Research suggests that false burglar alarms result from three main causes:

• faulty or inappropriately selected equipment,
• poor installation, and
• user error (forgetful or unknowledgeable homeowners or roaming pets).

Research tells us that false burglar alarms are not evenly distributed. Some alarm systems experience no false alarms, and others, many. One study suggests that 20 percent of alarm systems trigger 80 percent of false alarms. As a result, officers responding to false alarms are often spending time away from locations where crime and disorder are occurring. For the purposes of this guide, it is assumed that the alarm industry has the responsibility to improve the quality of its equipment, more accurately install devices and increase user knowledge of its product, all of which reduce false calls. This guide focuses on police policy remedies to devise a more appropriate response and stimulate the alarm industry to further improve the overall reliability of its products.

Provided By "False Burglar Alarms" A Problem-Oriented Guides for Police Series Guide No. 5 by Rana Sampsonc found at http//www.cops.usdoj.gov