Of all the comments above, I find Gizmonsters the most plausible.
The IR sensors that I use have a link jumper inside that can be adjusted for one, two or three `hits` in short succession before the signal is returned to the control box. The normally used setting is one, but I have had to change one sensor to setting two before it would cease false triggering every now and again.
I think most of these little boxes are made to one industry standard, as an OEM item. Worth a look inside.
It isn't about plods coming out, SD, its about the blighters being dissuaded to continue once the alarm triggers. Generally works unless you are located miles out in the sticks with no neighbours.