Sorry if this is a dumb question, but do those security company signs actually stop burglars or are they just free advertising for the company?
It makes your house look like more trouble than it’s worth. A thief looking for an easy target might just move on to the next house without a sign.
Kaleb said:
It makes your house look like more trouble than it’s worth. A thief looking for an easy target might just move on to the next house without a sign.
Most burglars are looking for a place that’s empty, has no alarm, no cameras, no dogs, and is easy to get into. There are so many houses that fit that description that they don’t need to bother with one that has an alarm sign.
Kaleb said:
It makes your house look like more trouble than it’s worth. A thief looking for an easy target might just move on to the next house without a sign.
A friend who’s a cop told me that most break-ins in my area are by people looking for quick cash or valuables. He said even a simple ‘beware of dog’ sign can make them skip a house. Doesn’t even matter if you actually have a dog.
@Dennis
Makes sense, but do you think someone desperate enough will even care?
madisonwilson said:
@Dennis
Makes sense, but do you think someone desperate enough will even care?
A barking dog will mess up their plan fast. They’ll go somewhere else.
Kaleb said:
It makes your house look like more trouble than it’s worth. A thief looking for an easy target might just move on to the next house without a sign.
I always wondered if putting a security sign outside just tells a burglar what kind of system you have. Wouldn’t that make it easier for someone who knows how to disable it?
@scott
You could always put up a sign from a different company than the system you actually use. Keeps them guessing.
My ex had a house that got broken into three times in the first month. After she got an ADT system and put up the sign, it stopped. Years later, she canceled the service but left the sign up, and still, no issues.
@Rocco
Burglars also tend to avoid houses with dogs. Even a small one that barks a lot is a problem for them.
Maybe. If a burglar has two houses to choose from and one has a security sign, they might pick the other one.
ADT claims that 80% of burglars say they avoid homes with alarm signs. Not sure where they got that number from, but it makes sense that a thief would rather not take the risk if they have other options.
When I bought my first house, the previous owner had an ADT system, so the signs were already there. A few months later, there was a string of break-ins on my street—every house except the ones with security signs. I got my system reactivated after that.
I just bought an ADT sign off eBay. Haven’t had a break-in yet.
A security sign, cameras, even a ‘beware of dog’ sign—anything that makes a burglar second-guess is worth it. Most of them don’t want trouble.
A sign won’t ‘prevent’ a break-in, but it can make a burglar move on to an easier target. Also, using a different company’s sign than the one you actually have could add another layer of confusion for them.
A security sign is good, but a big dog is better. No burglar wants to deal with barking or getting bitten.
You can buy ADT signs online for about $30. Probably cheaper than paying for the actual service.
A security sign is just one piece of the puzzle. Motion lights, cameras, and keeping your house looking lived-in all help too.
I have security signs, motion lights, and cameras. Never had an issue.