New York town sets fines for false alarms

In an attempt to cut down on the number of false alarms its’ police departments responds to, city officials in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., recently enacted a new law that will fine home and business owners who suffer multiple false alarm calls.

The new law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, gives alarm system owners two false alarms a year without penalty. After the first two, however, violators of the new law will be required to pay a $50 fine for a third or fourth false alarm. The fine increases to $250 for the fifth and any subsequent violation.

In addition, alarm owners will also be required to register their systems with the city and pay a one-time fee of $25.