Fines for false alarms in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) - Alexandria has started to enforce an ordinance that's been on the books for years pertaining to alarm systems.

Police Chief Loren M. Lampert tells The Town Talk too many calls from homes and businesses turn out to be false alarms.

Lampert says police respond to about 6,000 to 7,000 false alarms a year

The city is now enforcing the requirement that all businesses or residences with alarm systems register them with the city.

The ordinance also allows fines to be imposed on those who have more three false alarms a year.

Lampert says it costs about $50 per call. With at least 6,000 false alarms a year, that means taxpayers are paying more than $300,000 annually.