Three suburban Atlanta communities are cracking down on false alarms in security systems.

Johns Creek, Sandy Springs and Dunwoody are adopting ordinances that assess fines for false alarms.

Officials in the cities north of Atlanta said the measures could save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and the lives of first responders.

Authorities said the three cities hope to have all plans in effect early in 2013. All three cities share the same dispatch service.

Sandy Springs passed its false alarm code last month. Johns Creek and Dunwoody have plans in the works, but have yet to vote on a final draft.

Tags: Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, false alarms, security system