Fake cameras can scare off some casual intruders, but they’re not a full solution. From a distance, a dummy camera with a blinking light might look real enough to make someone think twice. For cheap rental properties or basic sheds, that small psychological edge might be worth the tiny cost.
However, anyone experienced in theft often recognises cheap plastic models, wrong placement or unrealistic wiring. If they believe it’s fake, your “security” becomes decoration. And of course, dummy cameras don’t record anything, so if something actually happens, you have zero evidence to give police.
If budget allows, it’s better to install at least one or two real cameras in key spots and then add signage if you want. Real cameras are getting cheaper, and many work via Wi-Fi with simple apps. If you truly must use a fake one, combine it with strong locks, lights and maybe a real camera at the main entrance. Think of dummy cameras as a weak extra layer, not your main defence.