$200 Fines For False Alarm Calls
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday December 14, 1988
Peace may be at hand for those who live - and try to sleep - in neighbourhoods afflicted by faulty alarm systems in business premises.
The State Government is to bring in $200 fines which will be levied upon the owners of office, shop and industrial premises who fail to maintain their alarm systems.
A month-long survey conducted between July and August by the NSW Police found that police responded to more than 600 false alarms caused by systems installed in commercial and industrial premises.
The majority were installed in shops and offices.
The Premier, Mr Greiner, said yesterday Cabinet had agreed to bring in legislation to provide for fines to be levied against owners of alarm systems who failed to respond to warnings to have their systems repaired.
He said there was a massive waste of police manpower in responding to false alarms.
Cabinet rejected an initial proposal to provide for a $50 fine and increased the amount to $200.
"We believe that the amount will represent a significant incentive for factories and other premises to get their alarm systems working properly,"said Mr Greiner.
The survey showed that the most frequent responses to false alarms were in Penrith, North Sydney and central Sydney.
The Government, at this stage, has deferred action against the owners of faulty car and private house alarms.
The survey showed that Maroubra, North Sydney and Balmain residents were the worst affected by wayward home alarm systems.
In Maroubra police responded to 39 false home alarms.
Mr Greiner said he agreed that home and car alarms were a source of public irritation.
But, as faulty systems installed in homes and cars could not be readily attended to by their owners, ministers believed a start should be made upon commercial and industrial premises which gave rise to most of the problems.
© 1988 Sydney Morning Herald
