Home security signs indicate that a home has a security system installed. They are usually placed on the lawn, the door, or the home window and display the name and logo of the security company. Home security signs deter potential burglars from targeting the home, implying that the home is protected and monitored.
However, not everyone with a home security sign has a home security system. Some people use fake home security signs, which look like real ones but are not backed by security devices or services. Fake home security signs are often sold online or in stores and can be cheaper and easier to install than real ones. But do fake home security signs work? Are they effective in preventing break-ins? Or are they risky and unreliable?
This article discusses fake home security signs and provides tips on using them safely and wisely.
Pros of Using Fake Home Security Signs
Fake home security signs can have some advantages, such as:
- They are affordable and convenient: Fake home security signs are much cheaper than real ones, as they do not require any equipment, installation, or subscription fees. They are also easy to obtain and set up, as they do not need wiring, drilling, or programming. You can buy them in stores and place them on your lawn, door, or window.
- You can create the illusion of protection: Fake home security signs can create the impression that your home has a security system and make it look less attractive and vulnerable to burglars. According to a study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, most burglars would try to determine if a home has a security system before committing a burglary, and many would avoid homes with one. Fake home security signs can exploit this tendency and make burglars think twice before targeting your home.
- They can complement other security measures: You can combine fake home security signs with other security measures, such as locks, lights, timers, or neighbors, to enhance your home’s security. For example, you can use fake home security signs to reinforce your door and window locks and make them look more secure and resistant. You can also use fake home security signs to supplement your lights and timers and make them look more realistic and convincing. You can also use fake home security signs to support your neighbors and make them look more vigilant and cooperative.
Cons of Using Fake Home Security Signs
Having fake home security signs can also have some disadvantages, such as:
- You can easily spot and verify them: Fake home security signs can be easily recognized and exposed by burglars, especially if they are generic, outdated, or inconsistent. For example, burglars can spot fake home security signs if they have no contact information, no serial number, or no matching stickers. Burglars can also verify fake home security signs if they have access to the internet, phone, or social media and check the validity and reputation of the security company. Burglars can also test fake home security signs to see if they have the courage, skills, or tools and try to trigger or disable them.
- Fake Home Security Signs are risky and unreliable: These can be risky and unreliable, as they do not provide real protection or monitoring for your home. If burglars manage to bypass or ignore your fake home security signs and break into your home, you will have no way of knowing or stopping them. You will also have no evidence or assistance to catch or prosecute them. You will also have no insurance or compensation to cover or recover your losses.
- They are illegal and unethical: Fake signs can be illegal and unethical, as they can violate the intellectual property rights of the security companies and deceive the public and the authorities. For example, using fake home security signs that display the name and logo of a real security company without their permission can be considered trademark infringement and result in legal action or penalties. Using fake home security signs that imply that your home is connected to a central monitoring station or a local police department can be considered fraud and result in fines or charges.
How to Use Fake Home Security Signs Safely and Wisely
If you decide to use fake home security signs, you should follow some best practices, such as:
Choose a reputable and realistic security company: You should choose a fake home security sign that displays the name and logo of a well-known and trustworthy security company, such as ADT, Vivint, or SimpliSafe.
It would help if you also chose a fake home security sign that looks authentic and up-to-date and matches the style and design of the real ones.
You should also avoid using fake home security signs that are generic, outdated, or inconsistent, as they can be easily spotted and verified by burglars.
Use multiple and matching signs and stickers: You should use more than one fake home security sign and place them on different and visible locations of your home, such as the lawn, the door, and the window.
Use matching signs and stickers and place them on the same or corresponding locations of your home, such as the door and the window, to create a more convincing and consistent impression of your home’s security and deter more burglars.
Combine fake home security signs with other security measures: You should not rely on them alone but use them with other security measures, such as locks, lights, timers, or neighbors. For example, you can use fake home security signs to reinforce your door and window locks and make them look more secure and resistant.
You can also use fake home security signs to supplement your lights and timers and make them look more realistic and convincing. You can also use fake home security signs to support your neighbors and make them look more vigilant and cooperative.
Alternatives to Fake Security Signs
Fake security signs pretend to indicate that a home has a security system, such as alarms, cameras, or sensors but are not backed by any actual security devices or services. Some people use fake security signs to deter potential burglars from targeting their homes, as they imply that the home is protected and monitored.
