Until a few years back, video surveillance systems were extremely expensive and not everybody could afford to install one at their residence or commercial establishment. However, the fact that the mere sight of a fake security camera is enough to deter burglars or thieves from making an attempt to break in or shoplift was always a motivation to invest in a video surveillance system. So, security companies started to think of ways to create a cost effective solution to a video surveillance system and they came up with a smart idea, dummy cameras. The name itself is quite self explanatory. A dummy camera is an artificial camera that looks exactly like a real security camera.
The word artificial camera might give you the picture that we are talking about a toy like device over here. But, no will have to do. A dummy camera is built exactly like a security camera. It is a perfect replica minus the actual electronics within it. In other words, it is the complete external shell of the camera without any working components. Yes, dummy cameras do not work. They cannot be used to record or capture images. They can only pretend to be a real camera and are quite effective in deterring shoplifters and petty burglars from making an attempt to break in. In fact, most of the dome cameras that you see in shopping centers and malls are dummy cameras. But they are quite effective in preventing theft.
How does it work?
A dummy camera contains the complete housing of the camera with a real video cable to match. This camera is then mounted on the wall or in a corner where it can be seen and gives an impression that the area is under surveillance. The camera may also have a flashing LED light right in front to give the impression that it is working and recording. Advanced models have a motion sensor that can track movement and the dummy camera moves along with the person moving. It is almost impossible for a lay man to detect the authenticity of the camera. While an ordinary wired video surveillance system may cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the size of your home, you can install 4 or even 5 dummy cameras and yet end up spending only $100. A dummy camera system is ideal for small homes or retail stores where a mere impression of a security system can cause jitters in the minds of employees and potential shoplifters.
Types of fake security cameras
There are several types of dummy security cameras that mimic popular security camera models. Let us take a look at some of them.
- Dummy Domes: Built on the lines of the ever so popular and versatile dome cameras, the dummy dome cameras are extremely popular. These cameras can be mounted on ceilings and also contain the transparent smoked dome housing seen in dome cameras. Some models even contain a fake visible camera lens within which can be seen only if the person looks closely. This gives the impression that it is a real working dome camera. There are many advantages of using a dummy dome camera. Since it is next to impossible to detect which way the camera within the dome is pointing, one dummy dome camera in the center can give the impression that the entire home is being monitored. This is a cost effective option instead of installing four to five different dummy cameras all around the house. Some dummy dome camera models have as many as three to four different lenses on them that give viewers the impression that the camera has a 360 degree view. While ordinary dummy dome cameras cost as less as $18, higher end models can cost you as much as $75.
- Dummy bullet cameras: These cameras are replicas of the common bullet camera surveillance systems. They contain the entire metal casing of the cameras with a fake lens within. The housing is completely weatherproof and can be installed in passageways, garages etc. The rust proof metal housing and the full metal bracket gives the impression that it is a real working camera installation. The best part about these cameras is that they look as good as the original. A flashing red LED light that has a battery life of two years is provided on some models to give the impression that the camera is a real one. However, very few real security cameras have the red LED in front.
Pros
- An ideal solution for anyone on a tight budget. It gives you the complete real looking security camera for under a hundred dollars whereas the real thing would easily cost you more than a thousand dollars.
- A viable option for large departmental stores where more than ten or twenty cameras are needed to provide complete security.
- Can be combined with an existing video surveillance system to cover those areas which are otherwise left unnoticed.
- Can give the impression that the home or commercial establishment is safe and secure. However, this can have negative effects as well.
Cons
- Can give a fake sense of implied security. For example, if a babysitter is alone at your place with your baby and burglars break into the home, then it can give her a sense of fake security. She might feel all the time that she is being recorded and is under the surveillance of a camera which is not true. This can, at times have a detrimental effect. If the girl is harmed then you might end up being responsible for it.
- It cannot record anything. A dummy camera is not the real deal and it cannot provide you with any security in case of a real burglary whereas footage recorded using a real security camera is authenticated footage in court.
- Professional criminals can detect a dummy camera easily. Hence it should only be used in small commercial establishments where the crime rate is not severe.
