LAUREL, Del.- Officials in the First State are trying to cut down on the amount of false alarms police must respond to each year.
Delaware State Police will start administering a false alarm reduction program on Sunday, June 10. The program was created by a 2007 law, and limits the number of false alarms allowed at home and businesses to three before fines are levied. Fines of $50, $75, and $100 will apply to fourth, fifth and sixth offenses. An offender will pay $250 for more false alarms in a year.
Police said false alarms divert troopers from responding to emergencies, crimes and keeps them from routine patrol.
Warren Reid of Chesapeake Kitchen and Bath Laurel told WBOC his business easily has three false alarms in a year. Reid said he will gladly pay the fine, if they pass the allowed three false alarms.
"I know it's a burden if they've got real crime going on and they come to a false alarm," Reid said.
All security systems are supposed to be registered with the online vendor, Cry Wolf at www.crywolf.us/delaware.
