Those who have had their homes vandalized will tell you that it is more than just the loss of their money and possessions. It is also the loss of confidence and comfort in knowing that you are not safe, even in your own home.

Those who have had their homes vandalized will tell you that it is more than just the loss of their money and possessions. It is also the loss of confidence and comfort in knowing that you are not safe, even in your own home.

How can you secure your home from thieves and vandals? Studies have shown that the best way for you to protect your home from theft is to make thieves think you have a security monitoring system in place. About 25% of homes in the US have a security system. The deterrence provided by that system is invaluable. Houses with a home monitoring system are broken into at a significantly lower rate.

The truth is that it is not the actual home monitoring system that provides the protection, but the belief by the thief that the home is monitored. Professional thieves can enter a home whether the home is protected or not. The deterrence is provided by making your home seem to be more difficult to enter. Thieves will then leave your home alone and look for an easier mark.

One drawback is that a home security system can be very expensive. There is the installation charge, equipment charge and the monthly service charge. The overall cost of a home monitoring system can run well over a thousand dollars.

There are also other disadvantages with a live home monitoring system. These include false alarms which are not only an inconvenience for the home owner, but can also incur charges from the local police departments for responding to false alarms. Clearly, there are both advantages and disadvantages to a home monitoring system.

So, how does someone get the advantage of a home security system without the high cost and inconvenience of such a system?

The latest concept in enhanced home security provides the answer. Fake security systems create the impression of a monitored, secure home or business without the high cost. A home owner can purchase several fake security cameras and then install them at visible home access points. Many of these cameras have a flashing light that gives the impression of a live camera. Some others move back and forth enhancing that appearance. These cameras are easy to install.

And these fake cameras are low maintenance and only require batteries. A home owner can increase the effectiveness of the cameras by adding fake security decals on the windows or even a small security monitoring sign in the lawn. Keep in mind that it is not that you have a security system that provides the deterrence, it is the fact that the criminal believes that you have such a system that makes it so effective.