Do Security Signs and Decals Actually Deter Burglars?

The familiar "Protected By" yard sign and window decals are among the most visible elements of any home security system. But are they genuinely effective deterrents, or just decoration? The answer depends on what is behind the sign.

The Research

Studies based on interviews with convicted burglars consistently show that visible alarm signage is one of the top factors that cause burglars to skip a target. In a University of North Carolina study, 83% of burglars said they check for alarm systems before attempting a break-in, and the majority said they would move to an easier target if they found evidence of a monitored system.

When Signs Alone Backfire

Here is the critical caveat: experienced burglars know the difference between a genuine alarm installation and a bluff. Fake security signs purchased online without an actual system can backfire. If a burglar tests the claim by breaking a window and no siren sounds, they know the sign is fake and proceed with confidence. Worse, some criminals specifically target homes with generic fake signs because they assume the owner chose the cheapest possible option rather than investing in real protection.

Signs as Part of a Real System

When a genuine "Protected By Berkley Security" sign sits in your yard backed by a real, professionally monitored system, it creates a powerful one-two punch: the sign deters opportunistic criminals from attempting, and the system catches anyone who tries anyway. The sign is the first layer; the system is the safety net.

Genuine Protection in Byram

Homeowners in Byram, MS display their Berkley Security signage with confidence because there is a fully monitored, professionally installed system behind it. Our signs and decals are issued exclusively to active, monitored customers, so they carry the credibility that deters real criminals.