The Deterrent Hierarchy: What Burglars Notice First
Signs of occupancy
Lights on timers, TV sounds, a car in the driveway, a maintained yard. An empty-looking home is the #1 target indicator. Burglars overwhelmingly prefer homes where nobody is home. Anything that creates doubt about occupancy is your first line of defense.
Visible security cameras
Even fake cameras work as deterrents (but real ones give you evidence). Place them at eye level near entry points where burglars will see them before they commit. A visible camera above the front door stops most opportunists before they try.
Security system signs and window stickers
"Protected by SimpliSafe" or "24/7 Monitored" stickers signal consequences. Place them on the front door, garage door, and all ground-floor windows. Even generic security stickers create doubt — burglars do not want to find out if it is real.
Motion-activated lighting
Darkness is a burglar best friend. Flood lights that snap on when someone approaches eliminate cover and draw neighbor attention. Solar-powered options require zero wiring and cost $15–25.
Dogs (or signs of dogs)
A barking dog is one of the top deterrents cited by convicted burglars. Even a "Beware of Dog" sign and a large water bowl by the door adds doubt. The dog does not need to be large or aggressive — it just needs to make noise.
Thorny landscaping and gravel paths
Roses, holly, and barberry bushes under windows create a painful physical barrier. Gravel paths create noise when walked on. Landscape design is an underrated security layer that works 24/7 with zero maintenance.
Window and Door Stickers
Security stickers are the cheapest, most effective deterrent you can add. Place them at eye level on all ground-floor windows, the front door, and the garage. Options:
- Security system stickers — even without a system, generic "24/7 Monitored" or "Armed Response" stickers deter. $8 for a pack of 10.
- SimpliSafe, Ring, or Arlo branded stickers — come free with systems, but also sold separately. Brand recognition adds credibility.
- "Smile, You Are on Camera" signs — works whether or not you actually have cameras. Creates accountability.
- Window break sensors — visible sensors on glass signal that breakage triggers an alarm. Even decoy sensors work.
Lighting Deterrents
Motion-activated floodlights
Wired or solar options, $15–50. Mount above entry points covering a 180-degree arc. The sudden burst of light startles intruders and alerts neighbors.
Smart bulbs on timers
Simulate occupancy when you are away. Randomize on/off patterns — a light on a fixed schedule looks fake. Smart bulbs ($8–15 each) connect to your phone for scheduling.
Dusk-to-dawn porch lights
Auto-on at sunset, off at sunrise. A lit porch all night is one of the simplest deterrents. LED bulbs cost pennies per month to run.
TV simulator devices
Creates a flickering TV glow visible from outside — simulates someone home watching TV. About $15 and plugs into any outlet. Timer-controlled for when you are away.
Physical Deterrents
Window security film
3M safety film holds glass together when struck. A burglar expecting to smash and grab finds the glass flexes but does not shatter. Buys time and frustrates entry. About $30–50 per window.
Window pins and security sticks
For sliding windows: a wooden dowel or security bar in the track prevents the window from being forced open. For double-hung windows: a pin through both sashes locks them together. Total cost: under $5 per window.
Door reinforcement plates
Door Armor MAX reinforces the door frame, hinges, and strike plate. Most forced entries are kick-ins — this $50 kit prevents them. Install in 30 minutes.
3-inch screws for strike plates
The single most underrated security upgrade: replace the half-inch screws in your door strike plate with 3-inch screws that reach the wall stud. Takes 5 minutes, costs $4, and prevents the #1 method of forced entry.
Security bar for sliding doors
Adjustable security bars prevent sliding glass doors from being forced open. Even with the lock defeated, the bar holds. About $15–25.
Hinge pins for outward doors
Doors with exposed hinges (opening outward) can have hinge pins removed. Non-removable hinge pins ($5) or security studs prevent this attack vector.
Fake vs Real Security
Works Even When Fake
- Dummy cameras (look real from a distance)
- Security system stickers and signs
- TV simulator lights
- Motion-activated lights (always real)
- "Beware of Dog" signs
Worth the Real Investment
- Actual cameras (evidence plus alerts)
- Monitored system (police dispatch)
- Smart locks (access logs and remote control)
- Real dog (noise plus companionship)
- Door reinforcement (physical security)
The $50 Security Makeover
Everything below can be done in one afternoon with zero tools (except a screwdriver):
- Security system stickers for all ground-floor windows — $8
- "Beware of Dog" sign for front and back — $6
- Solar motion-activated floodlight for dark side of house — $20
- 3-inch screws for front and back door strike plates — $4 (5-minute install)
- Wooden dowels for sliding windows and doors — $3 (cut to fit)
- Timer for indoor lamp in main living area — $8
Total: under $50. This package addresses the most common burglary methods and makes your home dramatically less attractive to opportunistic criminals.
The stickers and yard sign alone are worth it
SimpliSafe comes with professional-looking window stickers and a yard sign that deter burglars — plus actual 24/7 monitoring. No contract, cancel anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do security stickers work without an actual system?
Yes. Studies show that visible security signage alone deters the majority of opportunistic burglars. They do not want to find out if the system is real. That said, actual monitoring provides police dispatch and evidence — something stickers alone cannot do. The best approach is real security with visible deterrents.
What is the single most effective deterrent I can add today?
Replace the screws in your front door strike plate with 3-inch screws. Takes 5 minutes, costs $4, and prevents the most common forced entry method (kick-ins). After that, add a motion-activated light and security stickers. You will have meaningfully improved your security in under an hour for under $30.
Do Ring or Nest cameras actually prevent burglaries?
Visible cameras reduce burglary risk by deterring approach. Ring reports that homes with Ring devices experience 50% fewer break-ins in the surrounding area. However, cameras are most effective when combined with other deterrents (lights, signs, reinforced doors). A camera alone captures evidence but does not physically prevent entry.