Can Criminals Tell the Difference Between Virtual and On-Site Guards?

It's a reasonable concern. After all, if the whole point is deterrence, shouldn’t there be an actual person walking the grounds with a flashlight? Won’t smart criminals realize they're only being watched by cameras and proceed with their break-in?

Here's the surprising reality: Criminals can tell that an on-site guard is NOT a virtual guard, but they cannot be sure that a virtual guard is NOT an on-site guard. In this brief article brought to you by ArcEye Defense, we give you a clear answer to your rational concern.

The Problem with Physical Guards

Let's think like a criminal for a moment. You're planning to break into a business after hours. Before attempting to get in, you'll scout the location. What are you looking for?

Physical guards are remarkably easy to identify and avoid. Their patrol patterns become predictable after a few nights of observation. They take breaks, they check certain areas at certain times, they can only be in one location at any given moment, etc.

A determined criminal can watch a property for a few nights, map out the guard's routine, and identify the perfect window of opportunity. Once criminals know a physical guard's schedule and limitations, that guard provides minimal deterrence.

The Virtual Guard Advantage: Strategic Uncertainty

Now, consider what criminals face with virtual security. They might notice cameras during their surveillance, but cameras alone don't tell them much.

They’ll wonder: Are those cameras just recording to a hard drive that nobody checks until morning? Are they connected to a monitoring service? Is someone actually watching right now, or is the system passive?

This uncertainty changes everything. Criminals operate on risk assessment, after all. They target properties where they're confident they can get in, grab what they want, and get out. Unknown variables (like whether someone is actively watching and ready to respond) dramatically increase the perceived risk.

More About the Deterrence Mechanisms

Now, you might be thinking “Why don’t I just arrange a commercial security camera installation and leave it at that?” Install it, but don’t leave it at that. Here’s why.

There will be criminals who are prepared to call the bluff, and there are some dumb enough to miss the cameras. This is where the virtual guards comes in with extra measures: integrated-lighting and two-way audio.

As soon as the trespasser enters your designated area, our proprietary system alerts the virtual guard and triggers warnings to the perpetrator. Then, the virtual guard can issue direct warnings through speaker systems.

"You in the black hoodie attempting to jump the fence – you are being recorded and police have been notified."

Criminals realize two things when floodlights shower them and a voice suddenly addresses them directly through a speaker system:

• They are definitely being watched right now.
• They cannot determine where the person watching them is located.

Most criminals flee immediately when confronted with two-way audio warnings. The combination of being observed, addressed directly, and uncertain about the response multiplies risk. Why take the chance when there are easier targets without surveillance?

What If They Continue

If perpetrators ignore warnings and continue their attempt, the virtual guards escalate immediately by alerting property owners, contacting police with real-time updates and, if necessary, dispatching on-site security or mobile patrol units.

Here's the final advantage: virtual guard services in Irving, TX don't eliminate the option of physical security. They enhance it. This combination of remote monitoring with available physical response creates the ultimate deterrence package.

Questions? Call or Message Today!

ArcEye Defense is thrilled to be serving countless clients throughout the nation, and our office team is always ready to address questions or concerns. If you’re scratching your head or just want to speak with a live representative, then call or message ArcEye to get in touch today!