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Further information

Intruder alarms

Noise made by the operation of audible burglar alarms is a common cause of complaint. Owners and occupiers seeking to protect their properties (whether domestic or commercial) have a responsibility to make sure the device does not become a source of nuisance to their neighbours and the general public.

The alarm system should be properly designed, installed and maintained as far as is reasonably practicable to prevent false alarms. Guidance is given in British Standard BS 4737, as amended by BS 7150.

You can buy copies of these standards (they aren't published anywhere on the Net) from the BSI Standards website [external link].

Installation

To avoid disturbing the public, all alarm systems should be fitted with an automatic cut-out device. This will disconnect both the internal and external sounders (either bell or buzzer) after a period of not more than 20 minutes following activation.

Such a cut-out device can be supplemented with a flashing light, which will continue to operate after the sounder has stopped.

To avoid us de-activating a mis-firing burgler alarm, owners of newly adopted or installed alarm systems should:

• Tell the local police station and ourselves (Environmental Services) in writing of the names, addresses and contact telephone numbers of at least two 'nominated key holders' who can be called to deactivate the alarm in the absence of the owner, and;
• Make sure the system is properly installed and maintained by a reputable and competent burgler alarm company.

Vehicle alarms

Similarly, noise caused by the operation of audible vehicle alarms may also cause complaints of a nuisance. Owners who seek to protect their vehicle (be it a car, van or motorbike etc.) by installing a system of this type must be aware of their legal responsibilities.

It is a requirement under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 to fit a five minute cut-out device to all vehicle alarms, and it is now a statutory nuisance under section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended by the Noise and Statutory Nuisances Act 1993 for the 'registered keeper' to allow an alarm to sound frequently or for a prolonged period, so as to cause a nuisance to local residents and people working in the immediate vicinity.

Noise abatement notices

Where an authorised officer of the council witnesses the prolonged or frequent ringing of an alarm from an unattended vehicle, they may serve a noise abatement notice, requiring the person responsible to de-activate the alarm and carry out works to stop the nuisance happening again.

If, after an hour, the person has not come forward, we may de-activate the alarm or remove the vehicle. Full costs of this action will be recovered from the 'person responsible' or the 'registered keeper' of the vehicle. This may be in excess of £200.

Tips to avoid a nuisance

• Vehicle alarms must be fitted with a five minute cut-out device;
• Set your alarm to a reasonable level of sensitivity to minimise 'false alarms';
• Maintain your alarm system in good working order.

Related pages on this website

• Noise pollution