Alarms

Burglar alarms are generally activated more times for false alarms than for actual break ins. As a result they can cause a great deal of annoyance and distress to neighbours living nearby.

Its the law

Allowing your house or car alarm to ring for a long period ie over 20 minutes or on a frequent basis can constitute a Statutory Nuisance and therefore a breach of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990.

Under the EPA 1990 Plymouth City Council can serve a legal notice for noise nuisance on the owner or occupier, if the alarm rings for an extended period of time. This notice will require the person responsible to turn off the alarm system.

If the person responsible cannot be found, then the council will obtain a warrant from a magistrate and either disconnect the alarm from the alarm box outside or use a locksmith and break into the house and disconnect from the central control box.

Who pays for the alarm to be switched off?

You will be charged for the contractor to disconnect the alarm and Local Authority officer time and a bill will be sent to the owner or occupier. They will also be asked to fit a 20 minute cut out device and ensure that the system is properly maintained to avoid a problem occurring in the future.

How to be a considerate neighbour

• Regularly maintain the alarm system and rectify any faults quickly
• Fit a cut out device so the audible alarm switches off after 20 minutes
• Advise your neighbour of key holder details so they can be contacted if the alarm sounds whilst you are away
• Consider having a maintenance agreement on your alarm with an alarm maintenance company who will come out and fix the alarm should it ring accidentally
• Ensure that the alarm is set properly and that all windows and doors are closed

What to do if an alarm is ringing near you

• In the first instance, ring the police. They will deal with the alarm if the house has been broken into
• If an alarm is ringing and causing you a nuisance it is always best to establish where the noise is coming from. This makes it much easier for the problem to be resolved
• Note down the address and any details that are written on the alarm box itself such as installers name and telephone number
• Ask the neighbours if they know the whereabouts of the occupiers or anyone who has a key
• If the police visit, they will advise you to ring Environmental Services if no break in has occurred
• Ring Plymouth 01752 304147 with details and the Council will advise you of the next steps

Please be patient, as it will take at least a couple of hours for the council to turn the alarm off.

Please do not leave it until the end of the day to report a complaint about an alarm. We are much more likely to be able to turn the alarm off if we receive the complaint earlier in the day.

And remember...

A continuously ringing alarm advertises the fact that there is no one at home!

An incorrectly fitted or faulty burglar alarm could:

• cost you money
• cost you your friends
• cost you your valuables

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