If you installed a home security system in your home, be it a connected camera or a sensor-based alarm setup, you probably received a sign with the company’s name or logo on it. Putting up this sign in front of your home might seem like a good burglar deterrent, as it could warn potential intruders of your protection. But many security experts say that home security signs might make you more of a target, not less. And, just maybe, putting up a sign for a security system you don’t own might be a wiser move.
That’s not to say security signs are useless, of course. According to a 2012 study done by the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of North Carolina, 25 percent of burglars surveyed said that they would walk away from a home with security system signs. Additionally, home security signs are much more likely to deter spur-of-the-moment burglaries, which comprise nearly 41 percent of the burglars in the study.
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“Displaying signs from reputable security companies can act as a significant deterrent to potential burglars,” said Mary Jean, a Product Development Manager for Surveillance Technologies at Zetronix, a provider of advanced security solutions. “The primary psychology behind this is risk aversion; criminals are generally looking for easy targets and a security sign suggests enhanced protection and higher risk of being caught.”
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Still, she said that knowledgeable criminals might recognize the limitations of specific security systems. “There is a concern that using signs from well-known companies like ADT or SimpliSafe might inform burglars about the type of system in place, potentially allowing them to prepare countermeasures.”
Jon Harris, the Chief Security Officer for Fortified Estate, a company that specializes in residential security, says that home security signs can be a target for more sophisticated criminals. “[A] sign presenting the type of alarm system being used could be a detriment,” he said. “This would allow the criminal to be aware of exactly what system they need to be prepared to neutralize and would remove the element of surprise upon breaking in and an alarm wailing.”
So, what about putting up a decoy sign instead? If you have a SimpliSafe system for example, could you put up an ADT sign and potentially fool would-be thieves?
“Using signs from a different security company than the one you have installed can create confusion and uncertainty for potential intruders,” said Zetronix’s Jean. “This tactic can be effective because it introduces doubt about the actual security measures in place.”
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Harris agreed that this tactic could confuse the would-be burglar. “Of course, this partially depends on how different the alarms really work. And long term, if too many homes start presenting signs differently than what the home has it will eventually lower believability. But it could be an interesting strategy.”
There is a possible downside of using a decoy sign, however. Both Brinks and ADT warn that using home security signs of a service that you don’t actually use could have legal implications, potentially violating copyright depending on company regulations. Additionally, companies often change their logos and you could be caught using an outdated sign, which would be a big clue to potential burglars that you’re faking it.
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At the end of the day, the best deterrent requires more than just using a security sign. The aforementioned University of North Carolina study found that 53 percent of burglars would skip a home if they could see visible cameras. Studies from Rutgers University support this idea as well. In other words, a sign itself isn’t sufficient to delay burglars, but as soon as they start snooping around, the evidence of a real security system should be enough to give them pause.
“Combining security signs with visible cameras and motion sensors enhances the deterrent effect,” said Jean. Jean also recommends participating in neighborhood watch programs and displaying signs for those. “Complementing these with additional visible security measures and community involvement can provide comprehensive protection.”
