While a plethora of security systems and devices, like security cameras, alarm systems, and video doorbells, exist that act as deterrents to criminals, there’s one surprisingly effective measure that’s often overlooked: Security warning signage.
The question is, does having security warning signage placed around the property deter criminals, burglars, and individuals with criminal intent?
In short, the answer is yes.
Security signs can come in many forms, but their main intent is to inform would-be intruders or criminals that a security system like a CCTV surveillance system or an intrusion detection and alarm system exists to detect and warn relevant authorities of intrusion or provide evidence of a crime committed.
Security warning signage is a form of passive security measure, which means it’s not monitored or actively operated like active measures like monitored CCTV cameras or armed intruder detection systems and works almost in the background.
While the presence of actual and visible security devices or knowledge that a security system does in fact exist in a home, building, or location is the biggest deterrent for criminals, mere security warning signs have been found to be among the biggest deterrents for criminals and individuals with criminal intent.
Surveys conducted on incarcerated burglars particularly found that security system signage was among the top ten deterrents when contemplating a home break-in, even though it was lower on the list compared to better alternatives like having actual security devices in place.
In the surveys, more than 80% of the incarcerated burglars sought to determine if an active security system like a CCTV camera or alarm system was in place before attempting a burglary. And more than 50% would seek an alternative target if they found tangible clues that suggested an active security system was in place.
Since, on average, burglars seek easy targets, they spy around, looking for clues to active security measures like devices or guards. Security warning signage helps by implying that the premises are not secure, and therefore the risk of being thwarted or arrested is amplified. If they see no sign or clue of the presence of a security system, they might become emboldened.
Placement of Security Signage
To maximize their effectiveness as a deterrence measure, security signs and stickers ought to be clearly legible, concise, and visible even from a distance to potential criminals around the home, business, or building.
They are strategically installed in prominent locations where they may be seen and read by anyone walking by, passing by, or lurking nearby. They make it blatant that the premises are secured and that any intrusion or activity will be noted and recorded. Such places include parking lots, yards, gates, fences or perimeter walls, and even access roads.
They ought to be placed near all building entry points, like the front and rear entries, whether doors, gates, or windows, particularly those on the outside of the building facing the street or general area of traffic or in areas that might provide a hiding spot for a potential criminal planning a break-in.
For stickers, they can be placed on windows and doors, particularly accessible ones on the ground floor. Burglars are bound to cautiously and quietly check if a door or window is open, as they prefer not to draw attention to themselves. The presence of a sticker that implies a loud siren will go off can be enough to dissuade a would-be burglar who would prefer not to draw attention to themselves. Even signs that proclaim the presence of dogs have proven to be very effective in dissuading potential burglars. Such signs also work surprisingly well in other places, like car windows.
Warning signs might be enough in most homes and residential applications, but in a business or commercial application where the risk and potential losses for the business owner or tenants are high, actual security systems paired with warning signs are always advisable.
While an impulsive burglar might hesitate and seek another target, a deliberate criminal may not be deterred by mere security warning signage unless they are aware that it’s combined with an active security system, and even then, this might not deter the most determined ones.
As opposed to a residential home, a commercial space offers greater reward for a potential intruder, as they’re bound to have more valuable targets like machinery, equipment, or money. An experienced criminal would therefore do some due diligence, scope out the area, and determine the presence and effectiveness of an existing security measure before committing the crime.
Real vs. fake signage
While signs might suffice in some cases, burglars can be able to post fake signage, especially if they are determined and do a little research. If they realize the sign is fake or it’s not paired with an actual security system, they might be emboldened to carry out the burglary as their chances of getting away are higher.
Copyright issues: In some cases, using security signage from certain security companies without express permission or knowledge might expose one to legal trouble, where it can be used for copyright infringement.
There are a ton of generic security warning signs on the internet that one can print or, even better, buy physically. But just having security warning signage can imbue one with a false sense of security and thus let their guard down, making them even more vulnerable to burglary.
—
8 out of 10 times, the presence of visible security systems and clues to their existence make a home or building unattractive to potential criminals, and they’re to avoid it or restrain themselves, particularly opportunistic or spur-of-the-moment burglars.
The placement of mere security signs around the property is still better than nothing, though installing actual visible security systems is by far the most effective measure. If budget is an issue and a reason why security signage is contemplated as a security measure rather than an actual working system, cheap consumer-grade security devices exist that would still be more effective than mere signage.
Security signage can be a good way to reinforce existing security measures. On their own, mere security signage might deter amateur thieves, but when paired with hard evidence like motion sensor lights and visible security cameras, they send a strong and clear message.
One of the main reasons why a home or business owner would opt for security warning signage alone is the cost of an actual security system. Security systems can be expensive to purchase, and when they’re the comprehensive and robust types that cannot be attempted in a DIY fashion and therefore require a professional installer, installation costs can prove to be prohibitive to some.
Alternatives to security warning signage
If budget is an issue, other measures like fake CCTV cameras paired with real ones can make the premises seem more secure. The real cameras can be wireless security cameras that can send alerts and trigger warning sirens when intrusion is detected.
Motion-detection Security lights are another option that suggests a home or building has security measures in place. There are cheap wireless models that are easy to mount and can use solar power. Most importantly, they help illuminate in darkness, which can be an inconvenience to a burglar who would prefer to stay inconspicuous.
A plethora of cheap home automation systems and devices exist that can be used to dissuade potential burglars from targeting a home. Smart lights can be set to randomly turn on and off in rooms and areas all over the house and compound to give the impression that someone is at home, and this can be managed remotely.
Another cost-effective measure can include wireless doorbells that alert when motion is detected and can even be programmed to sound an alarm.
Another very effective measure is simply getting a dog. A cacophony of hysterical barking dogs is one of the biggest turn-offs for potential burglars. Bigger breeds of dogs that have the potential to inflict physical harm work even better than actual security warning signs or fake CCTV cameras.
Slim Bz Techsystems : Nairobi, Kenya.
Good to know