Burglar alarms

Noise caused by frequently or continuously sounding intruder alarms can be a cause for annoyance and complaint.  In most cases an alarm should cease after a relatively short period of time.

If an alarm rings unnecessarily and is established by a council officer as causing a statutory noise nuisance, the Council can take steps to silence the alarm.  This may involve entering the premises by force under a warrant obtained from the Magistrate.  If an alarm can be silenced without forcing entry into a property the Council is, in certain circumstances, empowered to do this without obtaining a warrant.  We may recover from the householder any costs incurred in silencing an alarm and may also prosecute the householder, which can result in a fine of up to £5,000.

If you have an intruder alarm, or are planning to have one fitted to your property, it is recommended that:

•          The alarm system is fitted and installed to fully comply with British Standard 4737

•          The alarm system is maintained and operated in accordance with British Standard 4737

•          The alarm system is fitted with a cut-off device to operate within 20 minutes of the alarm initially sounding

•          Two key-holders are appointed who can act in your absence and reported to both the Council and Police

When reporting a continuously sounding alarm, please note the exact address of the property.