Friday, July 27, 2007

False alarms on home-security systems now carry bigger fines

A 2005 state law allowed cities to increase fines for false burglar alarms, and Austin started charging slightly larger fines three months ago, said Anna Weaver, who supervises the police department's alarm unit.

The Austin City Council will vote Thursday to add those changes to a city ordinance.

At least 300 other cities and counties have penalties for false alarms because "they're a huge problem," said Jim Cogswell, president of the Maryland-based False Alarm Reduction Association.

"In some communities, as many as 80 percent of homes have security systems, so even one false alarm for each is a drain on police and fire departments."

Austin police responded to 23,800 false alarms last year. Homeowners used to be charged $50 for six or more false alarms in a year.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Its best to always make sure your alarm system is working correctly to avoid false call outs. It is putting uneccessary pressure on the emergency services.

Anonymous said...

Secret Eye Security has a 100% guarantee for no false alarms. The problem is that it's a custom alarm system that only can be purchased through referrals. Owners have to sign waivers that no information about the system is to be leaked to anyone, other than Secret Eye customers. My friend owns one and it's fool proof and absolutely "secret." There isn't anything on the web that I could find about it. I guess you have to know someone and go through a rigorous interview before getting the company to set it up for you. It's also extremely expensive.

Unknown said...

Learn more about the emerging nationwide alarm verification trend.

Home Security Alarm Systems said...

It's right way to avoid false alarm.So people will make sure whether their alarm systems is working correctly to avoid fine.Home security alarms is best to avoid any intrusion.

Home Security Alarm Systems said...

It's right way to avoid false alarm.So people will make sure whether their alarm systems is working correctly to avoid fine.Home security alarms is best to avoid any intrusion.

wireless burglar alarm said...

In some cities, security alarm owners and security companies are mandated to register their security devices and their business, respectively due to the high number of false alarms. This only means that you need to carefully choose the security device you buy so that you can get the most value out of your purchase.

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