Johns Creek officials plan to levy some hefty fines for residents and businesses guilty of multiple false alarms that summon emergency services.
The city council is considering an ordinance that would assess fines after the third false alarm in a year. Fines would range from $50 for from three to five false alarms to $500 for 10 or more. The city would also require residents and businesses to register their alarm systems.
Police Chief Ed Densmore reported his department has received 2,860 false alarms in the six months from March to August. Of that number, 1,622 were repeat offenders. All were at businesses.
Fire Chief Joseph Daniels reported 625 false alarms in the past year which represents 12 percent of the department's total call volume. Responding to false alarms, he said, accounted for $3,000 in fuel costs alone.
The city council is expected to discuss the ordinance again at its Oct. 11 meeting.
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