5.23.24 – KVOA – Tucson, Ariz. (KVOA)
People in Midtown are sounding the alarm after they say a car dealership’s security system is a constant nuisance.
The disturbing sound they say is happening at all hours of the night, now the dealership is on blast.
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to a loud security alarm sound. It’s a reality for James Young.
“It’s annoying!” Young said to News 4 Tucson.
Young says the source of the noise is coming from this Porsche dealership.
The luxury car brand is on the corner of 22nd street and Swan road, not far from where Young lives.
“Some days I’m up for a few nights or days just depending on a few hours of sleep because it goes off too many times,” Young explained.
In an email from Tucson police who tell News 4 Rucson that they have responded to Porsche’s alarm sounding off five times since March 25, 2024.
Four of the calls aren’t specific on what triggered the alarm, but according to Tucson’s alarm ordinance if the so called “alarm user” which is Porsche – has more than two false alarms within a year it’s considered a public nuisance.
It’s a $100 fine for the second offense (which can be waived if the alarm user takes a class) and $200 for a third time or more.
“During Spring we can’t even sleep with the windows open,” said an anonymous woman who didn’t want to appear on camera.
This woman also lives near Porsche Tucson.
She did not want to show her face, but she says the dealership’s alarm is so excruciating – her and her husband paid $5,000 out of pocket to install sound proof windows.
“For the people that have not been able to afford new windows. Unfortunately I feel bad for them because I know how bad I used to be able to hear them with our old windows,” said the woman.
News 4 Tucson reached out to Porsche Tucson by phone, email and in person and here is what they had to say about all this:
“Statement to our neighbors:
Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. At Chapman, we have always been deeply committed to our community, and our neighbors are very important to us. We understand how disruptive noise can be and are dedicated to ensuring a peaceful environment for everyone. Protecting our property is also crucial, especially since we have been victims of crime in the past. To address your concerns about the noise, we have taken immediate steps, including disabling the speakers and increasing the security presence on the property. Additionally, we are actively exploring long-term solutions to prevent future disturbances. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve. If the noise persists or if you have any other concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve both safety for the business and comfort for our neighbors.”
But Young doesn’t buy it.
“I’m doubtful oh yeah,” Young said.
For Porsche it is a balancing act to protect their property at night while not tuning out neighbors.
News 4 Tucson has tried to figure out if any of those five security alarms at Porsche since March were false but we have not been able to get that info without a public records request, which could take months to get.
Below is the City of Tucson’s ordinance on alarms.