I’ll admit it, I’m a bit of a security geek. From automated paintball sentries, to high tech surveillance camera gear, security topics pop up with some regularity here at HomeFixated.com. Unfortunately, security often comes at a cost. In this case, I’m not referring to the NSA snooping your suggestive text messages. Instead, I’m referring to actual dollar costs. Alarm systems, security monitoring services, and even surveillance systems can all add up to a ton of money. And, since most of us find having an armed military sentry posted outside 24/7 impractical, I’d like to present a simple solution. It’s something you can install in less than five minutes and will cost you less than $10, yet it can still make a huge impact on your home security.
Behold, the dummy security camera! Notice I did not say, “behold, the security camera, dummy”, that would be rude. Sporting a flashing LED powered by two AA batteries, this particular dummy cam is made by the uniquely and exceptionally-named, “UniquExceptional.” OK, so the brand doesn’t quite have the same cachet as Sony or Panasonic, but who cares? It’s a dummy camera, not something to document your parenting struggles with.
For the cost of an extra, extra large, premium blended coffee beverage, you can add a visual deterrent that has a decent chance of deterring the common burglar, particularly when mounted conspicuously. Keep in mind most burglars are strung-out addicts looking to finance their next fix, (not the highly observant, carefully planned, criminal masterminds seen in the movies). In other words, make sure the camera is pretty obvious. Adding a sticker around your entry can help get your point across too.
You can find the silver Dummy Security Camera with Blinking LED
Be very careful with fake security cameras. Never use them in commercial/business situations.
Say Timmy works for you, and he parks his car beside the ‘security camera’ because it’s safe, right?
Timmy’s car gets broken into, and he asks for the tape for the cops. Timmy could get all legal on your butt because you provided a false sense of security in an area deemed to require additional measures against a possible insecurity.
A simple google search for ‘dummy camera lawsuit’ will yield many warnings against these things in any real situation. My vote would be if you’re worried, do it the right way to start with. Break-ins happen, don’t make your day worse by remembering it’s a fake camera.
Source: working qualified locksmith, 8 years.
Good to be aware of Harvey, thanks for sharing the info!