Are Your Home Security Signs Telling Burglars too Much?
October 13, 2008 – 3:05 pm
Congratulations, you’ve just paid for a professional home security system to be installed in your home. At the end, the installer probably stuck a couple home security signs in the yard, and you’re happy to leave them there, because it’s a good idea to let would-be burglars know your home is secured with an alarm, right? That’ll make them more likely to choose another target, a home that doesn’t have a professional system guarding it, right?
Yes, and no.
All things being equal, burglars would like to do as little work as possible to get into a home, but home security signs and stickers may not be quite as much of a deterrent as you’d think.
According to The Complete Book of Home, Site and Office Security
“Because many burglars know its shortcomings, a typical professional installation actually may increase your risk of being burglarized. When sophisticated burglars see certain alarm system stickers on homes, they know many ways they can get in, move about inside the homes, and get out undetected.”
In other words, installers trained by professional security companies tend to set up alarm systems in a certain way for each home, and experienced burglars can learn these methods and how to avoid the system.
The solution? The book says you can hire a professional to install your alarm system creativity, so a burglar won’t know what to expect, or if you’re a do-it-yourself type, you can even install your own system.
At the very least, “Never use the [home security signs and] window stickers that come with your alarm; they give away too much information about your system. Buy no-name window stickers from a home-improvement center or hardware store.
4 Responses to “Are Your Home Security Signs Telling Burglars too Much?”
Aboslutely, do your home work and use a security company that customizes each system based on the needs of the home and the family that lives there. Too many companies have off the self packets that do not take into considerations of pets, life style of the home owner, when and how the securoty system is going ot be used.
By Gary on Oct 13, 2008
Great point! Burglars are getting more and more creative and it actually is pretty easy to get around the big box, one-size-fits-all security systems that only protect 20% of your home. A reputable security company knows this and designs every systems for the specific needs of the individual home and family. I don’t agree about not using the yard signs and decals of the security company … when it is a company that provides real security that covers 100%.
By Pamela on Oct 14, 2008
This is a great tip I would never have thought of….I was reading some information about protecting yourself from home invasions and burglaries and thought it might be of use for your readers - as a stay at home mom, this kind of thing is a constant worry. I saw this information when I was searching security window films from a company called ShatterGARD (http://www.shattergard.com).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLU4h9Fr9wY&feature=user
During a majority of break-ins, burglars gain access to the home through unlocked doors or windows.
* Alarm systems should be connected directly to the alarm company’s central monitoring station, which can alert law enforcement if the alarm is triggered.
* Installing a back-up cellular dialer in case a burglar cuts the power or the standard phone lines enables the system to still contact the monitoring station.
* Alarm systems which incorporate motion sensors and/or glass break sensors can help first responders and residents know if an intruder has actually gained access to the premise.
* Displaying the signage provided by the alarm company serves as an initial deterrent for thieves.
* Making sure the alarm system’s central panel is located in a locked cabinet or an indoor utility room prevents would-be invaders from tampering with the system.
Stay safe!
By Sarah Gilchrist on Oct 14, 2008
An interesting idea. We believe that the opposite can be true when protecting commercial premises. However, we agree that there should not be a standardised fit. Each set of premises is unique, and therefore should be installed to combat the unique threats to the property. I would guess that should also be true for domestic properties.
By Manned Guard on Oct 15, 2008