Chief Robert Irving would like to remind all residential and business alarm owners in Wayland of Bylaw 83-2 in the Town of Wayland Code concerning false alarms. The bylaw establishes the assessment of fines for excessive false alarms in a calendar year. There is a $25.00 fine for the fourth false alarm and $50.00 fine for the fifth and $100 fine for each subsequent false alarm.
In 2015 Wayland Police Officers responded to 678 false alarms. The department has seen a steady increase in false alarm calls since 2013. Many of these alarms are repeat malfunctions at businesses or private residences. False alarms strain the resources of the department and create unnecessary risk to officers and the public as a response is initiated. All malfunctioning alarm systems should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid recurring responses from the police department. Family members and employees should be trained on the operation of the alarm system.
Beginning January 1, 2016 false alarm calls will again be tracked by specific address and warning notices will be sent out to locations upon receipt of the third false alarm in the calendar year. Subsequent alarms will generate fines as described in the bylaw. A copy of the Town of Wayland bylaw concerning false alarms may be obtained by contacting the police department.
