Are Burglars And Intruders Likely To Be Fooled By...

[arwalden]

... window stickers that say things like "Protected by Smith & Wesson" or "Forget The Dog: BEWARE OF OWNER"? -- Or are such visual devices a sure sign that the owner is bluffing?

[GOPisEvil]

1. It depends on what the house next door says.

If I'm a burglar, I'm taking the path of least resistance. If I'm down to a choice between two houses that are roughly equal, except that one house has a stupid sticker, I'd take the house that didn't have them, because you never know.

Either that, or I'd wait until the owners left...

[ThoughtCriminal]

2. Depends on whether they want to steal a gun - nt

[trof]

3. I think a "Beware of Dog" sign is effective.

I left ours up, even after old Nasha shuffled off this mortal coil.
Also the fake burglar alarm stickers for doors and windows.

[skygazer]

4. Actually I used to know a burglar

Well, an ex-burglar. Anyway, he told me that most burglars with any sense will case the place and break in when no one's home anyway. So signs like that are kind of moot.

As for beware the dog signs, same thing. If he checked a place out and saw that there actually was a dog, he wouldn't go near it, regardless of the size (it's the bark, not the bite, that turns off a burglar).

[short bus president]

5. For thieves, the 'protected by smith and wesson' sticker

is a clear sign of a house to be avoided. Best yer gonna get out of that joint is a Big Mouth Billy Bass.

[Shell Beau]

6. I rely on my three dogs to take care of any burglar.

I know that someone would rather not have to deal with dogs and would therefore be more likely to "visit" another house.

[Heidi]

7. Is it night or day? And is the thief literate? (nt)

[flvegan]

8. Why bluff? I'd hang my last bullethole riddled gun range target in the

front window. One with kick ass placement and grouping.

Of course, then (if the burglar is simply determined to take your crap) you're begging for a home invasion type scenario.