Register your security alarm with us

South Norfolk Council’s Environmental Services team is launching a new notification form for residents who have a security alarm.

The form clarifies and simplifies the registration process, allowing you to register all the important details about your alarm, with us.

Mr. Chris Tubby, Environmental Protection Manager, South Norfolk Council explained why the environmental team is encouraging everyone to get the information on file:

“We want to remind our residents that there is a Code of Practice which runs hand in hand with owning a security alarm. It was introduced to ensure that the noise of an alarm does not intrude on neighbours. And one of the most important factors is for the local authority to be notified about who to contact if you are not in and the alarm goes off.

“The new registration form allows you to give us the details of three chosen contacts - two nominated key holders and an extra delegated key-holder. The form also prompts you to make sure that the key-holders are fully briefed about how to enter your property and how to disable your security alarm system once they are inside.

“It also asks for information about who maintains the system and how often it is inspected – it is recommended that the system should be serviced annually to keep it running properly and to avoid it going off without cause. Most systems have an automatic cut off after a maximum 20 minutes, and servicing can ensure this is working to the best effect. We often receive complaints about the noise when alarms ring on and on – indicating that the system has not been properly maintained and that the cut-off is not working. We hope that by reminding people to keep their systems fully operative, there will be less complaints of this nature.”

He added that without the details on file, problems can occur:

“If we receive a complaint that an un-registered alarm has been sounding for a considerable length of time disturbing others, it would mean that, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, we would have a statutory duty to stop the noise nuisance, using enforcement action. This would mean entering the property, having the alarm professionally disabled and securing the property to the best of our ability. All of the costs incurred from such action would be recovered from the occupier.”

“Having a security alarm is great for peace of mind, but only if it is well maintained and if the details are registered and kept up to date, in case something goes wrong. So please call 01508 533708, or email ehl@s-norfolk.gov.uk to request a form.”

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