[doconix]

I have a security system in my house, and I have stickers in the window that inform potential BGs of the fact. It's pretty standard to include the stickers and signs for security systems.

I've seen "protected by S&W" (or whatever company or gun) stickers on people's bumpers or businesses. What do you think of these? Do they deter criminals? Do they jeopardize the "don't tell everyone that you have a concealed permit" logic? Do they make your neighbors think you are a loon?

Just wondering what everyone thinks of the effectiveness of these types of signs on cars/houses/etc. Also wondering where the best place to buy them is, should I decide to.

 

[tapehoser]

I prefer this one:

 

[Strategic Tactical]

acrossed the back window of my blazer, I have the words "Concealed Firearms Permit Class"

I'm not telling ANYONE I have a gun. I'm saying to EVERYONE, I MIGHT have a gun.....lol

 

[TMG]

I think the bigger deterrent, for your house, is the 'Security System' sign. Most criminals that do home burglaries try to break in when the house is empty; some have pretty good skills with surveillance, watching and determining when the occupants are gone. And when the house is empty, the security system is more of a deterrent then the Armed homeowner that isn't home. At least thats how I'd look at it if I were a thief...

jm2c.
E

 

[James]

CLICK

I gotcha covered. If you don't believe it just get up off that chair and move to the side. Either side and watch me keep you looking right down that barrel. Now duck. Ha, can't get away can you?

I don't know man. Guns are a hot item for thieves. Why tell them you have one? Maybe you have more than one? You know most people who own guns have three or more.

Edit: to fix the link

 

[GeneticsDave]

I agree with TMG, most home theft occurs when the occupants are not home. Most criminals would rather take your stuff without a confrontation - increased job safety/security.

As per the signs, I think they are very humorous, however, I would think twice about putting that on my house. My reasoning is that I would rather have the tactical advantage in a home invasion. It's the same reason you don't pump your shotgun for the bad guys to hear. It gives away your position and tells them that you are armed. Many may think that this would be perfect to scare off the invader, but I'm not willing to take that chance. I want to find my opponent unaware. I was to be able to use surprise, speed and violence of action to terminate the threat posed to myself and my family.

 

[packingmama]

Have you guys seen the show - To catch a thief
It gives you a lot of good tips on theft deterrent.

 

[bane]

Personally, I think these types of deterrents are generally poor ones in the best of cases and dangerous in the worst of cases.

In the Navy I used to constantly see guys vehicles with huge stickers that say things like "I'm a Marine" or "Haze Gray and Underway!" (for those in Navy towns, they know that means you're a Sailor constantly at sea)... and yet we were constantly rec'ing training telling us that that is really poor thinking b/c it attracts people to you and informs them of your "situation" in life, allowing them to think and figure out your weak spots. For example, knowing you are in the Navy makes it easier to track your vehicle and watch for nights you never come home (duty) and periods of time your car is at home in the middle of the day (underway at sea), etc.

In a similar vein are those "family" stickers you see so much that has stickers of all the members of their family along with their names... horrible!!!

Personally, I think these "Defended by..." stickers are very similar.

 

[Walther]

One of the wrecking yards used to have a sign that said:

ATTENTION BURGLARS
THIS PREMISIS GUARDED AT NIGHT BY ARMED GUARD WITH 12 GUAGE SHOT GUN THREE NIGHTS PER WEEK

YOU GUESS WHICH THREE.

 

[xmirage2kx]

Anything you place for the public to view is advertising. It doesn't matter what it is, it lets people know what you have. I ask why let people know you have your guns, kids, dogs, TV's, etc unless there is a good reason. Placing a Security system sign outside your home says "Hey BG, my neighbor is an easier target than me" while placing a Protected by S&W sign says "I have guns". To some this may mean go somewhere else, others may see it as a list of things to steal. Knowledge is power; I like to keep it to myself if it may later be used against me.

 

[GeneticsDave]

+1

 

[doconix]

Placing a Security system sign outside your home says "Hey BG, my neighbor is an easier target than me" while placing a Protected by S&W sign says "I have guns".

Wow. Right on point. Thanks to all for your responses on this one!

 

[Maladjusted]

I think the bigger deterrent, for your house, is the 'Security System' sign. Most criminals that do home burglaries try to break in when the house is empty;

Guy came from the golf course and then in my garage window, right by one of the 4 signs in the yard, 2 of which are visible from the course.

2 cars and a motorcycle in the garage, us home upstairs, 4 in the morning July 2.

He was too stupid to see the security signs, but smart enough to leave when the infrared sensors in the garage tagged him and triggered the alarm.

The signs are worthless if the alarm doesn't give you good coverage.

 

[Maladjusted]

Oh- the stickers...

I don't like them.

For the record, I like those stickers w/ the family members displayed even less. Oh, what? You've got a little girl home alone right now because you're at the grocery store? Thanks for putting that on your car window.