CHAMBERSBURG, Penn. – Local police sent a warning letter to Members 1st FCU after receiving four false robbery alarms in less than a year--that was before four more false alarms last month.
The false alarms drew a formal citation by Gettysburg Borough Police last week calling on the credit union to correct the problems. The letter noted that state law gives local police the power to cite any business that has more than three false alarms in a 12-month period.
Police said they were reluctant to act, but after receiving another false call in October, and then four more in November - including two on Nov 29. –they decided to act.
"I think there's probably just something wrong with their system internally," Police Chief Joseph Dougherty, told local media. "But once you cry wolf too many times, it becomes a matter of safety for everyone."
The fine for false alarms is determined by the district justice, but could be as much as $300 plus court costs.
Local police have been plagued by false alarms in recent years, responding to 171 alone in 2008, prompting moves to enforce the laws aimed at deterring such calls.
