only vital for your own records but can also be crucial for insurance claims. Beyond incident-based updates, the visible presence of our marked patrol vehicles responding quickly acts as a powerful deterrent. Potential intruders are far less likely to target a property when they know a professional security response is just minutes away.

Key Features to Look For

When you’re ready to partner with a keyholder service, it’s important to know what separates a great service from a good one. The right provider does more than just hold a spare key; they become an integral part of your security strategy. Look for a company that offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to give you confidence and control. These are the non-negotiables you should have on your checklist.

Secure Key Tracking

Your property’s keys are a major responsibility, and you need to know they’re in safe hands. A professional keyholder service should have a strict, documented process for managing your keys. This isn't just about locking them in a drawer. Look for services that use anonymous tagging systems, so your address is never directly attached to the key itself. They should be stored in a secure, monitored facility with tightly controlled access. The entire point is to ensure your keys are safe and accounted for at all times, giving you a clear chain of custody and eliminating the risk of them falling into the wrong hands.

Around-the-Clock Availability

Security threats don’t operate on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither should your keyholder. True peace of mind comes from knowing you have support 24/7, 365 days a year. A top-tier service has a dedicated team ready to respond at a moment’s notice, whether it’s a holiday weekend or the middle of the night. This constant readiness means you’ll never have to worry about a late-night alarm call disrupting your sleep or a family dinner. It guarantees a swift, professional response every single time, ensuring your property is protected no matter when an issue arises.

On-Demand Property Checks

Beyond just reacting to alarms, a proactive keyholder service can help you prevent issues before they start. Look for a provider that offers on-demand property checks. This means you can request a security professional to visit your site for any reason—maybe you’re on vacation and want extra patrols, or you have a gut feeling something isn’t right. This service transforms your keyholder from a simple responder into a versatile security partner. They become your eyes and ears on the ground, keeping your property safe and giving you an extra layer of assurance whenever you need it.

Modern Access Control

In today’s world, property access is often more complex than a simple lock and key. Your keyholding service should be well-versed in a variety of modern security systems. Their team needs the technical expertise to manage everything from key fobs and electronic keypads to sophisticated alarm panels. A skilled professional knows how to properly disarm and reset different systems, preventing costly false alarms and ensuring your technology works as it should. This capability is crucial for a quick resolution, allowing them to handle the situation efficiently without needing to call you for technical help.

Detailed Incident Reports

After an alarm is triggered or a check is performed, clear communication is essential. A professional keyholder will always provide a detailed incident report outlining exactly what happened. This document should include the time of the incident, the actions their team took, observations made on-site, and the final resolution. This formal documentation is invaluable for your own records, for potential insurance claims, and for identifying security vulnerabilities. These reports help you understand what went wrong so you can make informed decisions to strengthen your property’s defenses for the future.

How to Choose the Right Keyholder Service

Finding the right keyholder service isn't just about handing over a spare set of keys; it's about entrusting a partner with the safety of your property, your assets, and your peace of mind. Not all security providers are created equal, so it’s important to do your homework before signing a contract. Think of it like hiring a key employee—you need to vet them carefully to ensure they’re reliable, professional, and capable of handling the responsibility. A great keyholder service acts as a seamless extension of your own security measures, providing a swift, expert response when you need it most.

To help you make an informed decision, I’ve put together a checklist of essential factors to consider. By asking the right questions and looking for specific qualifications, you can confidently select a partner who will protect your business around the clock. From verifying their credentials to understanding their response protocols, each step is crucial in building a security partnership that truly works for you. Let’s walk through what you need to look for to find a keyholder service you can depend on.

Check for Certifications and Licensing

First things first: make sure any company you consider is fully licensed and certified. This is a non-negotiable baseline for any legitimate security provider. In California, security companies and their officers must be licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). This ensures they meet state-mandated training and background check requirements. Don’t be shy about asking for proof of their license and any other professional certifications they hold. A reputable company will be transparent and happy to provide this documentation. Proper licensing is your assurance that they operate legally and adhere to industry standards, giving you a fundamental layer of protection.

Ask About Response Time Guarantees

When an alarm goes off in the middle of the night, every minute counts. A slow response can be the difference between a minor incident and a major loss. That’s why you need to ask for specific, guaranteed response times. Ask potential providers what their average response time is for your specific area, whether it's Berkeley, Oakland, or Hayward. Get this guarantee in writing as part of your service level agreement (SLA). Also, ask how they track and prove their response times. A professional service will use dispatch software and vehicle tracking to ensure they meet their commitments and can provide you with detailed reports.

Verify Staff Training and Vetting

The security officers holding your keys are the frontline defenders of your property. You need to be absolutely certain they are trustworthy, well-trained, and professional. Ask about the company’s hiring process. Do they conduct thorough background checks? What kind of initial and ongoing training do their officers receive? Officers should be trained not only in basic security protocols but also in alarm response, de-escalation techniques, and first aid. A quality provider invests heavily in its people, ensuring they have the skills and integrity to protect your business effectively.

