Display CCTV warning signs or not?

[WatchYouDoing 0]

We have an alarm system we use everyday. We were recently burglarized, and I decided to install an 8 camera system around our house. Is it a good or bad idea to put up signs warning passers-by that we have cameras?

 

I'm torn on two ways of thinking about this

 

Yes to Sign - It acts as a deterrent ("Oh no, I better not mess with them")

No to Sign - It communicates to potential thieves that we have cameras, so they can modify tactics if they decide to attack ("Ah, they have cameras. I'm going to wear a mask and then knock out those cameras.")

 

Two are on our front porch, two are on the back of our garage facing an alley (where the burglars began their attack). The rest our inside our privacy fence. To date, no one seems to notice the cameras when we watch daily playbacks.

 

Thanks

[WatchYouDoing 0]

I found an older thread with the same question and tradeoffs discussed.

 

http://www.cctvforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=54&t=28913&start=15

 

I count 5 votes (Yes) and 2 votes (No). However, if I sum the total number of posts of each voter as some indicator of expertise, the "no" group wins.

[buellwinkle 0]

Thieves look for signs of cameras, not camera signs. Not sure it would add any value. We put them in commercial installs at the recommendation of an attorney, but at home I do not have any such signs.

 

I think what would scare a thief off more than an alarm sticker or cctv sign is a dog warning sign, one that seems sincere more than warning to thieves, maybe one that says please do not feed our pet Pitbulls, we keep them hungry on purpose.

[ssnapier 0]

It really depends on state laws.... some places requires two party consent, and that sign gives you that to cover the legalities involved.