The Council must investigate all complaints of ringing house alarms to assess whether a noise nuisance exists or not. Noise nuisance is assessed as defined under section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
In practice many factors are considered including failure of a keyholder to respond within 20 minutes and the frequency of the occurrence.
If your alarm causes noise nuisance you will be served with a Noise Abatement Notice giving a time period in which the alarm must be switched off.
If after this time occupiers/keyholders cannot be contacted the Council will take action to silence the alarm, entering your property with the Police and locksmith if necessary. Costs incurred are charged to the occupier. Prosecution may also result.
Recommendations for alarm holders and installers
A Code of Practice* on Noise from Audible Intruder Alarms gives practical recommendations for alarm holders and installers to help prevent noise nuisance from alarms. These are:
1. Upgrading your alarm
- an automatic cut out device and a supplementary flashing light may be fitted
- where a cut out device is installed occupiers are advised to notify their insurance companies
2. Keyholders
- occupiers should give a list of responsible keyholders to the Local Authority and Police
- keyholders should be available to respond and reach properties within 20 minutes of being notified
- keyholders should be capable of silencing and resetting the alarm
*Control of Pollution Act 1974: Control of Noise (Code of Practice on Noise from Audible Intruder Alarms) Order, 1981
Keyholder notification
You can your provide details of your alarm and keyholders on a freepost notification form. Contact the Environment team (District), see 'Related Contacts' on the right.
Alternatively you can provide your details using an on-line form. See 'Related Links' on the right.
When completing the form please note:
- you should list at least one keyholder (preferably two)
- keyholders should not reside in the same household
- one keyholder (where possible) should be a neighbour
- keyholders must have a telephone contact number
- keyholders should be able to reach your property within 20 minutes of being notified
- If you're planning to spend time away from home it is advisable to ensure that we have a current list of your keyholder details and that your keyholders will be available during your holiday.