Contents:
- What Is A Dummy CCTV Camera?
- Are Dummy Security Cameras Effective?
- Do Dummy Security Cameras Work?
- Do Dummy Security Cameras Flash?
- Do Fake Security Cameras Deter Thieves?
- How To Spot A Dummy Security Camera
- Why Do People Use Dummy Security Cameras?
- Are Dummy CCTV Cameras Legal In The UK?
- How To Install Dummy Security Cameras
- Where To Buy Dummy Security Cameras?
- Should You Use A Fake CCTV Camera Instead Of A Real Security Camera?
Many homeowners may use dummy security cameras as another way to protect their property, but how effective are they? In this article, we will be uncovering why people use fake security cameras, how dummy cameras work, and whether or not they should be used instead of a real CCTV camera.
What Is A Dummy CCTV Camera?
A dummy CCTV camera, also known as a fake security camera, is a fake replica of a real CCTV camera. These devices will have the appearance of a real security camera but in hindsight, they will not contain any of the real functions or features that real cameras will have.
Most fake security cameras will be made from plastic, steel or aluminium and they can be designed to look like Dome security cameras, C-Mount cameras, and Pan Tilt Zoom cameras.
Are Dummy Security Cameras Effective?
The most important question asked about dummy security cameras is whether they are effective. And well, dummy CCTV cameras can be effective in some ways as they can often give the impression that they are a real camera which is recording footage to protect a property. Dummy cameras can sometimes suggest to burglars that a home has good CCTV security in place.
However, dummy security cameras aren’t effective in providing proper protection to your property as they won’t review blind spots on your home, and they don’t record any footage. Having a decoy security camera placed on your property allows it to be vulnerable because if a burglar does break into your home, you won’t have any evidence of this attack.
Do Dummy Security Cameras Work?
Fake security cameras do work as an effective decoy, and the main way that they work is through their appearance. At first glance or from a far distance, a fake CCTV camera can appear to be real. Aside from having the design features of a CCTV camera, fake cameras will also have built-in features to help create an illusion.
One of these features is having a small blinking LED red light, and this feature is used to give the impression that the camera is live. Another feature that dummy cameras have is motion detection features, which is where the fake camera will move periodically to give the impression that it is surveying different areas on a property.
Do Dummy Cameras Flash?
Yes, many dummy security cameras are equipped with light features that simulate flashing. These flashing lights can make the fake camera appear more realistic and create the impression that it is actively recording.
Do Fake Security Cameras Deter Thieves?
A dummy CCTV camera can deter thieves from your property. However, this only really happens if the fake security camera is designed well and if it gives a realistic illusion that it is a proper security camera.
How To Spot A Dummy Security Camera
Although dummy security cameras can give a good impression of being a real camera at first glance, some things can blow its cover. Below, we have listed the different ways that can help spot a fake security camera.
Lights
One big giveaway that a security camera is a fake is their use of lights. Fake cameras’ flashing lights can be visible while real CCTV cameras’ flashing lights are often dull and won’t be visible to the naked eye.
Cables
Another tell-tell sign that dummy security cameras have, is through the way their cables are designed. Real security cameras will often have cables which look relevantly thick, while fake cameras will typically have thinner cables.
Wi-Fi Search
Using the Wi-Fi search feature on your phone can help determine whether a wireless security camera is real or fake. Real wireless security cameras will connect to Wi-Fi networks, and one method to differentiate a genuine camera from a dummy one is to try connecting it to your Wi-Fi.
If the camera appears in the Wi-Fi search results and successfully connects, it’s likely a real camera. Conversely, if the camera does not show up in the Wi-Fi search menu and fails to connect to any network, it is probably a fake.
Branding
Branding can also be a key way to tell if a camera is fake or not. Genuine security cameras will typically have some branding, such as logos and the brand’s name, from the camera’s manufacturer. While dummy cameras normally won’t have any branding on them, or if they do have any branding on them the branding will often be misspelt, and the logos will often be altered.
