The Hidden Risk of Fake Security: Why Implied Protection Creates Real Liability

The Illusion of Safety

Walk onto many properties and you’ll see cameras mounted high on the walls, warning decals on doors, or alarm boxes above entrances. But look closer, and you might discover a problem: many of these “security systems” aren’t actually doing anything. Some cameras are dummies. Some alarms are long disconnected. And some businesses lean on appearances instead of real protection.

At first glance, these measures might seem like an inexpensive deterrent. In reality, they can create a serious legal and reputational risk.

Implied Security = Implied Responsibility

When a business displays a security measure, it sends a clear message: we’re keeping you safe. Customers, employees, and tenants naturally assume those systems are functional. This creates what lawyers call an “implied duty of care.”

If a crime or accident happens, and it’s discovered the system was fake, non-functional, or poorly maintained, courts may see it as a misrepresentation of safety. In other words, you didn’t just fail to protect — you gave people the impression they were protected, and that can be worse.

When Deterrents Become Liabilities

Fake cameras, broken gates, or outdated alarm stickers don’t just fail to stop crime — they can attract lawsuits.

• Legal Risk: Occupiers’ liability laws already establish that property owners must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. Pretending to provide security without actually doing it could be evidence of negligence.
• Reputation Damage: If an incident occurs and word spreads that your “security” was just for show, trust erodes instantly. Clients, tenants, and staff will question whether you put image above their safety.
• Criminal Awareness: Today’s criminals are savvy. They know how to spot dummy cameras, recognize inactive alarms, and exploit weaknesses. What you thought was a deterrent may actually be an invitation.

Real Security Protects Everyone

True protection means more than just the appearance of safety. It means systems that actually work:

• Monitored video cameras with local, trained operators behind them
• Properly maintained fire and life-safety systems
• Security plans built around foreseeable risks, not just optics

By investing in real solutions, businesses not only fulfill their legal duty of care — they build trust with the very people who rely on them most.

Closing: Don’t Fake It, Make It Safe

Security isn’t something you can afford to fake. If you advertise or imply safety, you owe it to your customers, tenants, and employees to deliver it. Anything less isn’t just ineffective — it’s a liability waiting to happen.

At Radius, we believe protecting people isn’t optional. Together with you, it’s our duty.