Best Security Signs to Deter Intruders
Signs can say a lot. You can probably spot many top security company signs without realizing it. Convicted burglars have confessed that security signs (among other things) are effective at making them skip over a home. Specialized signs and some generic signs can be conditional deterrents as well. If you’re ready to put up a sign to keep intruders at bay, all you’ll need to do is pick out the best.
This is where we come in. We’ve researched the best security signs, compared them, and now the results are in: the overall best, a generic option, and a dog warning option. If you want to keep would-be intruders away, these signs will help.
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In this latest update of the best security signs, additional pictures have been added, and new selections have been made. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure»
Best Security Sign
ADT Sign & Stickers
Recognizable, Effective, and Inexpensive
The largest home security company can be effective in deterrence- whether it’s installed or not.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
ADT remains the big dog in the home security game. CPI, Brinks, SimpliSafe, and others are well-recognized as well, but ADT is the market leader in the US, even though DIY installation systems have exploded. This also makes their logo ad signs the most common and recognizable, a deterrent to burglars.
Specifications
- 10″ x 10″ aluminum ADT security sign
- 28″ yard stake and hardware
- 10 square window stickers (we recommend trimming these)
Compared to generic signs, signs with brand recognition are more effective. There are some cases where a burglar may be better familiar with the hardware, but these are rare.
This kit comes with the front entry point stake sign and window stickers that would be typical with an ADT professional installation. A few differences are that the sign stake has a slip joint, the stickers are exterior vinyl rather than interior, and the stickers need to be trimmed.
Whether you have a system or not, the ADT Security Sign and Stickers are the best option to discourage intruders.
Generic Security Sign
Surveillance Sign
Large, Eye-catching, and Durable
A highly visible generic yellow warning sign that deters effectively.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Of the generic signs out there, this sign is the most effective for grabbing attention. This type of aluminum sign is often found in commercial alarm installations and on industrial properties. This lends some recognition to the color and style of the sign, and the security camera picture explains the sign for those who can’t read, which makes it more effective.
Specifications
- 2-pack
- laminated 40 mil aluminum
- 7″ x 10″
- 4.8 ounces
The white and red is attention-grabbing from distances, and easy to tell from the background whether it is mounted to a fence or the side of a building.
It is one of the cheapest signs we found, which makes it easily affordable for anyone looking to boost their home security.
If you want a generic sign that deters burglars effectively, get a Surveillance Warning Sign.
Dog Security Sign
Beware of Dogs
Reflective, Lightweight, and Effective
Four is better than one, in both the use of dogs (plural) and the four signs included.
*Price at time of publishing; check for price changes or sales.
Burglars hate dogs. Even if you don’t have dogs, you can always bluff. A sign won’t be as effective as an intruder actually seeing or hearing a dog on your property, but they have been proven to be better than nothing.
Specifications
- 4-pack
- reflective film laminated aluminum
- 7″ x 10″
- 4 ounces (each)
For those with dogs, these work double duty in deterrence and liability notification. If you have unruly guard dogs, you’ll want to let non-intruders know of the danger anyway.
Disclaimer: We do not give legal advice on our website and are not giving legal advice in this review. We will not be liable if you decide to sic your dog on a neighbor after putting up a sign.
This sign has an added bonus compared to other dog signs: ‘dogs’ is listed as if multiple canines are waiting to attack. The more dogs, the less likely intruders will come poking around.
If you are looking for the most effective burglar deterrent, get a large dog and the Beware of Dogs Sign 4-Pack.
Comparison Table
| Security Sign | Recommendation | Price* | Included | Threat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADT Bundle | Best Overall | $17 | Sign, stake, stickers | Monitored security |
| Surveillance Warning | Best Generic Security Sign | $6 | 2 signs | Custom security |
| Beware of Dogs | Best Dog Warning Sign | $10 | 4 signs | Multiple dogs |
The Signs We Compared
Our research narrowed the field down to several brands and types of security signs that we compared: ADT, Brinks, Sabre, SimpliSafe, Wyze, and many non-branded and generic options.
You can see our full list of review criteria below in the What to Look For section, with an explanation for each.
We considered a wide range of signs geared towards security. We narrowed the focus to smaller residential signs, although large signs can certainly be effective.
We’re always looking for new and better supplies- especially when it comes to security. If you have a sign that you swear by, let us know in the comments. We review most of our tested supplies annually so we can try to get them in the next roundup and see if they will beat out our top picks.
What to Look For
The best security signs have a few features to look for:
- Value
- Visibility
- Recognition
- Implied Threat
- Durability
When you get the right blend of these, you can find a sign that will keep most intruders at bay. Below, we break down what each of these features means for the notices that truly set themselves apart.
