CYPRESS : City to Levy Fines for False Alarms

To help reduce the number of false alarms for burglaries, the city will fine people up to $100 starting July 1 if their private security systems are accidentally triggered more than four times a year.

“The purpose is to benefit the community,” said Cypress Police Lt. John Schaefer. “It will keep officers open for things that are really important.”

Last year the department received more than 1,400 false alarm calls. During an eight-hour shift, Schaefer said police have had to respond to the same business as many as four times. The reasons for false alarms vary from improperly maintained systems to new employees who accidentally activate the alarms, he said.

Under the ordinance, the first four false alarms are free. The fine is $30 for the fifth false alarm, $50 for the sixth and $100 for the seventh and further false alarms. All residences and businesses are required to register their alarm systems with the city.