Confirm Their Insurance Coverage

Even with the best team and protocols, accidents can happen. That’s why it’s critical to confirm that the keyholding service carries comprehensive insurance. This should include liability insurance that covers potential damage to your property or losses that could occur while they are on-site. Ask to see their certificate of insurance and pay attention to the coverage limits to ensure they are adequate for the value of your assets. Proper insurance protects your business from financial risk and demonstrates that the security company is a responsible and professional partner prepared for any contingency.

Assess Their Technology

The right technology can make a huge difference in the effectiveness of a keyholder service. A modern provider should use more than just a lockbox and a clipboard. Ask about the technology they use for key management, dispatch, and reporting. Do they use secure, electronic key-tracking systems to monitor who has your keys and when? Are their patrol vehicles equipped with GPS for efficient dispatch? Do they provide a client portal where you can access real-time incident reports and activity logs? A company that invests in best-in-class technology is better equipped to provide a reliable, transparent, and efficient service.

Understand the Costs

While security is an investment, you still need to understand the full financial picture. Ask for a clear, itemized breakdown of all costs. This typically includes an annual or monthly retainer fee for the keyholding service itself, plus separate call-out fees for each time they respond to an alarm or request. Make sure there are no hidden charges. While it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, remember that you often get what you pay for. A low price could signal undertrained staff, slow response times, or inadequate insurance. Focus on finding the best value—a reliable, professional service that gives you true peace of mind.

Get Started with Your Keyholder Service

Bringing a professional keyholder service on board is a straightforward process that sets your business up for stronger, more reliable security. It’s about creating a clear, actionable plan that protects your property, your assets, and your people. By taking a few foundational steps, you can build a seamless partnership with your security provider and ensure they have everything they need to respond effectively when you need them most. Think of it as creating a playbook for your property’s safety, with a trained professional ready to execute the plan at a moment’s notice. Here’s how you can get started.

Start with a Security Assessment

Before you hand over a set of keys, the first step is to get a clear picture of your property's security landscape. A comprehensive security assessment will identify potential weak points, from poorly lit entryways to outdated alarm systems. A professional keyholding service can help pinpoint these vulnerabilities you might have missed. This evaluation isn’t about finding faults; it’s about building a smart, proactive security strategy. Understanding where your risks lie allows your keyholder to create a response plan tailored specifically to your site, ensuring they know exactly what to look for and where to go if an alarm is triggered.

Develop Your Emergency Protocols

What should happen when an alarm goes off at 3 a.m.? This is where clear emergency protocols come in. Instead of leaving it to chance, you and your keyholder service will create a detailed, step-by-step plan. This protocol outlines exactly what actions the responding officer will take, such as performing an exterior and interior check, identifying the cause of the alarm, and securing the property. It also specifies when and how to contact emergency services or your designated staff members. Having these emergency procedures defined ahead of time removes ambiguity and ensures a consistent, professional response every single time.

Implement Access Controls

A keyholding service works because you grant a trusted security company access to your property. This involves more than just handing over a key; it requires implementing secure access controls. Your provider will store your keys in a secure, monitored location, often with anonymous tagging to prevent identification if they are lost or stolen. The process should also include clear instructions on who is authorized to grant access and under what circumstances. This ensures that your property remains secure while allowing your keyholder to perform their duties, whether it’s responding to an alarm or letting in a pre-approved contractor outside of business hours.

Set Up Communication Plans

Clear and consistent communication is the backbone of a successful keyholder partnership. You need to establish a solid communication plan that details who your keyholder should contact in an emergency, the order in which they should be called, and what information they need to share. Professional keyholders are trained to manage high-stress situations, and part of that training involves communicating calmly and effectively. This plan ensures that you and your team receive timely, accurate updates during an incident, allowing you to make informed decisions without being put in a potentially dangerous situation yourself.

How to Maintain a Strong Partnership

Choosing the right keyholder service is a huge step, but the work doesn’t stop there. Like any valuable partnership, it needs ongoing attention to stay effective. By actively working with your provider, you ensure your security plan remains sharp and responsive to any changes in your business or the local environment. Here are four key practices to keep your partnership strong and your property secure.

Schedule Regular Security Reviews

Your business isn't static, and your security shouldn't be either. Regular security reviews are essential to spot new vulnerabilities and confirm your current measures are working as they should. Think of it as a routine check-up for your property's safety. Work with your keyholding service to walk the premises, inspect access points, and discuss any recent incidents or concerns. This collaborative approach combines your knowledge of day-to-day operations with their security expertise, creating a more robust defense. A professional keyholder can often help you identify security issues you might overlook, helping you stay one step ahead of potential threats.

Test Your Emergency Response

The middle of a real emergency is the worst time to discover a flaw in your plan. That’s why testing your emergency response is so important. You can coordinate with your keyholder service to run drills, like a planned alarm activation, to see the protocol in action. This allows you to time their response, see how they assess the situation, and confirm they have the correct contact information to reach you and, if necessary, call for emergency services. These tests build confidence and give you a chance to iron out any wrinkles in the process, ensuring that when a real alarm sounds, the response is fast, efficient, and exactly what you expect.

