Crime prevention is not based on a single element, but a combination of warning, communication, protection and working with law enforcement. For those in neighborhoods that want to reduce crime as much as possible, using street signs located in and around the community is a single, but important step. However, while street signs that display warnings to criminals can be effective, they also need to be properly placed and backed up with other elements that tell the criminal this is not the neighborhood to be in. But how are crime prevention street signs effective in the community and how can neighborhoods use them properly? The Effectiveness of Crime Prevention Street Signs When properly placed, a street sign can be an excellent deterrent to burglaries as they provide a warning to criminals to think twice about entering a property. Criminals like easy targets that are quick and simple to get in and out. An effective sign that is fairly new or well kept puts a tinge of doubt into a criminal’s mind and makes them consider things such as; - Are the people in this neighborhood watching what’s going on? - Is there an alarm system in the home? - Are they really at home right now? Any realistic doubt that is placed in the mind of a potential burglar may very well deter them from breaking into your home. This is especially true if the sign is combined with other preventative measures such as the following; - Keeping your home locked up tight - Displaying signs of an alarm system - Neighborhood Watch signs - Coming home at different times and so forth All of these small deterrents can add up to putting enough doubt in the mind of a criminal that they decide to go somewhere else. High Traffic Areas In order for street signs to be effective, they have to be seen first. This means placing signs such as “Neighborhood Watch” and the like on street corners and front lawns so that everyone can see them. They also need to be under street lights and in well lit areas also so that they can be easily seen at night. In addition, crime prevention street signs need to be kept up, repaired and replaced every so often so that they do not look neglected. A criminal seeing an old, dilapidated neighborhood watch sign just might believe that such an organization might not exist anymore in the neighborhood. On the Property As important as it is for neighborhoods to protect themselves with signs, that also applies to individual residences as well. While street signs are not needed for every front yard, a sign that reports the presence of an alarm system, neighborhood watch or other type of protection can serve as a deterrent if placed correctly, such as on front or side windows. Of course, signs alone will not be a full deterrent to crime, but they can be an excellent starting point once the residents decide to work together. The more neighborhoods work together to stop crime, the more effective street signs can be in deterring criminals.