GREENSBORO, N.C.—
Until recently a false burglar alarm going off in your home more than five times could cost you $50 in Greensboro, but residents concerned about the increase in burglaries and robberies convinced city council to wave that fine.Denise Turner, Assistant City Manager, said that city council wanted residents to feel comfortable calling for help if they needed it.
"They didn't want there to be any deterrent to residents of sounding an alarm if something looked suspicious or if they had a concern of something being in their home." said Turner.
Greensboro police officials disagree. Anita Holder, Assistant Chief, said by waving this fee, it could cost the city money and their officers time.
"In general if we have to respond to an alarm call and then wait for a representative to respond, we're talking 15 to 30 minutes." Holder said.
Last fiscal year there were more than 12,000 false alarms,and only 82 valid ones. With the fines in place, the city of Greensboro collected more than $190,000.
Police officials feel there still needs to be a price attached to false alarms, and they're asking city council both to reinstate the fee and consider an increase.
Turner says false alarm fines will be on the agenda when the new city council members come on board.
