Home Security Stickers.

One of the most effective ways of protecting your home is by using visual deterrents that convince burglars that they might have a very hard time breaking in.

An externally mounted CCTV camera or an alarm bell/siren box would be a good visual deterrent. Home security stickers may, in certain circumstances, also be good visual deterrents.

There are two types of homeowners that will use security stickers or decals. Homeowners that actually have a home security system and homeowners that don't.

Why would a home that is protected by a security system need stickers or signs that announce that it is protected?

The homeowner may feel that he or she would rather not have a prospective housebreaker even make an attempt to break in. The home may have window sensors that trigger an alarm if a window is forced, but if the burglar doesn't know that he may cause damage to your property before the alarm sounds.

If home security stickers can deter a burglar from even attempting to break into your property then they may be considered a worthwhile investment.

But would security warning stickers actually deter someone from trying to break in?

They may. The novice or casual housebreaker, the junkie looking to steal something to fund his next fix, might be persuaded to leave your home alone if you are displaying home security stickers. The more experienced burglar would likely look for other signs that you have a security system, the stickers alone would be unlikely to discourage him.

Security stickers are often used on rented property. The landlord did not install any security protection and the renter does not want to spend out for alarms, sensors and cameras for a house, or apartment, that is not, and will never be his. So the tenant applies a few warning decals in the hope of a little peace of mind.

A better alternative if you are a tenant would be installing a wireless home security system, then when you are ready to make the move to owning your own property the system goes with you. Also, with wireless security, there would not be any (or very little) drilling of holes to run cables, which the landlord may not permit.

What if you do own your home and you do not have an alarm system or any home security?

Perhaps you feel that home security is beyond your financial reach, (you should check this out because the cost of protecting your home from intruders has fallen over recent years.) Or maybe you feel that the technology would defeat you, again check out the latest systems they are very easy for the average homeowner to master.

Whatever the reason is that your home does not have any security protection, should you display home security stickers and signs?

It is difficult to imagine a situation in which home security stickers are a bad idea, where they would actually increase your chances of being burgled. But as mentioned above a burglar with experience is not likely to be fooled by security warning signs or stickers, but if an ounce of doubt can be sown in the mind of a casual burglar . . .

. . . then he is likely to leave your dwelling alone and look elsewhere.

Does your home look like it is likely to be protected by a security system? If so, home security warning stickers and signs are more likely to be affective. If it is obvious that you spend a little time in caring for your home and are concerned about its upkeep, then it will give the impression that you quite possibly have installed some security protection.

The novice or casual housebreaker might be persuaded to leave your home alone if you are displaying home security stickers.

If on the other hand, your home looks run down, the windows and doors are in need of basic maintenance, shrubs and bushes have become overgrown (providing cover for housebreakers,) then security stickers are likely to send out the wrong message.

Security decals on such a property are likely to give the message "The owner of this place has just slapped up some cheap stickers to try and fool folks that he has security installed, lousy trick!"

Beware of the Dog signs are perhaps the oldest home security stickers of them all. The sign may show an illustration of a fearsome German Shepherd or a Bulldog, the homeowner may have a small friendly lapdog or even no dog at all. Mr. Burglar sees the dog, or hears its bark or blood-churning growl, no doubt in Mr. Burglar's mind that he'd best leave that home alone. Mr. Burglar doesn't see or hear any dog, but there are signs warning that there is one. Seed of doubt sown, does he take a chance or not?

To sum up - home security stickers or signs used by themselves do not offer anywhere near the protection you need to defend your home against intrusion. They may offer some value in deterring the inexperienced burglar, but are best used when you do actually have a security system guarding your home.

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