They’re cheap, easy to install, and give the impression that your property is protected. For many homeowners and small businesses, that can seem like a quick and easy shortcut to security.
But while the idea sounds appealing, we must ask ourselves if fake cameras actually deter crime. In this blog, we’ll look at what research and real-world experience tell us, explore the pros and cons, and explain why genuine CCTV camera systems offer long term and reliable protection.
What Studies Say: Do Fake Cameras Work?
The presence of CCTV cameras, whether real or not, can act as a deterrent for some opportunistic crimes. According to a report by Blinks & Buttons (2025), visible security cameras can reduce petty thefts and vandalism in certain environments. However, when criminals realise the cameras are fake, that effect quickly disappears (“Are Dummy Cameras Effective?”).
Police feedback across several UK regions has highlighted that intruders who are more experienced can easily spot dummy systems. Missing cables, flashing LED lights, or old designs can often give them away. After they’ve been identified, fake cameras provide no security at all, which means no evidence if a crime occurs.
It’s also difficult to measure how often fake cameras “work,” because success heavily relies on perception rather than actual prevention or recording. That uncertainty is what makes relying on fake CCTV risky.
Pros & Cons of Fake Security Cameras
Pros:
- Affordable and easy to install: Dummy cameras cost nowhere near as much as genuine business CCTV or home CCTV systems.
- Visual deterrent: The appearance of a camera can make some offenders think twice.
- No maintenance: There’s no wiring, recording, or software to manage.
Cons:
- No footage: With no footage, there’s no evidence either. Fake cameras are of no use in helping police or insurers after an incident.
- Limited deterrence: Once identified as fake, they lose all effectiveness.
- False sense of security: They can make owners believe their property is safe when it isn’t.
Real CCTV VS Fake: What You Gain with Genuine Systems
There are some scenarios where a fake camera may serve a minor purpose, e.g. as a visual deterrent in low-risk areas, or as a backup beside genuine cameras. But for meaningful protection, real CCTV systems are the only true solution.
Here’s why:
Evidence recording:
Real systems capture footage that supports police investigations and insurance claims.
24/7 reliability:
Modern CCTV systems like ours provide full-colour or infrared night vision, keeping your property secure day and night.
Smart features:
Features like AI-driven motion detection, alerts, and remote viewing give you instant control, which is something fake cameras can’t replicate.
Professional installation:
At CCTV.co.uk, our expert CCTV security camera installers ensure every camera is strategically positioned for maximum coverage and compliance.
Stop Pretending and Start Protecting with Real CCTV
Fake cameras might stop the occasional opportunist, but they can’t deliver real and reliable security. For true protection, it’s crucial to invest in a properly installed home CCTV camera or business CCTV system that records, alerts, and helps you respond fast.
With CCTV.co.uk, you’ll get reliable technology, professional installation, and the confidence in knowing your property is genuinely protected – not just pretending to be.
Get your free quote today and discover the smarter way to secure your property.
Citation
“Are Dummy Cameras Effective? The Truth Behind Deterrence and Security.” Blinks & Buttons, 18 Apr. 2025, blinksandbuttons.net/are-dummy-cameras-effective/.
