While it is very possible for a dummy CCTV camera to provide the reassurance of a real video monitoring system, they should not be relied on to give your property added security. Since they obviously don't have any recording facilities built in they will be a deterrent only. If you live in a high risk area then saving a few dollars by going "fake" is not advisable - the money would be better spent implementing a real home security system. If however you are really short on cash then dummy CCTV cameras are a valid option to reduce the risk of crime striking on your home or business.

In the vast majority of cases, a thief will have no idea what is a real and what is a dummy camera. So the psychological effect of their presence is the same, with one caveat - the fake camera must at least appear to be fully functional. While it may seem like a good idea to purchase the least expensive dummy camera, with some of these models it is fairly apparent that they are about as real as a Fischer Price toy. Instead, go for the models that look indistinguishable from the real thing - some of these have battery powered movement and flashing lights.

Another sign of a high quality dummy CCTV camera is a dummy power cable that can be stuck to the wall to give the impression that it is powered off the local electricity supply. Some of the most convincing models are the dummy dome CCTV models that affix to the ceiling. They produce a sense of unease since these give no indication on which way they are pointing at any given time, just like the real thing.

If you have a few real cameras on-site, and want to add some fake ones to give the impression of a well blanketed area, take care and be sure to select some that look like the model already present. There is no clearer catalyst for a criminal to break into your property than a slew of obviously false CCTV cameras on display.

A final caveat to take heed of is that in many states it is a legal requirement to clearly indicate that CCTV cameras are in use at a site. Therefore, even when using dummy cameras you should also display a sign such as - "Warning - CCTV in Operation!" - to keep on the right side of the law. After all, if criminals can't tell the dummy CCTV cameras from the real one, neither will the police!