Alarms
The prolonged sounding of audible intruder and vehicle alarms can cause widespread nuisance affecting many households and businesses. Given the volume of the noise they cause we aim to deal with them as quickly as possible.
Audible Intruder Alarms
When complaints are received we will obtain as much information as possible about the possible whereabouts of the occupiers of the property and whether there are any keyholders available so that the alarm can be promptly silenced.
If this action fails we will visit the area to make an assessment of the noise. This may require access into your home. Where we are satisfied that nuisance is being caused and there is no reasonable likelihood that the nuisance will be abated within a reasonable period of time an Abatement Notice will be served and alarm engineers employed to silence the alarm. Where access into the property is required we must obtain a warrant from the Magistrates Court. A locksmith will also be required to gain entry. The seeking of a warrant and employment of contractors can cause delays in abating the nuisance. We will recover all reasonable costs incurred for silencing the alarm from the person responsible.
The Metropolitan Police no longer maintain a register of keyholders, so we are compiling our own. While you are not obliged to provide nominated keyholders to us it is recommended that you do. Please complete the form below and return to:
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Environmental Health Service
High Street
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1EU
Tel: 020 8547 5536
E-mail:environmental.health@rbk.kingston.gov.uk
The Code of Practice on Noise from Audible Intruder Alarms 1982 gives guidance on minimising nuisance from faulty alarms. It suggests that alarms should be fitted with a 20 minute cut-out device and that keyholders of properties with alarms should be notified. The keyholders should be able to silence the alarm within 20 minutes of being notified of its sounding.
Vehicle Alarms
When complaints are received about the prolonged sounded of a vehicle alarm we will endeavour to contact the registered keeper of the vehicle or anybody who may be able to turn the alarm off. If that fails we will visit the area to assess the noise and serve an Abatement Notice should nuisance exist. If the nuisance continues 1 hour after service of the Notice we will engage a contractor to silence the alarm. The vehicle will be left as secure as reasonable practicable. The employment of a contractor may cause delay in abating nuisance. We will recover all reasonable costs incurred for silencing the alarm from the person responsible