Keep Your Technology Updated

Security technology is constantly evolving, and outdated systems can become liabilities. Keeping your technology updated is vital for maintaining a secure environment. This means more than just having cameras; it involves ensuring your alarm system’s software is current, your access control readers are functioning correctly, and your surveillance footage is clear and accessible. Your keyholder service should be familiar with your systems and can be a great resource. Professional keyholders are often trained to reset alarm systems and can advise you on when it might be time to upgrade your security technology for better protection and performance.

Review and Refine Policies

The security policies you created during setup shouldn't be filed away and forgotten. As your business grows and changes—with new employees, different operating hours, or updated vendor relationships—your policies need to adapt. Regularly sit down with your keyholder to review and refine your procedures. This includes updating access lists, confirming emergency contact details, and clarifying instructions for specific scenarios. Keyholders are trained to check your building for security weaknesses, and their on-the-ground experience can provide invaluable feedback for strengthening your business security policies and keeping everyone safe.

Day-to-Day: Working with Your Keyholder

Once you’ve chosen a keyholder service, the next step is building a strong, effective partnership. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” service; it’s an active collaboration that keeps your property secure. A smooth day-to-day working relationship ensures that when an alarm sounds at 3 a.m., the response is fast, precise, and exactly what you planned for. It all comes down to clear processes and open lines of communication.

Establish Clear Communication

Effective communication is the backbone of your relationship with a keyholder. Professional keyholders are trained to respond correctly in high-stress situations, which is a significant advantage over assigning this role to employees who might not communicate well under pressure, putting your business at risk. To keep things running smoothly, designate a single point of contact within your company to liaise with the security team. This person should be responsible for all updates and communications. Regular check-ins, whether quarterly or bi-annually, are also a great way to review incident reports and refine your security protocols together.

Keep Access Information Current

Your keyholder can only be effective if they can actually access your property. They are responsible for the safekeeping of your keys and need to know all current security codes for alarms. It’s your job to ensure this information is always up to date. If you change the locks, re-key a door, or update an alarm code, your very next call should be to your keyholding service. Outdated information can cause critical delays during an emergency. A solid access control plan is essential for maintaining security, and keeping your keyholder in the loop is a major part of that plan.

Define Emergency Contacts

When an alarm goes off, you want a clear plan of action, not a frantic phone tree. Your keyholder service is there to get to the scene quickly, assess the situation, and contact emergency services if needed, which keeps you and your staff out of harm's way. Work with your provider to create a detailed list of emergency contacts. Who should be called first? Who is the backup? Also, define what warrants an immediate call versus an issue that can be included in a morning report. This emergency action plan ensures that you’re only alerted when absolutely necessary, giving you true peace of mind.

Know the Documentation Process

A professional keyholder service provides more than just a physical response; they provide valuable information. Every action they take, from a routine patrol to an emergency alarm response, should be documented. These incident reports are crucial. They create a transparent record of services and can help you identify security weaknesses in your building before they become major problems. Ask your provider for a sample report so you know what to expect. This documentation is not just for your records—it can be essential for insurance claims and demonstrates due diligence in protecting your property.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be sure my keys are safe with your company? This is one of the most important questions you can ask. We treat your keys with the highest level of security from the moment they leave your hands. They are sealed in a tamper-proof pouch, assigned an anonymous code that is never linked to your address, and stored in a monitored, high-security vault. Only authorized and thoroughly vetted security officers can access them, and only when dispatched for a verified alarm or a scheduled service at your property.

What happens during a false alarm, and do I still get charged for it? False alarms are a common nuisance, and our service is designed to manage them efficiently. When an alarm is triggered, a trained officer responds to conduct a full check of your property. If they determine it's a false alarm, they will identify the cause if possible, reset your system, and secure the building before leaving. While there is typically a fee for the call-out, this professional response saves you from the personal hassle of a late-night trip and can help you avoid costly fines from local police departments for excessive false alarms.

My alarm system already alerts the police. Why do I need a keyholder too? Many police departments, especially in busy areas, prioritize "confirmed" alarms before dispatching officers due to the high volume of false alerts. A keyholder service provides that crucial confirmation. When our officer arrives on-site and verifies a genuine break-in or threat, the police treat the call with a much higher priority. This ensures you get the fastest possible law enforcement response when it truly matters, which is a critical factor for both security and insurance purposes.

Isn't it just easier and cheaper to have my manager be the keyholder? While it might seem simpler on the surface, asking an employee to be a keyholder places a heavy burden on them and a significant liability on your business. You're asking them to be on call 24/7 and potentially walk into a dangerous situation without any training or protective measures. A professional service removes this risk entirely. Our officers are security experts trained to handle threats safely and effectively, protecting both your property and your people.

Is a keyholder service only for large businesses, or can my small shop benefit too? This service is valuable for businesses of any size. In fact, as a small business owner, your time and peace of mind are incredibly precious. A keyholder service frees you from the stress and disruption of responding to late-night alarms, allowing you to focus on your business and your life. It provides an affordable layer of professional security that ensures your investment is protected around the clock, no matter how big or small it is.