posted on Monday, September 29, 2008 11:17 AM
by
klehan
False Alarms Could Cost Money in Beavercreek, OH
Too many false alarms with your home security system could cost you big bucks in Beavercreek, Ohio.
Many cities, including Dayton, say three false alarms to the police are the limit.
Now, Beavercreek is about to put the same ordinance into affect. You get three false alarms before you must pay.
City officials said if the alarms are caused by the weather, that is out of your control and doesn't count.
Beavercreek's Crime Prevention Specialist John Williams said, "Folks just aren't good with their alarms. They take them for granted, maybe leave open their windows. There are a lot of reasons for false alarms, but human error is number one."
Williams said responding to a false alarm costs the city $100.
Starting October 1, 2008, residents and businesses must register their alarm systems with the police department. They will be charged after their third false alarm in a 12-month period.
Michael Fisher of Beavercreek said he thinks that's fair. He has a home alarm system and has no problem with the new ordinance. Fisher said, "I think if a policeman's continuously going out to someone for excessive alarms, they should pay for that. It's good citizenship."
Police said the new ordinance will save the officer's valuable time and it will save the city a lot of money.