Signs of The Times



Signs, signs everywhere a sign:  No Trespassing " Beware of Dog - Member of The Neighborhood Watch.  Some are even humorous; -Never Mind the Dogs, Beware of the Owner."

But how effective is a sign pronouncing a property has an alarm system?  You'd be surprised.

You've undoubted seen catalogs offering signs and window stickers warning that a property has an alarm.  Well, if you've seen the fake signs and stickers, chances are, the burglars helping themselves to your possessions has seen it too.  When it comes to safety, this is one item you don't want to scrimp on, not when it comes to your life, or the life of those you love could be in danger.  These smash and grab burglars know how to target an area of your home.  They know exactly where to find jewelry, medicine, cameras, computer, home electronics and other treasured items with a street value to the burglars.

So, while a sign might be an effective prop to deter and amateur, a sign is only as good as the home monitoring system it has to back it up.  And placement of such systems at home and in the business environment is just as important as where you put the signs and stickers warning that the building is secured with an alarm system.




First consider placing a sign on the lawn or driveway to the building that is secured.  Make sure the sign is in a well-lit area free from the obstruction of bushes and trees.  You may want to cement the sign into the ground as you would a post hole to assure that the sign won't be stolen.   Also, make sure your sign is treated with a graffiti removal friendly surface.  A broken, tagged, defaced sign is a signal to burglars that the owners of the building aren't vigilant or that the building is unoccupied.  The sign should be placed in an area that is also well lit at night.  If you don't already have a hardwired outdoor accent lighting system, you might want to consider putting a solar powered lighting fixture on or near your sign so it is visible to all in the evening.

Make sure your next line of defense is at the front door.  A well-placed sticker on a window will reinforce that the premises is protected by an alarm system.  You may want to get a sign that  discourages solicitors as all proactive homeowners know not to open the front door to strangers.  Don't forget to put a sticker on the backdoor or patio doors, too.  Most bad guys don't come through the front door.  And while you're at it, make sure all patio doors are secure by putting a wooden stick (like a broom stick) or special fasteners that can purchased at your local building supply store.  The installation of a home monitoring system should also include having these vulnerable points of entry armed or covered by a motion detection device. 

There are many home monitoring systems and the prices along with the service vary.  Check with your local police department to see what, if any requirements, they have if you install an alarm system that alerts the police if there is an intrusion.  

A sticker or a sign from a reputable alarm company is a good start.  Protecting your home and your business with a monitoring system provides your second line of defense in case the unthinkable happens. 

By Shelley Herman