How Often The Camera Moves
Another way to identify a decoy security camera is by observing its movement. Dummy cameras often rotate randomly to mimic real surveillance, typically exhibiting a swivelling motion.
In contrast, genuine security cameras are equipped with motion tracking capabilities, so their movement is more precise and responsive to detected motion rather than occurring at random. If the camera moves erratically or frequently without any apparent reason, it’s likely a fake.
Why Do People Use Dummy Security Cameras?
There are several reasons people choose to use dummy security cameras. The primary motivation for homeowners is often cost; fake cameras are significantly cheaper than real ones. By using a decoy, they can create the illusion of surveillance without the expense of actual security systems. Additionally, dummy cameras can serve as a deterrent to potential intruders, providing a sense of security at a lower cost.
Are Dummy CCTV Cameras Legal In The UK?
Security dummy cameras are legal within the UK, and they will still face all the same legal laws that proper CCTV monitoring equipment faces. Although fake home security cameras don’t record anything they will be expected to follow the guidance on domestic camera use on the UK government website, such as making sure that other people like your neighbours know about your security cameras.
If you do decide to tell others that you have CCTV on your property through signs, you mustn’t use real branded CCTV camera signage as this could cause legal problems to arise.
How To Install Dummy Security Cameras
Installing a dummy security camera is a similar experience to installing a real CCTV camera. If you do decide to install dummy security cameras on your property, you must place them in an area that is considered to be vulnerable on your property. Some of the best places to install a fake security camera are:
- On your driveaway.
- By your front door.
- By your garage.
- Near your back door.
It is important to note when you are installing a fake security monitoring camera on your property that you make sure that it only points at your home and doesn’t point towards your neighbours.
Where To Buy Dummy Security Cameras?
Dummy security cameras can be purchased both online and in physical stores. People often opt for dummy cameras primarily due to their lower cost compared to real CCTV cameras. Typically, these fake cameras are priced between £10 and £40.
Should You Use A Fake CCTV Camera Instead Of A Real Security Camera?
Although fake security cameras are a more affordable alternative to real CCTV cameras, it is strongly recommended to avoid relying on them for security. Dummy cameras do not offer genuine protection and only provide a false sense of security. While they may deter potential burglars, they are ineffective if a break-in occurs and will not help in capturing footage or providing real-time surveillance.
stay updated with all the latest CCTV news, check out our blog where you can find articles about whether schools have CCTV cameras and about the cities that have the most CCTV installed.
Let’s Stay In Touch
Want to stay updated with our latest content? Enter your email address to subscribe to our free newsletter.
Related Articles
Security Guards Vs CCTV
When it comes to securing your business, security guards and CCTV cameras are two of the most popular options. However, it can be difficult to decide which option to go for. When it comes to security guards vs CCTV, which is better?
Top 5 Cities With The Most CCTV In The UK
In this article, we’re taking a peek into the cities with the most CCTV in the UK. Each area tells a tale of cameras, lenses, and monitoring systems silently watching over streets, alleys, and public spaces.
Do Schools Have CCTV?
Are CCTV cameras allowed in schools? This is a question that many people are unsure of, and the answer is yes, schools do have CCTV cameras. UK schools have a big responsibility of keeping all their students and staff safe during school hours and one way of doing this is by installing CCTV around the premises to record any crimes that may occur.
How To Install CCTV Camera: Top Tips
Our guide on how to install CCTV camera will cover who can install CCTV, how much it costs, and other top tips for CCTV installation, Read on to find out more…
Can CCTV Be Hacked?
The simple answer to the question of whether CCTV can be hacked, is yes they can. As the reliance on CCTV for security and monitoring continues to grow, so does the potential vulnerability to cyber threats such as hacking.
Guide To CCTV Security
Our guide to CCTV security dives into the world of CCTV security, unraveling its importance, the different types of CCTV cameras and how it empowers us to protect what matters most.
What Are The Benefits Of CCTV?
There are over 4 million in the United Kingdom alone, which is unsurprising given how it’s known for having more cameras per head of population than any other country. But what are the advantages of CCTV?