Channahon Cracks Down On False Alarms
CHANNAHON, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) -- Some businesses in far southwest suburban Channahon have to adjust their security alarms or face fines for false alarms.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Nancy Harty reports, under a new law approved by the Village of Channahon, any company or person who logs more than four false alarm calls to the police station in a year will pay fines of $100 per call.
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The ordinance applies to homes, as well, but Police Chief Joe Pena said problems with businesses led to the creation of the ordinance.
Last year, 17 Channahon businesses logged in more than 15 false alarms each. One of the businesses had 76 false burglar alarms in 2010.
Only one residence had more than six false alarms.
Just last month, there were 31 alarm calls to police, all of which were false alarms, Pena said.
"Up until now," Pena said in correspondence, "we did not have any tools available to work with businesses or residents in an effort to curb those false alarms. The alarm ordinance now provides us that ability."
Trustees Debbie Militello and Jerry Papesh voted against the measure, saying the fines would be excessive for a homeowner.
Papesh said he thought a residence should be allowed six false alarms before fines were issued, rather than four, and to only receive a $50 fine.
Militello also said she thought $100 was excessive for homeowners.
Two police officers are required to respond to each alarm, Pena said, even if the property owner calls to report it was a mistake.
It's for everyone's safety that officers must respond, he said, but there are a few businesses that have so many false alarms that it costs the village dollars and takes police from patrolling and other duties.
The Joliet Herald-News contributed to this report, via the Sun-Times Media Wire
