Home security signs seem like a surefire way to make potential burglars pass by your house. But unfortunately, they could end up backfiring.
Why Home Security Signs Could Actually Get You Robbed
Updated on Jun. 02, 2025
Fact: According to the FBI, there are about 839,563 reported cases of home burglaries annually, representing 13.1% of all property crimes. There are all sorts of things you can do to make your home safer from potential burglars. Some of the ones that might jump out in your mind are getting a dog or installing motion-sensor lights. Another possibility is putting up a sign that has a logo for a security company or says “Protected by” a certain company.
Whether it’s true that you have the security system in place, you’d think such a warning would make burglars quake in their boots. But some security experts warn that having those home security signs can actually backfire, potentially making your house more likely to get robbed. Read on to learn why having a home security sign isn’t always a deterrent.
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Home security signs may scare off more inexperienced burglars
Let’s look at the upside first. You shouldn’t immediately write off these signs as thief magnets, because that’s far from the truth. One of the secrets burglars won’t tell you is that they choose the path of least resistance—they look for a house that seems like it could be an easy target. If the yard looks unkempt, your mail is piling up or you’ve clearly got a window cracked open, those are signs of a more lax homeowner and a less protected house. On the flip side, signs that your house is very secure can be enough to turn a thief away. And, yes, literal signs could fall into this category.
“That sign will turn inexperienced and spur-of-the-moment home burglars the other way,” says Joshua Carlson, owner of Treasured Spaces. “They don’t know what to do if they set off an alarm, and it’s not worth finding out if you do have one or are just bluffing.” Such inexperienced burglars do commit many burglaries.
Professional burglars may not be intimidated by home security signs
But when it comes to more experienced burglars, yes, the signs could present a problem. “Professional burglars won’t be intimidated by such a sign,” Carlson warns. “They have more than likely learned the intricacies associated with disarming that system. It could very well backfire and result in a burglar who knows your security system selecting your home for their robbery.”
People who have been to your house before may know home security signs are fake
Another potential risk comes from the fact that burglars can be people who’ve been to your house before, like a house cleaner or delivery worker. Fun fact: Half of burglars live within two miles of the house they steal from. Additionally, offenders are known to their victims in 65% of violent burglaries. In that case, the person likely will know if the sign is a fake. If it is, they’re home free.
Home security signs might not help or hurt your chances of getting robbed at all
And finally, there’s the possibility that signs won’t necessarily help or hurt your chances of getting robbed. Instead, they won’t make a difference at all. “We all know people who canceled their alarm system contract over a decade ago yet still keep the signs up,” says Jon Knight, chief security officer of Fortified Estate. “The criminals know this too.” And, of course, criminals also know that some of these signs are totally fake. Whether that’s a risk they’re willing to take depends on the criminal.
Should you install home security signs?
Whether you install home security signs is a matter of personal preference. One thing you can do is consult your local law enforcement and see if they think getting a sign would be worthwhile. Another is to carefully research any security system before you install it, trying to find out how common it is and how easily it might be cracked. Overall, there are more effective ways of deterring burglars. Using a strong network of cameras, making sure they’re visible to passersby and putting them in these places smart homeowners install security cameras will most likely be a more effective way to keep burglars out.
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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of articles on personal technology and home security, arming readers with the knowledge to protect themselves against cybersecurity threats and internet scams as well as revealing the best tips, tricks and shortcuts for computers, cellphones, apps, texting, social media and more. For this piece on home security, Meghan Jones tapped her experience as a longtime journalist and interviewed home security experts. We rely on credentialed experts with personal experience and know-how as well as primary sources including tech companies, professional organizations and academic institutions. We verify all facts and data and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- FBI Crime Data Explorer
- Jon Knight, chief security officer of Fortified Estate
- Joshua Carlson, owner of Treasured Spaces
- ADT: “50+ Surprising Home Burglary Stats and Eye Opening Facts”
- U.S. Department of Justice: “National Crime Victimization Survey: Victimization During Household Burglary”
