Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a deterrent alarm system for a monitored area comprising the steps of activating an alarm; detecting the presence of a person; and, de-activating the alarm in response to the detected presence of the person. The method may include the additional steps of detecting the absence of the person in the monitored area; and, re-activating the alarm in response to the detected absence. A deterrent alarm system is also provided comprising an alarm; an alarm controller in communication with the alarm for activating and de-activating the alarm; and, a detector in communication with the alarm controller for detecting a person in the monitored area and communicating to the controller one of an indication that the person is detected and an indication that no person is detected, the controller de-activating the alarm in response to the indication that the person is detected and activating the alarm in response to the indication that no person is detected.