More Las Cruces residents and businesses are registering their security alarm systems with the city, as mandated by ordinance approved in 2013, but the overwhelming number of alarm calls continue to be false alarms.
Security alarms are the burglary or fire alarm systems contracted through monitoring companies.
The latest statistics show a 27.86 percent drop in the number of burglar and fire alarms called into Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority from 2011 through 2014. In 2011, Central Dispatch received 7,835 alarm calls that required the dispatch of personnel from either Las Cruces Police or Las Cruces Fire. In 2014, the total number of alarm calls was reduced to 5,652.
Only 48 burglar alarm calls in 2014 were ultimately determined to be legitimate calls requiring further investigation by Las Cruces Police. That means 99 percent of all burglar calls into Central Dispatch were determined to be false alarms. The first two responses to calls that are deemed false alarms for users in compliance are given grace. The penalty for a third false alarm for users in compliance is $100. That $100 penalty may be waived if the user successfully completes an Alarm User Awareness Class which, itself, has a $25 fee. Additionally, the penalty for failing to register an alarm system is $100 and the system must be registered. Annual registration fees are $25 for residential alarms and $50 for commercial alarms.
Failure to pay fines will result in the address being placed in a ‘Verified Response’ status until the fees are paid in full. Police will respond to an alarm that’s been placed in ‘Verified Response’ status only if an on-site responsible party, key holder, witness, or video/audio confirms criminal activity.
The high number of false alarm calls means valuable resources continue to be wasted. Common reasons for false alarms include:
- A resident of the home failed to disarm the security system or entered incorrect pass code.
- Motion activated security systems detected movement of an indoor pet, helium balloons, fluttering curtains, etc. within the residence.
- Wind forced open a door or window that was not properly secured.
- Maintenance on the security system or at the residence.
As of March 31, there are 3,044 security alarm users in Las Cruces who have registered with MVRDA. Since Dec. 1, 2013, when the City began the fining process, 1,159 violation letters have been issued. The vast majority of those letters went to residents who had not registered their security alarm systems.
Information from Las Cruces Police