Eau Claire Police say they're getting a lot fewer alarm calls these days for local businesses.

They call the reason "Enhanced Call Verification."

It means alarm companies have to respond to an alarm going off by calling their business customer, then making two calls in an effort to contact an owner.

They can only call the police if they haven't gotten a hold of anybody at that point.

The success so far is projected to amount to a 40% drop by year's end.

Eau Claire Officers responded to 1,100 alarm calls last year, and just 425 so far this year.

"Most often what we find is that you do get a hold of the owner, you do get a hold of the business and that they don't send the police," Lt. Karl Fisher said.

"In most cases we find that the additional time we feel is a time that we can live with in order to enjoy the same cooperation with the police department," said Chris Lokken, Customer Service Manager at Tru-Lock & Security Inc.

Officers estimate the extra calls only take about 30 extra seconds for alarm company dispatchers to make.

That Tru-Lock Manager says he considers this a step toward avoiding a situation like alarm companies deal with in Milwaukee and Madison.

Those police officers do not respond to alarm calls, only verified emergencies.

Officers in Chippewa Falls and La Crosse still respond to alarm calls every time.

Chippewa Falls hasn't even dealt with 150 yet this year.

La Crosse officers have only responded to about 30 more than Eau Claire's have.