There’s no denying that a genuine working burglar alarm acts as an effective deterrent, but what about a fake one? It’s a question we’re often asked by businesses, so we’ve deep diving into deterrence, the dynamics of fake burglar alarms and if they really are an effective deterrent?
The fundamental principle behind burglar alarms, whether real or fake, is rooted in the psychology of deterrence. Criminals want easy targets and will often move onto another site that opposes less risk and is less likely to draw attention. The visible presence of a security system sends a powerful message to potential intruders – that entering this premises comes with a risk of detection and apprehension. This psychological deterrent effect is what both genuine and fake burglar alarms aim to achieve.
Fake burglar alarms are considerably more affordable than their genuine counterparts, as they just require an external bell box or cover. This makes them an attractive option for businesses on a budget who still wish to create the perception of a secure site.
Installing a fake burglar alarm is a simple process that doesn’t require complex wiring or professional assistance. This ease of installation makes them a convenient option for those seeking a quick security solution with little to no labour costs.
The main benefit of fake burglar alarms lies in their visual impact. From a distance, these replicas closely resemble authentic systems and create the illusion of a comprehensive security system.
While fake burglar alarms may deter some opportunistic intruders, they lack the ability to provide real-time protection. Genuine burglar alarms and security systems offer notification of break-ins, active monitoring, immediate alerts, and response capabilities that will enhance a site’s overall security.
Criminals are becoming smarter and are aware of fake burglar alarms. Many therefore know what to look for to determine whether one is fake or not, resulting in them not being effective deterrents in the long run.
When it comes to deciding whether fake burglar alarms are effective, it can be said that to some degree they can be effective in deterring criminals and are a low-cost alternative to a genuine burglar alarm system. However, criminals are becoming savvy to fake systems which means they may not be as much of a deterrent as they once were. In addition, if a break-in was to occur, the fake burglar alarm would not notify the site keyholder, sound a loud alarm or be picked up by an alarm monitoring company to action a police response.
Therefore, for optimal site security, a balanced approach is often recommended. Integrating genuine security measures with visible fake burglar alarms can enhance the overall deterrent effect. Genuine systems provide active protection, while fake alarms contribute to the psychological deterrent, creating a multi-layered defence strategy.
At BusinessWatch, we install, maintain and monitor advanced intruder alarm systems for business sites across the UK. We are specialists in bespoke security systems and will design a solution to suit the needs of your site. Proudly trusted by leading organisations, get in touch to find out more or to receive a free quote.
