False Alarm Crackdown – New Police Units Assigned

If you have a cheap or faulty security system, watch out! The jig is up. Police departments around the country are cracking down of false alarms. The Miami-Dade County Police Department  and Sheriff Department of Charlotte County, North Carolina  have recently passed false alarm reduction ordinances.

In fact, both departments have new units just to tackle problems with false alarms. Residents of these jurisdictions are required to register their home security systems with the police false alarm reduction units. Why? They want to hold you accountable.

Charlotte goes a step further. Residents must pay a $25 fee to register their security systems and an annual $10 renewal fee. However, Charlotte is all about the carrot and the stick. Residents whose security systems have no false alarms have their renewal fees waived.

At the same time, offenders can expect to pay. You get two false alarms a year for free. After that, it’s $35 for the third alarm, $60 for the fourth, $85 for the fifth and a court appearance for the sixth.

Don’t let your security system make you an offender. Your first and most important step is to make sure you have a quality, functioning home security system. If you got a lemon and have been avoiding dealing with it, now’s the time.

If you bought a cheap security system that trips easily, consider upgrading. Choose trustworthy brand names that use quality components and reputations. You don’t have to worry about whether a name like GE Home Security knows what they’re doing with security systems – they’re part of one of the largest, most reputable companies in the world.

Also, take the advice of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department:

•  Know your system and password.

•  Make sure all doors and windows are locked.

•  Before setting your alarm make sure family pets are in a “safe” area where they will not disturb motion sensors.

•  Do not allow any moving item to remain in an area where a motion sensor is located. Loose banners, fans, and balloons cause false alarms.

•  Have your system serviced on a regular basis.

•  Make sure that your emergency contact list is current and accurate.

A few smart, preventative steps can keep you and your security system out of trouble.

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Posted on Wednesday, January 26th, 2011 by editor


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Home Security Statistics

Every 14.6 seconds, a burglary takes place in the US. ±
Average loss per burglary: $1,725. ±
Homes without security systems are about three times as likely to be broken into than homes with security systems. ±
Favorite items: cash, jewelry, electronic equipment, silver, guns and other items easy to sell. ±
± Washington Post, 2007 (link)