Sacramento restaurant burglarized, no police response due to expired alarm permit

A Sacramento restaurant owner reported a burglary early Thursday morning at his business in the city's Japantown area, but said police did not respond despite the alarm system being triggered, CBS Sacramento reported.

Craig Takehara, owner and chef at Binchoyaki, reviewed surveillance footage showing someone inside the restaurant. However, police did not arrive because his alarm permit had expired, according to CBS Sacramento.

Sacramento city code requires alarm users to pay a $30 annual fee for an alarm permit. Without a valid permit, police do not respond to active alarms, even if a crime may be occurring, CBS Sacramento explained.

Police said this policy is intended to reduce responses to false alarms, which can divert resources from real emergencies. Takehara said he did not receive a renewal notice and expressed frustration at the policy.

Authorities confirmed they are working with the business to file a report but deferred further comment to city protocol, CBS Sacramento added.