What are the rules governing burglar alarms that are unmonitored? Around 9.30 one night recently, we noticed an alarm. We live on the edge of an industrial area, but our street is part of a large dormitory suburb. A scout around in the dark gave us an approximate direction for the nee-naw-nee-naw alarm. At 10.40 it was still going, and we were becoming worried that it would continue, so rang Noise Control at the council, who logged it, but said if it was still going in 20 minutes, to ring back. We rang back at 11.15pm. The call was logged again. Again the message - if it's still going in an hour, ring back. This was done at 12.20am. The message then was - someone came out to our street, couldn't figure out where the alarm was coming from, so "that was that". Which was what, exactly? We would like some information on responsibility. Do people/businesses install alarms, knowing that the noise will alert "someone" to it, rather than having a security firm check? Jacqui Dunn, Auckland.
Yes, they do. Greg Watts, executive officer of the New Zealand Security Association, says that it is perfectly legal to have an unmonitored house or business alarm. He would not say what percentage of alarms are unmonitored for a very good reason; any burglar worth his salt would then be able to calculate the odds of being disturbed while about his business. However, most professionally installed alarms are monitored as part of the service package. If you hear an alarm going on and on, you should ring the police. They are obliged to respond, says Mr Watts. If you hear your neighbour's alarm going and you know their phone number, ring them first.
Could you clarify the law in regard to blue lights on vehicles? My understanding was that these are limited to emergency vehicles only, but Auckland Co-op Taxis now have blue taxi lights on the roof of their cars, and are advertising them as "Blue Bubble". Mark Suckling, Auckland.
Tim Reddish, executive director of the NZ Taxi Federation, says that the lights on the Auckland Co-op cabs are fully compliant with the lighting rules and the operator licensing rule, which dictates the dos and don'ts of taxi signage. Blue flashing lights may only be used by police vehicle. Red flashing lights may only be used by police and other emergency vehicles. However, there are a number of regulations regarding what is called cosmetic lighting on vehicles.