IT MAY BE one of the oldest practical jokes in the book and one that has survived generations, but in one Valencia province town, it can cost you a packet: ringing doorbells and running away is no longer tolerated in Alzira, capital of the Ribera Alta district.
A case has just been closed against a resident after he failed to appeal a fine of €200 slapped on him in August after he was caught by Local Police on the beat in the Plaza Sagrada Familia ringing bells at around 04.30 in the morning and legging it.
Police considered the time of day, or night, involved added insult to injury, and this is partly why the fine was levied.
It is classed as a 'minor offence' under the Urban Area Protection bye-law which was put in place to 'encourage civilised behaviour and community spirit'.
'Unreasonable actions' which 'interrupt residents' right to rest' at night are considered 'minor offences', as are 'using public fixtures other than for their intended purposes', 'obstructing access to residential doorways and garages', public or private, 'causing wilful damage' to public property which does not render it unuseable – since this would be classed as a 'serious' offence and subject to a higher fine – 'littering with bottles, cans or other drinks containers', and even 'kicking junk items in the street' where this causes 'excessive noise'.
Although 'phantom' doorbell-ringing is not specifically listed, the fact that the culprit did so in the early hours of the morning meant he was liable to pay a fine.
It is not clear what would have happened if he had done so in broad daylight.
