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Do your alarm signs attract burglars?

Having a security alarm system for your home is a good idea. Having signs that advertise that you have an alarm system is a good idea----MAYBE!! Thieves are looking for an easy target, they will bypass your home if you have a sign publicizing that you have an alarm system, SOMETIMES. Having signs posted is a good time for the "less is more theory". When you have a sign that advertises the BRAND of alarm system, you have just told the thief how to disarm your system. The schematics of security alarm systems are available through many sources, and the professional thief will use these sources. One source is the internet, another is an employee of the alarm system company. Thieves will actually pay the employee for a copy of the schematic. Now the thief knows how to defeat your system.

The best way to deter a thief and make it more difficult for them to defeat your system is to use a GENERIC SIGN, like the sign on the right, the one on the left tells the thief which schematic he needs. I tell my clients to change the signs to generic.

This sign is no good!! This sign is better!!!!

*THE BRINKS SIGN IS USED TO ILLUSTRATE A POINT ONLY.

Posted by Michael Merino-Orland Park Ill Home Inspector on 10/22/2008 09:38 AM

Comments (9)

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9 Comments on Do your alarm signs attract burglars?

OCT

2008

I don't know for sure which sign is best. The name-brand sign doesn't specify the model of the panel, but the system is probably monitored. The sign on the right is probably just a ruse and doesn't even have an a monitored alarm system. But, having eiher sign tells the burglar to find an easier target.

Roger- Professional thieves keep up with the changing technology just as anybody else keeps up with their field. They know the new models and they know that it takes an average of 3-5 minutes before the police are called, even on a monitored system. Most pros are in and out in 5 minutes. The generic sign makes them have to guess, and if they are not sure they move on. GENERIC is always best.

Doesn't the fact that the house has a sign alert the would-be thiefs that the homeowner must have something worth stealing, it they have an alarm system?

Rich- "Worth stealing" is a relative term. What you think is worth stealing may not be worth it to me. The point is that you want to make it difficult for the thief to choose your house as a target. The thief does not want to get caught. The signs tell them "this house is not as easy as the next house".

OCT

2008

Michael, great post. Great topic for all homeowners.

OCT

2008

Michael, thanks for this bit of information. Something to look out for whether listing or showing a hosue.

OCT

2008

The sign is important, but copper pipes are more of a draw. When vacant, it is wise to put up a sign, in a high-risk area, "PVC plumbing throughout" or "no copper."

JAN

I agree that basic security sign works best. If your home looks like a protected fortress it will it appear that you are being over protective for some reason which invites trouble.

MAY

If your really concerned you can get a monitored security system. ADT or another company may be help full. you can also purchase alarms that just sound if someone comes in, get them at home depot or Lowe's. pinnacle alarm.

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