Are Fake Security Cameras Effective?

People have interesting ideas about home security. Some homeowners think that faking our burglars is just as effective as installing a home security system. They will put up “Beware of Dog” signs, leave large boots on the front porch, and even mount a fake security camera near their front door.

The idea with any of these tactics is that it will deter a burglar from even trying to break into your house. But can a fake security camera with a blinking light really be that effective? Truth is, probably not. It might scare away a novice burglar but an experienced robber will know the difference. In fact, the fake security cameras that have a pretend infared light are battery operated and typically only last a couple of weeks.

So, what happens when your hoax fails? After all, there’s a lot your fake home security camera can’t do once a burglar decides to break in.

No Activity Monitoring

With a functional security camera, someone approaching your home would cause the camera to switch on and start recording. Some monitoring systems will even send a notification to your phone. Having this capability means you can see if someone is trying to break in or simply deliver a package.

With a fake camera, you don’t get any of these capabilities.

No Evidence

Let’s say someone decided to steal a package off your front porch. If you had a fully functional security system, you would have video evidence and potentially a picture of the culprit. With a dummy camera, you will never get the chance to collect evidence against the perpetrator.

No Alarm Connection

If someone breaks into your home and you have a functional security camera, the camera can automatically trigger your connected system.  A functional security camera system can be used to confirm the occurrence of an alarm when the monitoring station calls you regarding a potential break-in. This will give your home top priority with the police, as a confirmed alarm is considered to be a crime in progress.

In most cases, that means the police are dispatched and can potentially catch the culprit. With a fake camera, you don’t get any of the benefits of a connected security system.

Bottom line is a fake security camera won’t do you any favors if and when someone decides to break into your house. Installing a functional connected security system will give you peace of mind and can also help you catch the culprit faster. Contact us today at (416) 697-7329 to learn more!