Signs and Decals

Almost every home security company will advise you to put up a sign or a decal informing the neighborhood that your house is protected by the latest technological advancements in security systems. A lot of people however feel otherwise and refrain from using them. Some feel that the sign board is an unwanted obstruction on their aesthetic front lawn and a free advertisement for the security company. But it is much more than that. Why do you put up a ‘Beware of Dogs’ sign near the gate? Is it to advertise the services of the Kennel Club? No. It is to inform any potential intruder that he has all chances of being mangled, bruised and bitten. It is to deter unwanted elements from entering the premises of your home. The same stands true for ‘Security signs and decals’. A mere security sign can easily deter a burglar from entering your home.

How it works

Criminal psychologists suggest that almost every criminal looks for a soft and easy target. If it’s a house that they are targeting then they will look for a house that will enable them to get in and out without causing too much fuss. And the presence of the security system brings in a lot of complications into a seemingly ordinary break-in job. There is the task of disabling the alarm system. If the premises are protected by motion sensors and CCTV’s then the task becomes even more precarious. The presence of an expert for disabling and disarming security systems is a must. And considering that security systems today use the most advanced technology, it’s not easy to find someone who can rig the system. And if they drop in and find an alarm ringing unexpectedly, then they have less than 90 seconds to flee, for that’s the expected time for the cops to show up.

Is merely a sign enough?

A security sign is like a warning to every antisocial element walking the streets. While it can actually cause doubts in the mind of a burglar or a thief, it cannot prevent an actual break in or burglary. There are some extremely seasoned criminals who might just decide to take the chance and enter your premises nevertheless. What if that happens? So, it is always better to be prepared and have a security system in place.

If a burglar is walking down the street carrying out a recee of the neighborhood, looking for potential targets, then the presence of a security sign should be enough to make him look for other homes.

How it works

While security signs and stickers are provided by the security company when you install a security system, you can also buy standalone signs and decals that can be installed on your lawn. A sign is usually large and prominent and is readable from quite a distance. Bright colors are chosen for both the text as well as the background so that the signs are visible from far off. Also, most companies use reflective materials in these signs.

Tips for buyers

• One of the most important aspects is the location for installing these signs and decals. You should ensure that the sign is installed in a place that gives it maximum visibility. Front doors, elevated windows and driveways are some of the common places where security signs are installed.
• Make sure that you install a sign at the back of your home as well. At the same time, try not to overpopulate it. The presence of too many signs and symbols might create a feeling in the minds of a criminal that you have some very valuable items at your place. And you don’t want that to happen.
• Security signs and decals are available in all sorts of sizes and shapes. Some have the Logo of the security company followed by a text message. Typically, ‘this home is protected by ___ Security Systems’ or ‘Alarm Door, do not open’ or ’24 hour surveillance recorded on video tape’. You can choose the one that best suits your requirements.
• Signs made of wood and metal were popular at one time. However, now high quality vinyl has replaced them all owing to its weather resistant qualities.
• Always replace the signs or decals as they become old and fade. An old faded security sign is a red carpet invitation for a burglar. It gives the impression that the homeowner cares a damn for the security and is not very concerned about it. In other words, a soft target.
• If you are planning on using stand alone security signs, then it is a good idea to combine it with some dummy security cameras as well. They are not very expensive but can give the impression of a high end security system in place.
• Always look for security signs with the name and logo of a recognizable security brand and ensure that the board is in English. You don’t want a security decal that says ‘This house is protected by XYZ security systems’ in Chinese.
• Monitor these signs frequently. This should not be very difficult if you have placed them at strategic locations. But it is of utmost importance. You need to realize that these signs are constantly under exposure to harsh weather conditions and there are more ways than one, in which they can be displaced or uprooted.

Consider the security of your home to be of paramount importance and even a small amount of complacency can lead to an unwanted and unpleasant experience.