Do Fake Security Signs Work?

We’ve recently highlighted warnings related to the cost-of-living crisis and rising crime rates, putting homes and businesses at risk.

Since security systems can be very expensive, people are considering alternatives such as fake security signage. In this post, we respond to the question: do fake security signs work?

Here in the UK, warning signs and labels are absolutely everywhere. The number of road signs, for example, has exploded, doubling over the last two decades. This has prompted central government to tell local authorities they need to reduce road sign clutter. One of the points made is that signage overuse dilutes important, safety-critical messages. Also, too many road signs distract drivers and increase the risk for road workers.

The use of warning signage has also exploded in many other areas, including workplaces, public spaces, transport systems, and offices. The machines we use are becoming more powerful, we are increasingly exposed to more drugs and chemicals than ever before, and our daily lives are becoming more complex.

Warning signs are generally used to ensure legal compliance, meet specific insurance requirements, and, importantly, help prevent people from experiencing injury. For warning signage to be effective, it's important to understand what the viewer is trying to achieve and how the warning affects the attainment of their goal.

People seeing warning signage effectively carry out a quick and immediate cost-benefit analysis to determine whether it's in their interest to comply with the sign. For example, a sign stating ‘no smoking’ in a particular area may be complied with by most people. But if someone wants to have a smoke and they don’t think they will get caught, or if they don’t think the repercussions will be very severe, they may choose to disobey the warning. For some people, the immediate cost-benefit analysis tells them the risk is worth taking, but generally, people are inclined to adhere to warnings.

**Do Security Signs Deter Burglars?**

A study involving over 400 incarcerated burglars concluded that security system signage was amongst the top 10 deterrents affecting their selection of targeted properties. But it’s important to note how this was at number 9 in the list.

Practical property security enhancements such as alarms, CCTV camera systems, and lighting were considered by experienced burglars to be greater deterrents. The conclusion was that security signs that reinforce existing security measures, such as an alarm system, are the most effective signage option.

**What are Fake Security Signs?**

Fake security signs take many forms. Some emulate or even copy well-known, recognized property security systems, stating something like: ‘This property is protected by XYZ Security Systems’ - or: ‘Property Under 24 Hour Surveillance from XYZ Security’. Signs may be direct copies of well-known, reputable property alarm system signage. People display signs like these to pretend they are using recognized security systems when in fact, they aren’t.

There’s also an abundance of generic security signage people display to make false security claims. For example, signs might state: ‘Warning: This Shed is Alarmed’ - when it isn’t. Or they may warn that CCTV is in operation when there isn’t any or signage might claim guard dogs are on duty, when they aren’t.

**Do Fake Security Signs Work?**

To consider whether fake security signs work, it’s important to view them from the perspective of a prospective burglar. If they’re considering a property and they see security signage, is it enough to deter them?

While fake security signage can deter some would-be housebreakers, it's important to consider the pros and cons.

**Fake Security Signage: Pros**

Cost and expense are one of the biggest benefits in using fake security signs. It's obviously far cheaper to display signs telling people a property is protected with an alarm system than it is to actually buy and install an alarm system.

And that highlights another important benefit of fake security signage: ease of installation. While installing an alarm system with multiple sensors and alarm units can be complicated, as well as expensive, prominently displaying a collection of warning signs is far easier and far more affordable.

As noted, some fake security signs are specifically designed to look like well-known property security brands, such as ADT. These ‘pretend’ signs are obviously far cheaper than the security systems they represent, but users need to be aware of potential copyright issues.

Some criminals are deterred by almost any form of security signage, prompting them to seek alternative properties to target.

**Fake Security Signage: Cons**

Fake security signage can deter some burglars, but those with experience are more likely to recognize the fact that signs aren’t backed up with real security precautions. Some fake signs look cheap and are easily recognized as copies of the real thing.

And as previously noted, it’s important to consider the possibility of copyright infringement when using unauthorized, fake home security warning signs.

Another important consideration to keep in mind is that fake security signage can give property occupiers a false sense of security. With fake signage in place, some people lower their guard and perhaps fail to take sensible, simple precautions like locking windows and securing outbuilding and garage doors.

Another important property security consideration is the fact that fake security signage actually provides no protection whatsoever. If an intruder ignores fake security signs and breaks in, there will be no alarms raised and nothing recorded on CCTV because these systems aren’t in place.

**Effective Ways to Safeguard Your Property**

Security professionals agree that security signage can be very beneficial if used in conjunction with real security enhancements. While some of these recommendations require investment, there are many property security improvements that can be made with minimal cost. Here are some key recommendations.

**Beef Up Perimeter Security**

We’ve previously talked about the layered approach to property security and the importance of a robust perimeter. While the establishment of a truly impenetrable perimeter around most properties is unrealistic, there are often enhancements and fixes that can make a significant difference. Inspecting an existing perimeter and fixing broken fences and gates, making gates lockable (and keeping them locked), installing anti-climb barriers, and developing plant-based security boundaries are all valuable security enhancements.

Around apartment buildings, it's important to ensure all communal areas and entrances are secure. Ideally, secure door entry systems should be in place which might include video facilities. Many of the recommendations listed here can be beneficially applied around apartment buildings and communal living spaces. If any form of anti-climb device is used around a property perimeter, then it's important to prominently display relevant warning signage. For example, if anti-climb paint is applied to walls or posts (above a height of 2m), warning signage should be presented to let people know the non-setting, slippery paint is there.

**Install Security Cameras**

CCTV camera systems have become increasingly affordable in recent years. Small systems involving only one or two cameras are now within the budgets of many homeowners and can be very worthwhile investments. One of the top recommendations made by security professionals for those living in apartments is to invest in a capable CCTV system. It's well known in the criminal fraternity that CCTV is often the most reliable way to catch offenders. When CCTV cameras are used, it's important to prominently display appropriate warning signage. If a potential house-breaker sees CCTV warning signs in conjunction with recognizable CCTV cameras, this is a far stronger deterrent than warning signs on their own.

**Set-up Motion Triggered Security Lighting**

Motion detection sensors, triggering bright security lighting, are another highly effective burglar deterrent. Darkness is a burglar's best friend. Installing motion-triggered lighting to illuminate dark areas, in conjunction with CCTV cameras and warning signs, is recognized as

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