Value: Cost vs. Benefit
The amount of money you spend on something like a simple sign shouldn’t blow out your entire budget. There is a wide range of options with different prices, and all of them are somewhat effective. Having a sign at all is certainly better than not, so meet your budget where it makes sense and get the project knocked out.
You never want to spend too much money on one thing when it comes to home security. It’s better to diversify your gear, supplies, and investments to make sure you are covered for a wide range of situations.
Visibility
Signs aren’t any good if you can’t see them. Many burglaries happen at night, so reflective signs or lit surfaces can help. You’ll also want the signs where intruders come in. Most come right through the front door, so a sign at the front door should be a minimum.
Beyond that, each entry point should have a sticker or sign to be effective. Easily accessible first-story windows, sheds, and basement accesses are prime candidates for stickers, too.
Recognition
Recognition is tied to brands, for the most part. There are a few keywords that are often used, like warning and caution, that can be recognized from afar. Specific defense strategies (like guard dogs) can be recognized without reading by using pictures.
Implied Threat
By posting a sign, you are implying a threat if an intruder enters. This threat could be as mundane as a Ring doorbell sending the homeowner an alert, or it could be telling them that professionals will contact the police.
Burglars have confessed that even smaller inconveniences will make them skip over a house. Their reluctance to enter a house is balanced out by opportunity, though. For this reason, signs that advertise guns on the premises are not always as effective as they may seem. If a burglar thinks they could acquire a gun in your home, they may take some risks.
The best threats to imply according to burglar responses (in descending order):
- Multiple large dogs (signs, dog accessories, fence)
- Person home and awake (voice sounds ie: talking, talk radio, TV conversation)
- Person home (car in driveway, lights on)
- Professional alarm
- DIY alarm
Durability
While it’s a good idea to continually improve your security setup, you don’t want to be buying new signs (or stickers) every year. Most signs are durable, especially if they are mounted in partially or fully covered areas.
The ADT stake sign lasted several years in the elements and even a few kicks here in there. It ultimately ended up not being bulletproof when my young kid decided to use it as a hammer. But that isn’t a typical use case. Most yard signs are made of the same aluminum materials and have similar durability.
How Security Signs Deter but Don’t Prevent
Sign effectiveness has been proven in studies and during interviews with convicts. However, one issue noted by both of these is that the burglars don’t just give up when they see a sign or other discouragement- they simply move on to the next house.
Effectively preventing crime comes down to communities and usually their resources. Police patrols, community watches, and community programs can all lower crime patterns in areas. Long-term crime reduction can be seen with investment in public education and social programs.
The point here is that a security sign could be just a band-aid to a larger issue of persistent crime patterns in your area. Know the risks of where you live, including home invasions, burglaries, and assaults.
Who Needs a Home Security Sign?
Everyone, from renters to homesteaders, can use security signs. While renters may have a tougher time permanently installing a sign, they may be able to take advantage of stickers and staked signs. They could also talk with their landlords to post signs (and maybe have the landlord fit the bill), since deterring an intrusion would help everyone involved.
A sign is one small part of a comprehensive security plan. You’ll want to have your outdoor security squared away, indoor fortifications ready, and a way to defend yourself if it comes to the worst scenario.
How We Review Products: We research thoroughly before selecting the best products to review. We have vast prepping and survival experience and bring in outside experts when needed. Hours on end are spent testing gear in stressful conditions and using specialized testing gear to verify claims. We assign performance criteria and impartially rate each tested item. Learn more about how we test.
Sources & References
All of our experience and the testing we do to determine the best home security sign are useless without listing our research sources and references. We leaned on these for the book knowledge that we paired with our hands-on testing and practical prepping experience:
Iboshi, K. (2017). We asked 86 burglars how they broke into homes. KGW8 News; Portland, Oregon. (Source)
Nettle, D., et al. (2012). ‘Cycle Thieves, We Are Watching You’: Impact of a Simple Signage Intervention against Bicycle Theft. PLoS ONE. Volume 7. Issue 12. Pages 80 – 100. (Source)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte. (2013). Through the eyes of a burglar: Study provides insights on habits and motivations, importance of security. ScienceDaily. (Source)
Zimmerman, P. (2014). The deterrence of crime through private security efforts: Theory and evidence. International Review of Law and Economics. Volume 37. Pages 66 – 75. (Source)
Conclusion
Security is one part of preparedness you should shore up quickly. Most solutions, like signs, are not very expensive. With a high probability and impact, taking reasonable steps to lower your chances of home intrusion and budgeting for even small
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