Do Security Signs Actually Deter Crime?

We know security systems can be expensive. It’s not unreasonable to wonder if simply adding security system signs to your yard can deter burglars on their own for a fraction of the cost.

A study by the University of North Carolina that surveyed over 400 incarcerated burglars found that security system signage was one of the top 10 deterrents when selecting a home to break into—but this method comes in at number nine on the list. So, on their own, signs might deter amateur thieves, but with more effective security, like cameras or motion-sensor lighting, you decrease your chances of a burglary by a lot more. Here’s how to best position your security signs to deter crime, plus other ways to increase home security. 

The Best Placement for Security Signs

Photo: AnthonyRosenberg / E+ / Getty Images

You’ll want to make sure your security signs and stickers are clear and visible to potential thieves.

• Place signs near all entry points, particularly the front door, back door, basement door, and windows.

• Add security stickers to windows around the home, especially off-street windows that may be partially hidden by trees or shrubs, which provide a hiding spot for thieves.

• Place signs on fences and gates to further deter potential thieves.

Potential Risks of Using Fake Security Signs

It’s possible security signs can deter burglars, but you may want to think twice before relying solely on fake security signage.

False Sense of Safety

Using a fake sign as home security relies on would-be burglars actually seeing and reading the sign. A burglar may enter through a window or back door and never even see the sign in front of the home, in a flower bed, or near the mailbox. More experienced intruders will also be looking out for cameras and other security signals, and when they don’t spot them, may call your sign’s bluff. Finally, without a full security system and operating cameras, you won’t have footage you can share with the authorities if a break-in does occur. 

Copyright Infringement

If you haven’t purchased a monitoring system and plan from a security company and only purchased a sign from a third-party company, then technically, it can be a copyright infringement because you’re using the company’s copyrighted material without its permission. 

Fake Security Signs Can Be Easy to Spot

Many burglars will be able to spot if you have fake security signs. Purchasing a sign for a made-up brand or unofficial security company can also tip off burglars that the sign is fabricated. 

Putting fake signs around your property is better than nothing. Still, there are far more effective measures to prevent break-ins, like installing cameras or even floodlights, which can cost $20 to $30 for inexpensive motion-sensor options.

More Ways to Secure Your Home

If a security system isn’t in your budget at this time, you can still skip the risks of using fake signs and instead use other ways to help deter potential burglars.

Install Security Cameras

Cameras are one of the top reasons potential burglars may skip a residential property. Because one-third of all intruders come in through the front door, you’ll want to add a camera above it, but there are many other tips to keep in mind when installing security cameras.

• Mount cameras at least nine feet above the ground to help prevent thieves from vandalizing the cameras and rendering them useless.

• Install a camera above or near the back door, as nearly one-fourth of thieves use this entry point to break in.

• Place cameras near windows, particularly off-street windows that may be partially shaded by trees.

• Install cameras on the outside of your home to point toward your garage and any basement access points.

• Consider indoor cameras as well. You can place them near windows facing outdoors to capture any suspicious activity.

Put Motion-Sensor Floodlights on the Property

Thieves want to work undetected, but floodlights will literally spotlight them in action. Place motion-sensor floodlights around your property, particularly near entrance points like doors and windows.

Add Security Fencing

Tall fencing can help keep thieves at bay because only the most determined will be willing to make the noise that accompanies climbing and hopping a fence.

• Install a tall fence, around eight feet or higher, around your yard.

• Ensure the gate has a self-locking mechanism that isn’t easy for a thieve to access from the outside.

• If possible, avoid keeping any climbable objects, like a dumpster, just outside the fence. 

Prune Shrubs

Nice, manicured shrubs aren’t just great for curb appeal. Unkempt shrubs or bushes offer excellent hiding spots for thieves, so keep these plants trimmed back.

Add Window and Door Alarms 

Adding window and door alarms can offer greater security in the two most common areas a burglar enters. According to ADT, your front door is the entry point for 34% of burglars, followed by first-floor windows (23%) and the back door (22%). Adding window and door alarms can give you an extra layer of security by alerting you quickly, which means you can alert the authorities even sooner. 

Utilize Smart Home Automation

There are many ways to automate your home, and this technology can make it seem like people are home, awake, and moving about, even if you’re on vacation. The presence of people inside the home (or even if people just seem to be home) will often keep thieves from coming in.

• Purchase smart outlets and light bulbs so you can control everything from lamps to radios and TVs from your app.

• While you are away, use an app to turn on lights or other devices periodically to make it seem as though you are home.

Consider a Full Home Security System

An extensive home security system can offer greater peace of mind about keeping your home safe. Yes, there’s an initial investment up front with these systems and usually a monthly fee, but the advantages may outweigh the cost. Many systems come with 24/7 monitoring services and can alert you and your family if there’s fire, smoke, power outages, or flooding, giving you precious time to react. Also, most homeowners insurance companies offer discounts on insurance premiums when you have a system installed, which can help offset some of the expenses.

Paige Bennett contributed to this article.