It's a move to help the bottom line but it's one many homeowners say puts their safety in jeopardy. Indio police are testing a new plan to save money. They won't respond to burglar alarms unless they know for a crime may be taking place.
Indio homeowner Elizabeth Lira says her alarm went off several times and cops never showed up. In her case, they were false alarms but she thinks the new guidelines may compromise safety.
"If someone attacks you, how are you supposed to verify if they call you and you're laying on the ground?"
Chris Madain, owner of Desert Alarm, says in most valley cities..."If we call the house and there's no response we assume break in and dispatch the police on it."
Indio police now want verification which means suspicious activity must be seen or heard, by either a person or an audio-visual monitoring device, before they'll respond.Madain says most customers do not have that type of costly equipment.
"Most customers in the valley leave in the summer and this is a burglar haven down here," Madain said.
Police say safety is top priority but the new guidelines are an option they have to consider.
According to Indio PD, 99% of the time they're responding to false alarms.
Each time it happens, it's costing the department manpower and time.
"We don't just drive by the place. We (spend time) making sure doors and windows are secure."
Police say they'll evaluate these guidelines for the next six or seven months. They'll determine if it could become permanent policy then.
Even in its early stages, many are sounding off.
"I know they can't respond to ten thousand alarms going off daily but at least do a drive by," Lira said.
Indio residents are required to pay the city $30 dollars a year for a burglar alarm permit which covers the cost of responding to false alarms.
