What's the Real Deal? Can Dummy Cameras Work with the Perception of Security

In many homes and establishments, where there are real video surveillance cameras, there are also dummy cameras installed.  Dummy cameras are often utilized to work in conjunction with fully functional surveillance equipment in order to discourage illegal or dangerous actions.  These can range from theft and shoplifting to burglary and home invasion to physical assault.  Dummy cameras are even used to discourage certain misdemeanors.  With dummy cameras around, even people who merely have intentions of playing pranks will be more wary of their behavior.  What dummy cameras do is encourage the perception security, allowing people to believe that an area is secured and that surveillance is present because of the security equipment that they see.

The role of dummy cameras on the perception of security
It may seem like a negative connotation but dummy cameras act on fear -- people's fear of being caught on camera doing something unlawful or embarrassing.  The fact that taped video evidence obtained through surveillance equipment such as video cameras may be used to prosecute someone also doesn't help stave off that fear.  

Dummy cameras provide a visual reminder for anyone that the area where they are located is being monitored, even if it isn't.  That visual reminder is, in most cases, quite effective in discouraging an act that may be deemed inappropriate or illegal.  It's the equivalent of telling kids that there are chemicals mixed in the pool water that will change color if someone urinates in the water -- it prevents a crime or an inappropriate act by essentially giving out the signal that someone's watching, even if you thought no one's looking.

Can dummy cameras really deter crime?
Although there are some groups that dismiss the efficacy of fake cameras to prevent crime, more people are convinced that they do work.  Otherwise, why would dummy cameras still be experiencing healthy sales if they have a high failure rate?  It's the perception of security that they build on, making people believe that certain restrictions are indeed in place and that there are possible legal consequences if and when these restrictions are breached.

Advantages of dummy cameras
Dummy cameras, due to the nature of their functions, are easy to install.  Pick a good spot, put it up and it can begin working immediately.  They also do not require purchase of additional accessories such as extra cables and connections.  Because they are not equipped with lens and microchips, dummy cameras are significantly cheaper to purchase and maintain.