Decals

Yeah, except i would rather avoid replacing a window, garage door, or more possible damage. I think the thought is they see it is going to be tricky, and go to another target. Unless of course they are professionals, or just love a challenge. Most thieves in our area are not too smart. They look for easy targets and quick smash, snatch, and grabs. I tend to never leave anything in car or yard that could draw attention. Out of sight, out of mind...
 
The most vulnerable place for my house is the walk out basement in the back, which is completely hidden from view. I actually ordered an Optex 402-REC motion sensor with the ability to play an initial warning and then a second recording if they don't leave. I've since thought that an external,speaker would be better that would allow me to play based on multiple outdoor sensors being tripped. Specifically I'd like to announce that the police would be called and that there are cellular and radio backups in case they decide to cut the power or telephone line.
 
drvnbysound said:
Alright, so here are a couple more...
I think I like the "Stop" sign proof best.

As far as the rectangular signs, they're a toss-up for me. I do see the value of "Attention" over "Warning". I'm not sure what I think of "police will respond", something about it feels a bit awkward to me. I can see the value in the word police = policia = "I could be arrested". I think I'd be happy with any of these latest designs.
 
Just add a flashing LED by some doors that can be seen from outside. Better than some generic stickers which crooks know you can buy anywhere.  It doesn't even matter if it flashes day and night. Who cares?  Any crack-head will recognize a flashing LED and go to the neighbor instead.
 
This really gets the point across
anti-burglar-sign.jpg

 
 
 
 
OR
 
51OyIfZaPWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
You are going to end up with so many stickers on the windows that you won't be able to look out :)
 
I don't know if blinking LEDs would do much, guess it can't hurt (until it burns out and someone notices it not blinking). But siren box or strobe on side of building may be better deterrent.
 
won't put the cocoontech logo on my house.  I like CT but I don't want a savvy burglar to go look up info about my house or install.  The more you know about how to search and pay attention, the more you can learn about a person.  Couple that with being able to look at their blog posts, see what motion detectors they use, see pictures of their security system, etc - no thanks.
 
I agree that the stop sign is an attention getter - but I may not always want *that* much attention; I want the guy who's creeping around my house looking for an unlocked window to see something as a warning but for it to mostly blend in with the decor otherwise.  Another style I kinda like is the police badge style because it still gives the same warning without being a big red sticker on every window of the house.  Or - this may be cheezy but original - a rectangle that incorporates a police car light bar - that's pretty universal too but can keep the graphics small.
 
For the wording, I don't want much - just that the property is protected by a monitored security system.
 
Just looking around my neighborhood - I've seen that a lot of people put someone on the fence/gate so someone trying to come around back would see it - and of course the yard signs.  Many around here are ADT - and apparently ADT has a higher-end service that gets you a better sign that implies a more "custom" install.  
 
One other thing I've considered - is something that can be applied from the inside to the 2nd story windows - small but visible from the other side - that says "all 2nd floor windows are monitored" since most people don't bother to alarm 2nd story windows...  I'd like to let anyone with a ladder know that they're not getting in that way.  Probably never be seen but in that .1% chance...
 
You mention strobes in windows/outside. I was thinking a few weeks ago about blinding lights in the windows that would come on when motion is detected outside (maybe when alarm is armed or no one in basement). The idea is that it would blind and scare off a potential thief. Any idea of a light that would work like maybe a high intensity LED(s) or light bar? Something low profile that could be put at the top of the window inconspicuously.

Oh, and I really like the idea of the second story window stickers.
 
I consider signs and decals an outer ring of defense.  If the bad guy sees them at your house, he might move on (to your neighbor without signs) before even approaching your house. 
 
Here's another iteration.  Text needs some adjustments, graphics need cleaning, but you get the idea.
 
stop4.JPG
 
JPG is posted, but actual file is 900x900 BMP, target decal is 3"x3" @ 300dpi.
 
I found buildasign.com which can do 3"x3" decals for less than $1 each in qty 25 or more.
No direct experience with them yet, but their website is easy to use for uploading and design.
For that price, everybody can tinker with a graphic and get what they want.
 
 
I agree with Work2Play that  I would not put something on windows that is too big, or ugly. I like the idea of a 1.5-2" wide sticker, by a similar height. I would probably put on all windows, accessible or not.
 
A while ago I had come up with a sign to put in an obvious place in my landscaping by the front door, but easily seen from everywhere. It simply stated something along the lines of "warning monitored alarm and cameras" - with "warning" in a red background. Sized around 10x8 or so with a reflective background for night and printed on a metal plate. I was going to get a couple smaller ones for the gate and yard. They were cheap somewhere along the lines of $20 for the larger one. Since I decided to put my speaker/strobe in clear sight above the garage door along with the cameras mounted all over the place I was hoping the sign would be the final piece to the "go somewhere else" puzzle.
 
...I still need to do this!
 
I'm still willing to help get this going (since I know someone who does signage for a living, and is very flexible), or we can do it via a group buy in case we have to buy bulk.  I've been so busy with other stuff, but maybe I'll try to come up with something in the next few days.
 
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