However, fake security signs can also be risky and unreliable, as they can be easily spotted and verified by burglars and do not provide any real protection or monitoring for the home.
Therefore, consider some alternatives to fake security signs, which can offer you more benefits and peace of mind. Here are some of them:
Invest in a real home security system: A real home security system can provide you with the best protection and monitoring for your home, as it consists of various devices, such as alarms, cameras, sensors, or smart locks, that can alert you of suspicious activity or intrusion.
A real home security system can also deter most burglars, who are likelier to avoid homes with one. A real home security system can also save you money and hassle in the long run, as it can prevent or reduce any damage or loss due to a break-in.
Use outdoor lighting: Outdoor lighting can help you illuminate your home and make it look occupied and visible, which can scare away any potential intruders. You can use outdoor lighting, such as porch lights, floodlights, or motion-activated lights, to brighten up your home and make it look more attractive and secure.
You can also use timers, such as smart plugs, smart switches, or smart bulbs, to turn your outdoor lighting on and off at random or preset times and simulate your normal routine. You can also use solar-powered or LED lights, which are more energy-efficient eco-friendly and can save you money and electricity.
Install security cameras: Security cameras help you monitor and record your home from anywhere and provide you with evidence and assistance in case of a break-in. You can install security cameras, such as wireless, wired, or battery-powered cameras, to cover the most vulnerable and visible areas of your home, such as the front, back, windows, or garage.
You can also use a smart home system that connects your security cameras to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to control and view them remotely. You can also use motion, door, or glass break sensors to trigger your security cameras and notify you or the authorities.
Get a dog: A dog can be a loyal, friendly companion and a natural and effective deterrent for burglars. A dog can bark, growl, or bite and alert you or your neighbors of intruders or suspicious activities. A dog can also make your home look more lively and occupied and show that you care and invest in your home.
You can get a dog that matches your personality and lifestyle and train and socialize properly. You can also use signs and stickers that indicate that you have a dog and place them on your doors, windows, or yard.
Ask for help from your neighbors or friends: If you have a good relationship with them, you can ask them to help you keep an eye on your home while you are away. They can check on your home regularly and report any suspicious or unusual activity to you or the authorities.
They can also help you with small tasks, such as collecting your mail, newspapers, or packages, watering your plants, mowing your lawn, or parking your car in your driveway.
These tasks can help your home look lived-in and cared-for and deter potential intruders. You should also leave your contact information and a spare key with your neighbors or friends in case of an emergency or a problem.
These are some alternatives to fake security signs that you can use to protect your home and family. Using these alternatives allows you to enjoy more benefits and peace of mind and avoid the risks and drawbacks of using fake security signs. You can also use a combination of these alternatives to enhance your home’s security and deterrence. I hope this helps.
What’s the Most Effective Way to Deter Thieves?
Thieves are opportunistic criminals who look for easy and profitable targets to steal from. They can cause significant damage and loss to your property and belongings, making you feel unsafe and violated.
Therefore, you should deter thieves and protect your home and family. Here are some of the most effective ways to deter thieves, according to research and experts:
Install a real home security system: It is one of the best ways to deter thieves, as it can alert you or the authorities of any intrusion or suspicious activity. A real home security system can consist of various devices, such as alarms, cameras, sensors, or smart locks, that can monitor and control your home from anywhere.
According to a study by the University of North Carolina at Charlott, 83% of burglars would try to find out if a home has a security system before trying to steal it, and 60% would abort the plan if they found one.
A real home security system can also save you money and hassle in the long run, as it can prevent or reduce any damage or loss due to a break-in. You can find a real home security system that suits your needs by reviewing online or consulting a professional agent for more advice.
According to research and experts, these are the most effective ways to keep burglars away. Using these methods, you can enhance your home’s security and deterrence and enjoy more peace of mind. You can also use these methods to increase your protection and prevention. I hope this helps.
Do Fake Home Security Signs Work?
Fake home security signs can be a cheap and easy way to create the illusion of protection for your home and deter some burglars from targeting it. However, they can also be risky and unreliable, as they do not provide any real protection or monitoring for your home and can be easily spotted and verified by burglars.
Therefore, you should use fake home security signs with caution and discretion and follow some best practices to use them safely and wisely. Consider investing in a real home security system to offer you more benefits and peace of mind.
To find the best home security system for your needs and budget, you can compare quotes from different providers online or consult a professional agent for more advice. I hope this helps.