Get a sign. A decal. A window sticker. Without it, no one knows you have protection.
Your truck alarm has a blinking LED light, perhaps a warning horn when folks lean on it. This is so that the average hoodlum is discouraged BEFORE they smash a window.
One of the main purposes for your alarm is deterrence. It’s a really good thing that your average douche bag thief bypasses your property and goes to bother someone else. (This is probably not a good thing as far as your neighbor is concerned, but hey, let HIM go install his own security system).
More than one homeowner with a good security system, cameras, and warning devices feel (justifiably) safe within their personal fortress. While there is some secret pleasure in the notion of catching and dispensing appropriate justice to some intruder that falls into your perfectly secure fortress… the reality is usually not as neat and tidy as the movies would have us believe. Most burglars are going to ply their trade when you’re not home (if they’re smart). Maybe they’ll bust a window or doorway before the alarm goes off; you’ll be spending money replacing the very system that protected the rest of your valuables. There will be times when you aren’t home to take care of business but others are. And even if you are home, locked and loaded, do you really want to run the risk of God knows what? Who needs the hassle?
The less trouble that you bring on to yourself, the better. Most alarm decals and signage are fairly generic, even experienced thieves will not be able to determine the capabilities, components, or workings of your system by reading a small yard sign. What it says to the riff raff is: “we’ve taken some precautions here, we care about our stuff, this place is being watched and we’re willing to protect it….move on.”
One caveat: don’t put up a sign if you don’t have a system. As a temporary measure, go for it… but that’s a real false sense of security; and if a neighbor, a handyman, or one of your teenagers brags about not really having a security system, word will leak out. It’s a sorry truth, but many burglars get their information from family friends, acquaintances, or connections that they have in your neighborhood.
Is this a bulletproof solution? No, of course not. If someone is determined to break in, or is too drunk or high to be worried about consequences, then that is what your security system is installed for… to sound alarms, call for help, etc. But as we discuss all the time, so many home burglaries are crimes of opportunity- a way that some scumbag thinks he can make an easy buck.
Let him know that it’s not going to be easy.
Bob@camera home security systems (1 year ago)
Thanks for the valuable information. I never considered the value of a window sticker before. In fact, I always thought detracted from the appearance of my doors and windows.
Now I can see the value of using them and I am going to order some right away.
Thanks again so much.
.-= Bob@camera home security systems´s last blog ..Camera Home Security Systems =-.
David@Window Stickers (1 year ago)
Thanks for sharing importance of window stickers. It will my house secure and also reduce room temperature.
Adam Knot (1 year ago)
I have focused on the hardware and while I realized deterrence was a factor I didn’t know to what extent.
I was particularly interested to learn that the decals were generic in that they didn’t disclose the type of security hardware the system had. A burglar could easily find out what one company specialize in as opposed to another company.
Thanks very much.
Jane@wireless spy camera (1 year ago)
I think that putting up a sticker or some other way to let people know that you have protected your property is a really good idea – you’re right that it won’t stop a really determined burglar, but it will certainly make any chancers think twice.
.-= Jane@wireless spy camera´s last blog ..Wireless-Spy-Cameras – Technology That Is Available To Us All =-.
Gary Marjani (1 year ago)
Home Security signs should be installed at a noticeable position that is both strategic and conspicuous. A reason being all factors kept constant, our home security signs would not be effective unless they can be seen by the potential thieves. The signs put on display should therefore be bright enough and should as well contrast those in the area where they have been displayed. Moreover, they should be able to command attention. They should also be large enough to be noticeable and easily readable from a distance. Apart from these, the home security signs should as well be put on display at the doors to your building and near the entrances including the garages or other detached buildings.
.-= Gary Marjani´s last blog ..Critical Home Security Checklist =-.
Joe@burglar alarm systems (1 year ago)
Great post. It seems you comment luv isn’t working properly. Anyway, I like the info you provided. The experts expect a rise in home security over the next 12 to 18 months for economic reasons mostly. It’s one area that is forecasted to grow.
Thanks.
security systems charlotte nc (1 year ago)
thank you for this valuable information, I will post a link on my site so my readers can benefit from it as well.
Jay@LifeShield Security Reviews (1 year ago)
When I was in university, every winter when people went home for christmas many of my friends would get robbed. Burglars obviously knew we were students and were unlikely to have security systems or be home during the holidays. \
So one winter I put an ADT security sticker on my front door and back window – and guess what happened?! 5 of the other apartments in my 6 apartment building were robbed. They left mine alone!
Case in point – stickers work!!!
Security Alarms System (11 months ago)
Thanks for sharing this relevant information. I guess, putting up a a security in your home is a good idea, your not only assured that you are fully protected you are always safe as well.
Nick@Yale Composite Doors (9 months ago)
I totally agree that visible signs are the first barrier. I read a recent interview with a convicted burglar who basically stated that they drove around making notes of homes without visible alarms. It is also worth saying that most alarm companies allow you to purchase replacement/dummy boxes to attach to the property.