Dummy CCTV Camera
When thinking of the best crime prevention devices, a dummy CCTV camera may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Since the device is really nothing more than a showpiece, some people may find it difficult to consider these replica or dummy CCTV cameras as trustworthy tools for preventing crime. The device actually does nothing. When you think of all of the high-tech solutions on the market, this one is on the opposite end of the spectrum, being a low-tech solution in a high tech world. These fake cameras are something usually not offered by surveillance services, but are great for do-it-yourselfers. However, even these low-tech solutions can have a some high-tech features.
Really, surveillance camera systems have two functions. The first, and the one addressed by these fake cameras, is crime deterrence and prevention. The mere perceived presence of a security camera is enough to prevent some crime. Then second function is to record any wrong doing for analysis. A fake CCTV camera, by its’ very nature, can not address the second function. But, that lack of functionality is the reason these cameras are less expensive. So, the dummy camera’s main function is to scare the criminals into not committing the crime.
One good way to think of dummy CCTV cameras is to compare them to scarecrows. It is a perfect analogy. The scarecrows prevent the crows from stealing any of the crops by fooling the crows into thinking that the scarecrow is a real person. In a similar manner, a replica CCTV camera can be made to look like a real camera, convincing criminals not to bother burglarizing the protected property. Of course, criminals are extremely sophisticated these days so it takes a little more than a plastic toy camera bought at the local Walmart to fool the criminal. What goes into a good dummy CCTV camera?
In order to answer that question, we must first answer the question of; Why not buy a real security system and camera in the first place? That’s easy! Budget. Budget. Budget. The only reason you buy a fake camera in the first place is to save money, either by saving the expense of the unit, the expense of installation or the expense of maintaining the system. But, what ever reason, it comes down to saving money. So, the bling that makes your dummy CCTV camera look real, can’t cost much. Otherwise you might as well have the real thing.
So, here are some attributes of good replica CCTV surveillance cameras;
- Distance. Distance is your number one friend when placing one of these cameras. You want the camera to be close enough to be noticed, yet, far enough away to keep criminals from getting a good look at the camera. So, if you are installing an outdoor security camera, great placement is on top of poles or behind a fence. For indoor systems, good placement is in a corner and near a ceiling. These are all good strategies for placement. For the most part, they are the same placement strategies as real cameras, so, the fakes won’t look out of place.
- Power. You want to show your audience that the camera is presumably working. No better way to do this cheaply than to add a red LED flashing light. They work on batteries and draw such little power that you don’t have to change them for months.
- Movement. For a little extra money and battery power, you can have the camera pan back and forth. This adds a true level of realism. The cost is that you’ll have to change batteries more often.
- Realism. Make sure the dummy CCTV camera housing looks real. If the camera is too cheap and the materials look cheap, this might be enough of a clue to be a tip off.
- Secrecy. Lastly, make sure that as few people as possible know about the dummy security cameras being installed. Remember, a good percentage of burglaries are inside jobs. It’s best not to give them an edge and to keep this information to yourself.
Fake security cameras may not be able to record, but at least they can prevent crime in your house at a very affordable price. Psychologically, a criminal is discouraged from executing his evil plans when he believes he is being watched or his actions are being recorded. If your camera has all of the attributes listed above, the odd are great that the criminal will have that belief. The price of dummy CCTV cameras with all of the features listed above is around forty UD dollars.
To sum it up, dummy cameras are a great option if you are just trying to scare potential criminals away. They do address the crime prevention half of the security problem. So, if you are on a tight budget and are content with not resolving the entire security problem, then purchasing dummy camera is a great move.