Wilmington, N.C. enacts new false alarm ordinance
By SSN Staff
Updated Mon November 1, 2010
WILMINGTON, N.C.—An Oct. 31 story from the Star News Online reports the city of Wilmington began issuing fees Monday, Nov. 1 for false burglar alarms in an attempt to lower the thousands of false alarms police respond to each year.
Any place that has a burglar alarm could be fined, including homes, businesses, churches and schools, according to the Wilmington Police Department.
Owners will get a warning for the first false alarm, but subsequent alarms will earn a $50 fee billed through the city. But a fee won't be sent if the alarm is accidental and the owner contacts authorities before they arrive.
Key said officials will also consider whether bad weather caused the alarm before issuing a fee.
Alarm owners can also appeal the fee.
Wilmington City Council passed the ordinance in July.
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