Noisy intruder alarms
Intruder/Burglar alarms work by making a noise when intruders enter or try to enter premises. Unfortunately they sometimes go off by accident. No one minds them going off, provided they are turned off quickly. The Council has adopted the provisions of the London Local Authorities Act 1992 relating to audible intruder alarms.
- Intruder alarm systems must be fitted with a 20 minute cut-out device to prevent prolonged ringing.
- The owner or occupier must notify the Metropolitan Police and the Local Authority within 48 hours of installation, in writing, of 2 nominated key holders (other than the occupier or company which holds the keys)
What Consumer Protection can do
What to do if the alarm won't stop
It is an offence (fine up to £2,000) to permit an alarm system to ring for more than 20 minutes.
We can apply to a local magistrate for a warrant to enter premises and deactivate an alarm which has been ringing for a long time. This would normally be carried out the next working day.
If you suffer from prolonged ringing of an intruder alarm contact:
Duty Noise officer on 020 8496 3000 or contact us by post:
Noise Team
Environmental Health
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
Any residents that are disturbed by noise nuisance from an alarm should contact the Duty Noise Officer on 020 8496 3000, an Officer is on duty during the following times:
- Sunday-Thursday 9 am till 1 am (next day)
- Friday 9 am till 3 am (next day)
- Saturday 8 pm till 4 am (next day)
Car alarms
The Council can deactivate a car alarm that has been ringing for more than an hour and is causing a statutory nuisance.
