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Activated alarms can be an annoyance and can cause much distress to neighbours within earshot. To serve their purpose they are generally loud and intrusive. For this reason owners of properties with burglar alarms fitted or cars with alarms fitted should ensure responsible use by:
- Regularly maintaining the alarm system and rectify any faults quickly.
- Fit a cut out device so that the audible alarm switches off after 20 minutes or a shorter time if required.
- For burglar alarms advise your neighbours of any key holder details so that they can contact them if the alarm sounds whilst you are away.
- Consider having a maintenance agreement on your alarm - it will be regularly serviced and the maintenance company can fix the alarm if it rings accidentally.
- Ensure that the alarm is set properly and that all windows and doors are closed upon leaving the property.
- Consider the sensitivity on your car alarm – is it too easy to set off?
Remember that a continuously ringing alarm advertises the fact that no-one is home!
The Law
If an alarm is giving reasonable cause for annoyance for an extended period of time then under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Torbay Council may serve a notice for noise nuisance on the owner or occupier. This notice would require the person responsible to turn off the house or car alarm system.
House Alarm
If the person responsible cannot be found or does not comply with the notice, 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.
Car Alarm
If the person responsible cannot be located or does not comply with the notice, then the council will gain access to the vehicle to abate the alarm noise. If this is unsuccessful then the council may have the vehicle towed away.
Who pays for the alarm to be turned off?
The complete cost of the works done to abate the alarm noise i.e. disconnection, gaining entry, re-securing property or towing a car away will be passed to the owner or occupier.The owner or occupier may also be required to have a 20 minute cut out device fitted so that the problem does not re-occur.
What do I do if an alarm is ringing near me?
- The first thing you should do is to establish where the alarm noise is coming from. This will make it easier for the problem to be resolved more quickly. If you feel comfortable approaching the property then it would be a good idea to record any details on the alarm box itself i.e. installers name and telephone number.
- Next you should ring the police. They are responsible for dealing with the alarm if the property/car has been broken into.
- You should ask other neighbours if they know the whereabouts of the occupiers or anyone who has a key.
- If the police visit and discover that no break in has occurred then they will advise you to contact the Environmental Health.
Key Holder Details
Environmental Health holds a list of key holder details. Should you wish to have your details added to this list please contact Environmental Health.
If you are advised to contact the Environmental Health you should do so by ringing Tel: (01803) 208091 during the day or Torbay Contracting Services (01803) 550405 in the evenings.
For further information on neighbourhood noise, burglar and car alarms contac the Environmental Protection Team.
Contact Environmental Protection
- Tel: 01803 208025
- Email: environmental.protection@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 208854
