Pros and Cons of Using SimpliSafe Monitoring Signs and Window Decals
Posted July 1st, 2011 by bigwavebooth
Here's my take when I first took notice of the SimpliSafe yard sign and window decals. Do I really want to advertise my security system? I see this display warning as a mistake, and I am still struggling over whether I will install them or not. By displaying my security system, I think that a professional burglar has just been given an advantage. Wouldn't this person now be aware of my system, knowing how it works and its weaknesses? Wouldn't a generic alarm system sign and window decals keep the thief one step behind and guessing what to do when the alarm key pad sounds? FYI, I did lower my entry disarm time down to 20 seconds and put my control base station in an obscure location. I really want to know peoples' thoughts.
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Good question. I do think
Good question. I do think that the "generic" alarm system signs and decals have a downside though. Most people know these are generic and not representative of a real system. Some people put out signs or decals and don't have an alarm system. Burglars know about generic signs versus real ones. Are the generic signs used too often by those who are just pretending to have an alarm?
Personally I'd rather use the real decal; I think a burglar seeing a residence with one would rather target a residence without any evidence of an alarm system. It's probably a matter of efficiency for a burglar. Target a residence with an alarm and even if you have some knowledge of it, time must be wasted disarming it. Target a residence without an alarm and no time is wasted with any system.
I live in an apartment and have the decal on my apt door (my landlord also requested that I put the decal there) and I think anyone thinking of breaking into apts would rather skip my place than attempt to deal with an alarm.
I do also think that locating the base station in an obscure location or disguising it is a good idea.
Great articulate answer to my
Great articulate answer to my question (Pawnjuggler). After reading your advice, I elected to place the SS yard sign and decals around my house. I agree with your wisdom of real burglars knowing real signs vs fake signs. I would rather show the bad guys that I am actually ready for them VS. having them break in to my house because they thought I was bluffing with fake signs to then find out that I actually DID HAVE an alarm system. Fake decals may actually entice break-ins if a burglar thinks a home is faking. We have a greater chance of avoiding physical and/or property harm when we create a higher level of deterrence. Keeping my deactivation delay short and hiding the base system is more than enough. I put my system to 20 seconds. I do not see how a bad guys would ever be able to disarm SS in such a short time. THANK YOU (Pawnjuggler) for changing my thinking!!!
I would recommend you put
I would recommend you put REAL company decals and signs in your yard, but for a DIFFERENT company. If you have a SimpliSafe alarm, purchase some ADT or Brinks signs on Ebay and put them around your house. No one will be able to research your SimpliSafe alarm and learn to look for the base station, and you don't have stickers that look fake.
Also, whether you have a dog or not, buy some small "Beware of Dog" signs from your local hardware store and mount them on your fence near the gates. Burglars would prefer not to break into a home that could possibly have a large dog, and they are more likely to target your back door (after walking through the gates).