Do Fake Security Cameras Work

The Dangers of Using Dummy Cameras (For Your Habitation or Business)

Previously on this weblog we wrote well-nigh the dangers of fake security signage and decals, and this post will delve into a like topic. "Dummy Cameras," or fake video surveillance equipment, might seem like a inexpensive solution to increase security – accent on "cheap"… still, as with fake signs and decals, dummy cameras often end up doing more harm than practiced in the long run.

Unconvincing Artful Appearance

Typically, a seasoned criminal will exist able to option out a fake security camera quite easily. Dummy cameras often have a blinking red light to brand it announced as if it'south existent, but burglars now know that'due south a tell-tale sign of a fake photographic camera. And that'southward not the merely problem. By police, business owners are required to brandish signs indicating that there are video surveillance cameras present.

So, that means dummy cameras actually require false signage as well. These two deceptive strategies coupled together only compound the problem. With fake cameras and signage nowadays in the aforementioned identify, a strong notwithstanding false sense of security is created. In a time of emergency, the final affair a business possessor needs is a false sense of security created by simulated surveillance equipment. The simply reliable solution is to do things the professional way, and invest in a video surveillance arrangement.

Laws and Regulations Still Apply to Dummy Cameras

All Closed Excursion Boob tube (CCTV) Systems, even the simulated ones, are required to follow a strict set of laws. All cameras must be placed in law-abiding locations, if a dummy camera overlooks private property or is directed towards a window, there could be legal problems that arise. So, even if you do purchase a dummy camera, yous notwithstanding have to put the fourth dimension and endeavor into following the laws. At that point, information technology would make more sense to invest your time and money into a system that can legitimately improve the safe of your business.

Short Term Benefits, Long Term Dangers

Installing dummy cameras may deter criminals in the brusque run, but as soon every bit someone discovers that the cameras are false, information technology could cost you large time in the long run. For example, say you lot accept false security cameras installed in your parking lot, if someone knows that the cameras are faux, they could plan a robbery and go abroad quickly without their license plate being identified. A legitimate camera system would exist able to record and capture the license plates of a thief, a dummy camera will leave you hanging loftier and dry out.

Legal Risks

According to Security Info Watch columnist Ken Kirschenbaum, a New York-licensed lawyer, the issue with dummy cameras lies in this question: "How does dummy equipment mislead subscribers or other potential third parties into a false sense of security?" If at that place is a false sense of security implied, people accept the right to rely on that security and may very well expose the responsible political party for the false sense of security. For example, Kirschenbaum says, if a landlord were to install dummy cameras in a laundry room in order to encourage residents to use the machines properly, he or she may endure the consequences of liability if a tenant were to be injured nether the assumption that the room was existence monitored.

Co-ordinate to Kirschenbaum, when it boils down to it, security cameras really have ii purposes: they monitor in real time then that an incident can be stopped or minimized and they record to provide identification and bear witness downwards the road.

A dummy camera simply does not exercise either of those things, it provides a false sense of security that will likely damage every party involved down the road.