If the Nassau County Police Department gets its way, homeowners with excessive amounts of false house alarms will be penalized.

The Nassau County Legislature is considering a law that would fine homeowners who experience five or more false alarms per year. According to police, 114,300 of the 115,000 burglar alarms last year were false alarms. Police also say it cost the force $4.5 million in salaries to make the runs. The fines would begin with $25 after the fifth false alarm of the year and build gradually to $250 after the tenth. At that point an inspection of the home and alarm system would be required.

Some legislators expressed concern the bill would encourage police to ignore potential emergencies at homes that previously experienced bogus alerts. Critics add some homeowners may not be at fault for their flawed protection system and should not have to pay expensive fines. Legislators plan to vote on the proposed Alarm Bill January 8.