[July 01, 2011] Cops ask false-alarm help Tweet LIMA, Jun 30, 2011 (The Lima News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- In 2010, Lima Police used 650 hours responding to false alarms from security systems. Those are hours better spent on keeping the community safe, they said Wednesday, so they're starting a public education campaign to reduce the calls. In 2010, police responded to 1,400 false alarm calls, more than 60 percent of the total alarm call total, Maj. Tony Swygart said. Each response requires two officers. "Success will result in significant reduction of non-essential police services and salary costs," police clerk Missy Brunner said. Brunner sends notices to owners with false alarms, detailing the city ordinance and how to reduce the alarms. A first false alarm is not fined. However, each false alarm after the first within six months results in fees of $25 for the second and third false alarms, $50 for the fourth through 12th, and $100 for the 13th or more false alarms. Home and business owners can better communicate with their security companies to avoid false alarm responses from police, Swygart said, and should know repeated false alarm responses come with fines. Police also offer a free on-site security survey and review of the system. Many security system owners are surprised when they receive fines, Swygart said, because alarm companies do not notify customers about the potential for them. More information about how to reduce false alarms can be found at www.limapolice.com. To see more of The Lima News or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.limanews.com. Copyright (c) 2011, The Lima News, Ohio Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]