What actually is a dummy alarm box?
A dummy alarm box is basically a false security alarm. It looks exactly like a fully functional home security alarm, but it won’t actually emit any siren sounds.
You might want to incorporate a dummy alarm box into a low price home security deterrent system. While it’s always advisable to install actual security devices around your home, a dummy alarm box, a dummy CCTV system or a dummy motion sensor could help to increase your home security.
Simply place your dummy alarm box anywhere around your home where you’d like to deter a potential burglar. That could be near the front door of the home (a burglar is more likely than you’d think to just enter the home via the front door), next to ground floor windows that could provide easy access for a burglar, or near your garage door or garden gate.
A dummy alarm box is designed to deter potential burglars with a flashing LED security lights. These LED lights make the dummy alarm box look like it’s primed to emit a loud siren sound if a burglar were to set it off.
So, a dummy alarm box is a fake – but it can be an effective fake.
You’ll have to make sure that your dummy alarm box works as well as possible to increase your home security. Be sure to position the dummy box in full view of any potential burglar who might be looking around your home.
Plus, you might want to put up security stickers around you home to make it clear you have a security alarm in place – just don’t let on that it’s actually a dummy box!
Security alarm stickers can work as an effective burglar deterrent, persuading burglars not to target your home before they’ve even tried.
Advantages of a dummy alarm box as part of your home security
If you’re concerned about your home security (including the security of your car or any outbuildings, such as a garden shed), a dummy alarm box could act as an effective burglar deterrent.
You could even create an entire dummy home security system for a very low price. A dummy alarm box could sit alongside a dummy security camera and a dummy motion sensor to create an impression of really high-tech home security.
Of course, installing a fully functional home security system is still always advisable. But, a potential burglar might well be fooled by a well-installed dummy security set-up.
A burglar will prioritise getting in and out of a home quickly and easily: they won’t want to linger around the home and attract too much attention.
So, if a burglar takes a quick glance at your home and sees a convincing dummy alarm box, dummy CCTV camera or dummy motion sensor, they might decide not to target your home.
In fact, the security company ADT conducted research that showed that 94% of burglars would actively avoid a home that looked like it had a security alarm or CCTV system in place.
So, a dummy alarm box could be the first step towards increasing your home security, without going crazy on price.
Disadvantages of a dummy alarm box as part of your home security
Of course, if a potential burglar recognises that your home security system is a dummy set-up, it could actually encourage them to target your home.
So, make sure your dummy security system looks as convincing as possible. You might also need to wire a dummy connection to make your dummy alarm box look more authentic.
However, experienced burglars are likely to be able to spot a dummy security system. They won’t be fooled by even the most convincing of dummy alarm boxes (of course, the same goes for dummy CCTV cameras or any other dummy home security systems).
If a burglar does realise you’ve only got a dummy alarm system in place, they may actually be actively encouraged to target your home.
Of course, just having a dummy alarm box would also mean you weren’t eligible for insurance cover, if a burglar did steal from your home. Many home insurance providers ask you to take certain steps to increase your home security to an adequate level.
If a burglar does enter your home, your dummy alarm box won’t make a difference.
Your insurance company won’t accept the fact that you had a dummy home security system as a reason to pay out on your home insurance claim.
Aside from the fact that a dummy alarm box (or dummy CCTV camera) won’t protect your home from a potential burglar, a dummy security set-up will also leave you vulnerable to other threats.
A dummy fire alarm, for example, won’t give you or the emergency services any warning if a fire does start in your home.
In terms of a short-term, low price solution, a dummy alarm box could increase your home security, as long as it looks like it’s the real deal. But, for reliable home security, it’s worth investing in a fully functional security alarm, as well as CCTV cameras and motion sensors.
If you’re watching the price of your home security set-up, there are other pocket-friendly options out there.
Technical security systems, such as CCTV cameras and alarms, can be expensive. Of course, price is a very valid concern, but your home security always has to remain a priority.
More traditional, physical security measures can be very effective in protecting your home: strong window bars, good quality locks on your doors and strong, reliable garden and garage doors.