When people talk about alarms or cameras, what do you think of first? Probably shrill beeps, calls to the police, or various intervention protocols. After all, that's what security is all about, right? Well, this area has a lesser-known side.
We talk about the security passive. That is, the deterrent component that the different elements of protection and security have against the thief or the person who intends to commit a crime.
He arrives at the door of a house, observes the alarm warning plates, and you'll probably think twice.
It is something similar to what happens with car theft; Experts recommend placing a clamp on the steering wheel even if it is not even closed. The important thing is to make the thief think that the theft will cost you too much effort for the reward obtained.
In the framework of security systems, things are somewhat more complex. The visual elements known as alarm warning signs, or simply “plates deterrents" haveits own regulations and procedures.
If not, those who make an outlay to install, for example, aalarm [connected to switchboard], they would lose an important advantage compared to those who do not spend anything and still put a simulated connected alarm sticker.
Therefore, if you are thinking about [place a camera]or install some type of security system, it is important that you know this whole world of warning plates. And that is precisely what we are going to discuss in this article.
Do alarm panels really work?
There is really no scientific consensus onthe effectiveness of alarm plates, but the opportunity cost of placing one or not is much higher than ignoring the issue. Therefore, when in doubtIt is always advisable to bet on them.
Some believe that these visual signals give thieves a clue about the type of alarm and the strategies they can follow to evade protection. This is a lot to assume, since the deterrent platesThey do not offer vital information in this regard.
In fact, various studies show that warning signs do truly reduce the number of home burglaries. According to a work cited byAgni, in which 400 prisoners were interviewed for robbery crimes, signage is one of the top 10 deterrents.
Of course, it must be accompanied by other measures to prevent the thief from choosing you as a target. Video surveillance warning signs appear at number 9 on the list, below other measuressuch as alarms, cameras or complete security systems.
“So signs alone can deter amateur thieves, but if you have signs and security systems, cameras or motion sensor lighting,you will reduce the chances of suffering a robbery”.
Advantages of deterrent signs
Do you still have doubts? Just take a look at all the advantages and benefits that this security plugin offers. And not,It is not just a purely preventive issue, although it should be mentioned:
- Deterrent to thieves: The mere fact of knowing the presence of the alarm already redeems more than one criminal when it comes to breaking into a property. It is not infallible in all cases, but it is infallible in some.
- Saving resources: The reduction in break-ins translates directly into fewer alarm activations. Which in the long run saves resources for both the security company and the client.
- Legal protection: The presence of the video surveillance warning plate is an important precedent in case of going to trial for the theft. The lawyer will understand that the thief acted with premeditation when he knew that there was a security system in the property.
- Community safety: the presence of the video surveillance warning plate will push the thief to choose homes free of them. In the long run, neighbors will also end up installing alarms to prevent theft. In this way protection systems are propagated.
- Reducing the severity of theft: The presence of alarm plates instills in thieves a feeling of pressure and urgency that will force them to act faster and with less planning.
In the end, the deterrent effect of the connected alarm sticker is not far from what is provided by things like showing closed padlocks in plain sight, leaving the light on or signaling any other element thatsimulate the presence of individuals inside the property.
What are the alarm warning plates like?
Although there is no uniform standard that requires all deterrent alarm signs to be manufactured in the same way, it is common to findsome similaramong all market alternatives. Namely:
- They are composed ofmaterials waterproofsuch as polycarbonate forex or rigid PVC.
- They usually have dimensions close to thesize of an A4 sheet.
- Sometimes they are accompanied byadhesive vinylthat reinforce the deterrent power.
- They are attached to the wall withscrews, nails, glue or silicone.
- Typography tends to be large, striking colors and good readability. The same thing happens with funds.
All this will help you knowwhether the deterrent plate is fake or not. The most important premise in this regard is that these alarm signs are only offered by the security companies themselves. If you buy it online it will inevitably be fraudulent or lifeless.
What things do we have to look for to know if a warning plate is fake or not? It is very simple and adheres to the common sense required in any online purchasing process. You must bring some of the following:
- Company name, phone number, website and logo.
- Some service indication such as “24-hour surveillance”, “immediate response” or similar.
- DGP authorization number(General Directorate of Police).
How to order an alarm warning plate?
To do it legally you will have toContact your alarm company. Most likely, this would have already offered you the two main alternatives that determine whether or not you have a warning signal for the contracted system.
We talk about thealarms without quotas and alarms with quotas. The former do not include the aforementioned plate, while the latter do. Because? This is vital:the poster is not bought, but rather rented.
You acquire the alarm, and the signal will come along with it. One that you must pay month by month as a form of loan.When you terminate the service you must return it. This is done to prevent the plates from ending up on the second-hand market.
In any case, it is advisable to always ask about them before hiring any service. Let us remember that alarm signs are stillone more security component of the installed system.
How to place alarm warning plates
It doesn't have much mystery. The recommendations are the same whether it is a warning plate foralarm connected to CRA, as if it is avideo surveillance systemor foralarms conventional.
The only thing you have to do isput yourself in the shoes of the thief. Where would you look first to decide if it is safe to rob a house? The answer will probably tell you the best place to place the plate. At a general level, the best decision always revolves around the following points:
- main doors
- Terraces
- secondary doors
- Exterior windows
Aside from this, try to place the sign ata good height(within the field of vision of a person of average height). Oh, and success is in measure.By placing more plates you will not get more security. In fact quite the opposite.
Can they be fined for placing false alarm plates?
Affirmative.Placing false alarm plates is illegal. These signs are property of security companies. That is why they usually include clauses in contracts that prohibit their sale and distribution.
Hence, if you go online to buy a connected alarm sticker for, let's say, 15 euros, what you will most likely be purchasing will be ora fake license plate, or a license plate stolen from the legal market. For example, detached from the wall.
The fight of brands against this type of activity is daily. Every time they see an ad or find a specialty store,They notify the police to order its closure. But of course,marketplaceslike Amazon or Wallapop are practically impossible to control.
By placing an alarm plate purchased on the Internet, what you are actually doing is impersonating the company that appears on it. At a legal level it is understood asa crime against industrial property and another against intellectual property.
According to the words of the professor and lawyerJosé María Fuster-Fabrato El Periódico, “incurring one or the other depends on whether what they sell are fakes or authentic plates". In case of complaint there would be ainvestigation policeto determine the nature of the crime.
“These plates have a trademark registration and a patent", he continues. "From there,trading with them is committing a crimeand, if these are sold as originals, it would be necessary to see to what extent the deception is compensated, because there is a duty of care and the crime could also extend to the buyers.".
Therefore, before doing anything, it is important to study the regulations well. From the Agencia Española de Protección de Datos (AEPD) They offer both legal indications and official material that can serve as a starting point. At least when it comes to video surveillance warning signs.
If you already have everything clear about the alarm warning plate, then you are ready to take the next step. Enterour webor call 9 00 622 550and choose the best security system for your home with the help ofYoigo Alarms.
