If you live in a gated community or in a neighbourhood that’s on the “safer” side of town, chances are you won’t feel the need to add an extra layer of protection to your home. After all, there’s already that sense of security, so why should you go the extra mile?
Still, there’s no telling when a robbery or theft will happen or if some other unfortunate event will take place near or in your home. This is where security systems step in to help prevent such incidents. They act as a deterrent, so criminals will hesitate to steal or vandalize your property.
If you’re someone who is uninterested in a professional security system for whatever reason, but like the idea of having security cameras, there’s one thing you should not do: install dummy cameras.
They may be more affordable and they may look identical to the real ones, but are they as effective at deterring crime?
This blog will tell you all you need to know about fake security systems—and why you should avoid using them.
Dummy cameras are designed to look exactly like professional security cameras in appearance but don’t function and don’t include any of the features of a real one.
A fake security camera can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, including a surveillance camera with red light and motion detectors. They’re often sold as a cheaper alternative to real security cameras and are supposed to ward off would-be criminals by creating an impression that an area is being monitored.
While this may seem like a good idea in theory, there are several reasons why you’re better off with a genuine surveillance system.
While many are enticed by the idea of saving money by buying a fake security camera, there are genuine surveillance cameras out there that cost the same or are priced around $50. This is especially true for no-contract, DIY security systems that don’t charge costly installation fees.
So, if you’re willing to buy and install a dummy camera, you might as well consider getting a full-fledged security camera that actually does its job. Additionally, the low price point of an inauthentic camera means they’re often built from inferior materials—many fake security cameras don’t even have real lenses.
Criminals are smarter than you give them credit for. An experienced criminal can easily tell the difference between a fake and an authentic security camera. For instance, a fake camera won’t have a blinking light, lens movement, or may not have a single-wire connection. All of these are features of a real security camera.
If a burglar knows that you’ve installed a dummy camera, your home may become their next target. When it comes to your safety, nothing should be worth the risk.
An obvious reason to avoid using fake security cameras is that they cannot catch criminals “in the act,” which is what a genuine surveillance camera is designed to do. They can’t record anything, so they cannot be used to identify criminals or gather evidence. This may even increase the odds of a burglar targeting your home because they know there’s no real footage being captured.
Basically, you’re paying for a decorative item that won’t provide real value to you. As a result, you’re risking your property’s security, and leaving yourself vulnerable to theft or violence. If you have no way of identifying a perpetrator after an unforeseen incident, then the police might not be able to help you.
Dummy cameras look like real security cameras, which give a false sense of safety. While this may or may not deter an outsider from breaking into your property, what happens if someone from inside your home breaks your trust and takes advantage of the fake security system? Your fake security camera won’t be able to catch that.
Or what if it’s your next-door neighbour that takes undue advantage of your inauthentic security feature? There are too many factors to worry about, so avoid the stress and opt to install a professional security system.
In case someone breaks into your home, your fake surveillance system won’t be able to inform you of the emergency. You won’t know what happens to your property when someone attempts to steal from you or vandalizes your home.
An authentic security camera can show and tell you all you need to know while you’re away for the day or on vacation. It can send you push notifications and emails, and even sound an alarm when it detects suspicious movement or danger. This enables you to take action immediately and deal with the issue, like calling the authorities.
No, we’re not kidding. Installing a fake security camera can cause legal issues. There have been previous reports of home and business owners getting sued for using dummy cameras. The reason? Fake security cameras were said to have provided a “false sense of security.”
Victims argued that they were misled into believing that their immediate vicinity was under constant surveillance and thus, safe. In many of these cases, the defendants wouldn’t have been held accountable at all if they installed a real camera in the first place.
At the end of the day, nothing beats knowing your home or business is safe from various threats and unforeseen circumstances—which is why you should never opt for fake security cameras.
Although you can’t prevent crime from happening, the extra layer of protection brought on by a genuine security camera should provide some peace of mind.
Think Protection offers affordable home security cameras that reduce the risk of burglaries and home invasions. With easy installation, no hidden costs, no contracts, no installation fees, and low monthly plans, you’ll rest easy knowing your property is secured properly. On top of that, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and a five-year warranty period.
Contact a Think Protection advisor today by calling (855) 76-THINK.
