Keeping the bad guys away from your home or business is not an easy thing to do, and it is usually wise to invest in a security system that can help you with that. Dummy cameras are one of the cheapest and easily available tools you can use to deter burglars from breaking into your home or business. The design of dummy cameras is just the same as the design of real cameras, and most of them have a blinking, red light in the front that helps in deceiving the bad guys. In addition to the light, there is also a plastic lens and a seal of legitimacy. But as much as there is so much good in these cameras, they also have some weaknesses.
The Good
One advantage of dummy cameras is that they are relatively cheap as compared to real cameras; most dummy cameras go for around ten to thirty dollars. So if you are on a stringent budget, installing dummy cameras is better than having none at all.
Another advantage is that dummy cameras require no monitoring. Once you have them installed, you can rest smiling in your bed knowing that some fool somewhere will scamper at the first sight of the camera. And unlike real cameras that require heavy wiring during installation, dummy cameras require none or one at most. You only choose a spot and you fix it there.
The absence of wiring and a monitoring station also implies that the cost of maintenance is low. In fact, there is nothing to repair or check since the camera records nothing.
The Bad
Unfortunately, dummy cameras cannot fool all burglars. People who have lots of experience in burglary can easily tell the difference between the real thing and the fake one. The presence of wiring or connections is one sign that experienced burglars can look at and tell that the security camera is not real.
But perhaps the biggest drawback of dummy cameras lies in the legal side of things. You risk attracting a lawsuit by providing a false sense of security. For example, if someone gets robbed in your business premise, the person may ask to see the security footage of the incident. Of course you don't have the footage, and it is within the legal right of the person who was robbed to sue you for providing a false sense of security.
If you live or do business in an area that reports frequent burglary activities, you cannot afford to rely on dummy cameras alone. It is best to combine real cameras with fake ones. Install the real cameras in high-traffic paths like the area around your main entrance and the fake cameras in low-traffic areas.
Share1 March 2017
Whether you own a business, have significant assets or want to protect your family, you need the right security tools and strategies in place. Wondering what equipment is new or improved? Looking for security system installation tips? Interested in sidestepping traditional security systems and embracing alternatives? Curious about who needs to hire a security guard? In this blog, I hope to answer all of those questions and more. As a mum and a business owner, security is important to me, and I want to share my passion and research with you. I hope that this blog speaks to you, entertains you, inspires you, but most importantly keeps you safe.
