A NEW scheme could bring peace to people whose lives are plagued by burglar alarms which ring repeatedly.

An alarm registration scheme, which has been launched by Gateshead Council's commercial and consumer services, could even benefit the alarm owners themselves.

The scheme allows homeowners to nominate two keyholders whose details are stored on a database.

Then, should the council's environmental health officers get a complaint about an alarm which is constantly ringing, they can check the address against the database, contact a keyholder and ask them to switch off or reset the alarm.

Residential services manager Trevor Harris said: "It's a free service and could save a great deal of money if your alarm goes off when you are away on holiday.

"Any burglar alarm that keeps going off, or rings continually for more than 20 minutes, could be deemed a statutory nuisance. The owner will be required to get it fixed.

"But if they happen to be away on holiday, Gateshead Council could apply for a warrant for force entry to their home to disable the alarm.

"This could mean the owner incurring a bill of between £170 and £200."

A leaflet, Bothered About Burglar Alarms, which describes the scheme, is available from libraries and council offices in the borough.