Home Security Sign
<>
A break-in or burglary shatters a homeowner’s sense of security. When your home’s security is breached, the loss of confidence can be impossible to regain. Contrary to popular belief, a large percentage of break-ins do not happen at night, but in broad daylight when homeowners are at work. There are simple and inexpensive measures a homeowner can take, however, to guard against burglary and reduce the likelihood of losing their property to or being injured by thieves. One of the most effective tools in a homeowner’s crime prevention toolbox is the use of home security signs.
You have likely seen signs for a home security system prominently displayed in a neighbor’s yard. Some signs display the system or company in use, but others are not company specific. It is likely some homeowners have installed the signs themselves and do not actually have a security system in place, but it is impossible for anyone to tell for certain. That is the key to using self-installed home security warning signs.
A potential thief cannot be sure whether a home is actually protected by a monitored security system or whether a creative homeowner has chosen to post signs just to warn off would-be criminals. Surveys of convicted thieves indicate that the majority of burglars would avoid a home marked with home security systems signs simply because they cannot afford to take a chance on getting caught by an alarm system. Signs are available for purchase stating that a property has automatic alarms, electronic surveillance or video surveillance and that alarms are police enforced, among other options.
Purchasing and installing home security warning signs is something anyone can do, but there are some important guidelines to keep in mind when selecting security signs for your home. The first rule is to ensure the sign looks professional, as if it is from a real security company. The message should be short, direct and to the point. The layout and design should be crisp and clean, the font large and easy to read. The sign, overall, should be business-like and indicate that the premises are guarded, protected or monitored in some way. A sign that conveys a threat of violence or uses offensive language does not look professional, because that is not how security companies conduct business.
A second factor is ensuring your signs are noticeable. Your home security system signs will not be effective unless they are seen by would-be thieves. Any signs posted should be bright and command attention. Their colors should contrast with those in the area where they are posted. Signs should be large enough that they are easily read from a distance. Also, home security alarm signs should be posted at all of the doors to your home, including glass doors, and near the entrances to any garages or outbuildings.
A final consideration in selecting home security signs is durability. The signs should be constructed of a weather-resistant material like heavy aluminum or a thick, weather-resistant plastic. Make sure to compare material thicknesses before purchasing, since heavier materials tend to last longer. The literature for any plastic signs should state they are weather-resistant and made to minimize fading due to sun exposure. If your signs begin to fade or show excessive wear, they should be replaced.
You will need to consider where you plan to place your signs and how they will be mounted. Some signs are available with pre-cut holes at corners so they can be mounted to a wall. Others are provided with a bracket so they can be fitted to a yard stake. Another option is to buy signs that are already mounted to a durable stake and are ready to be placed in the ground. Placement should be near a door where the sign will be visible as the door is approached. Another option is to place an additional sign near the road as an indicator that the property as a whole is monitored.
Even if you are only pretending to have a security system, it should be a well-thought out pretense, so do not forget that all possible points of entry into your home require protection. One important placement for a sign or sticker that may be overlooked is on every window. Any visible window in the house, garage or outbuilding should have a security sign or sticker attached. This makes it clear that, for example, not only first floor windows but also second floor windows are monitored.
The cost of signs is realtively low, making it an affordable security measure for most homeowners. Signs average less than twenty dollars each for a standard size, usually around 10 x 10 inches. Some larger signs may cost as much as thirty-five to forty dollars each, however, so make sure the signs you want fit your budget as well as your requirements. Remember to multiply the sign costs by the number of entrances to your home, garage and any outbuildings to get the best estimate.
Before posting signs on your home or in your yard, it would be prudent to check any neighborhood covenants or deeds. Some communities have restrictions on sign colors, placement or the number of signs allowed on a property. Make sure to check the sign ordinances for your town or county, as well, to ensure you only post permitted signage.
When protecting your home, prevention depends on thorough planning. Creating a security plan that includes a home security sign is an inexpensive way to deter burglars from your home and reduce your risk of being victimized. An investment in home security signs is an investment in your peace of mind.
