Security cameras are undoubtedly one of the most effective solutions to keep your home safe and sound. In addition to their basic feature as a recording unit, these devices can also be useful in deterring malicious burglars from trying to break in your property.
The problem is that a good security camera can be expensive. That’s why many homeowners with tight budget tend to go for the fake ones to trick criminals and save money at the same time.
In this guide, we’ll show you some useful tips on how to make a fake security camera look real.
Things to make a fake security camera look real
1. Wires
One of the simplest and most effective ways to make it difficult for burglars to differentiate between a fake and real camera is to set up counterfeit wires. You can simply purchase electrical wiring from the local stores and connect with your fake device. It isn’t necessary to have high-quality lines, but make sure to place them in a visible area to confuse strangers.
2. Covers
Many cheap fake security cameras look bad simply because they are made of cheap plastic rather than water-proof and high-quality aluminium. Thus, if you want to fool a burglar, consider covering your device with a metal one that is glossy and looks real. While this might increase your budget, you can still save a lot of money compared to purchasing a real security camera.
3. Markings
The brand name can be one of the most accurate and straightforward ways to spot a replica security camera. This is simply because no one cares about it when they tend to focus on the appearance of the unit. So if you want to make yours look real, take your time doing online research and look for a trusted name. Try to print or engrave the brand somewhere on the cover to make sure strangers can see it from a distance and mistake it as a real security system.
4. LED lights
The LED lights can be one of the most obvious differences between a real and fake security camera. Most of us know that a security camera will feature ambient, red lights during the night. This means if the burglars see that your dummy unit doesn’t blink in the darkness, chances are they will know your simple trick. Fortunately, you can avoid this issue by purchasing those models with artificial lights inside. Powered by batteries, they would flash as the real one.
5. Installation place
This can be surprising, but choosing a good place to install your fake security camera could also make it look like a real one. In general, many burglars often think that replica models feature fragile and cheap housing which can’t ensure pouring rain and hovering wind. This makes homeowners install them in protected areas like under the ceilings or eaves. In contrast, real ones are IP65 and IP66 rated and could be placed anywhere. Therefore, it is a good idea to set your fake cameras somewhere outdoors to trick potential crooks.
Alternatives to a fake security camera
While deterrence can be great, you might want a security solution which would bring ultimate security when the deterrence has failed. With that in mind, here are a few alternatives to consider:
1. A real security cameras
This is obviously the best alternative to a fake camera. While it might be not as affordable as you think, an advanced device with many useful features would be more effective in keeping your home safe in the long term.
2. A security system
If you have a generous budget, consider installing a full security system, which typically includes cameras and other units such as smart locks, motion-activated lighting, monitoring, or window sensors.
3. Motion-activated lights
Burglars tend to avoid well-lit houses since it is much more difficult to break in without being detected. Motion-activated lights could work as a deterrent and startle potential crooks before they have a chance. Also, these units will provide necessary illumination to any dark area in your property.
4. A guard dog
A well-trained dog could serve as an effective deterrent, defensive line and alarm system against break-ins. Especially if it is large, the animal would scare away these malicious burglars. However, do not rely on your pet totally because there will be some possible risks.
5. Smart locks
A basic yet significant layer of security for your home is a strong, sturdy deadbolt. But you can enhance the level of security with smart locks. These units provide you with all the advantages of a typical deadbolt while bringing some additional convenience and safety features like phone compatibility and biometric sensors. Just keep in mind that they are a little bit expensive.
