Should You Install Visible Or Hidden Home Security Features?

Home security is a valuable addition to any property, both to protect your family and your assets. But when choosing home security features, you might wonder whether you should opt for visible or hidden security measures. There is no one single answer as to how to place and advertise your security elements, but here are a few answers to common questions. 

Will Visible Security Features Invite Crime?

One common concern about outdoor security is whether the existence of visible security features will make your home more of a target. There is some logic to this, as you may worry that it advertises the fact that you have something to steal.

However, in reality, the benefits of installing visible security outweigh the risk of such thinking. With lower costs and more availability, home security features are used by more property owners than ever before - including modest homeowners. So the chances of a thief zeroing in on your property just because you have such security isn't as likely. 

Are Visible Security Cameras a Deterrent?

Perhaps the biggest benefit of making your security - especially security cameras - visible is that it gives potential burglars second thoughts. Most burglars look for the quickest, most convenient, and least visible way into a home or building. Anything that could slow them down or contribute to being seen is often viewed as not worth the risk. After all, there are probably other homes without those pesky cameras. 

Is Security Signage a Deterrent?

Your security company will likely give you an inexpensive tool to add to your home security toolkit: a warning sign. Like a visible camera or lights, this sign does help to deter intruders because it gives them a reason to move on. Many homeowners place signs at entry points and around the perimeter of the property as a deterrent even before cameras are visible. 

However, a sign can backfire if it's fake. Thieves can recognize many fake security signs and may assume that its presence means you don't have legitimate security. And using fake signs can even get you in trouble for copyright infringement. 

How Can You Use Both Visible and Hidden Security?

Just because visible exterior security is a benefit doesn't necessarily mean that you should never use hidden security elements. A visible camera facing your back door area may cause burglars to try using a different route they believe will keep them off-camera. However, a hidden camera and motion detector lights can then capture this detour and still serve to help identify or scare intruders. 

In addition, hidden security cameras are less likely to be tampered with by intruders. A burglar may take the time and effort to disable or destroy a camera, alarm, or motion detector that they know about. But if they don't know about others, they can't disable these. Some property owners use a visible feature and a second, backup one more well-hidden. 

Less obtrusive security features are also useful inside the home in certain locations. A home office, for instance, should have its own dedicated security elements. But you and your family may not be comfortable if you feel the constant stare of an obvious camera or alarms. In this case, a surreptitious location could protect your workspace while not intruding into your daily life. 

Where Can You Start?

Want to know more about using both hidden and open security cameras and other features? Start by meeting with the security professionals at Coastal Burglar Alarm. We will help you assess your property, your risk points, and the best way to secure them in a multi-layered fashion. Call today to make an appointment.