Custom Bumper Stickers and Decals Can Enable the Perfect Crime

Custom Bumper Stickers and Decals Can Enable the Perfect Crime

  • By Ginger Hill
  • May 28, 2014

I see them all around the town that I live in; those cute little vehicle decals of stick figures, zombies, Star Wars figures and even Disney figures representing parents, children and pets in the vehicle owner’s family. And, what about those bumper stickers that say things like, “My child made straight A’s at Miller Elementary School” proudly displayed on vehicles? To the family, these are innocent, but to criminals, these stickers reveal a wealth of information that can give them an edge.Custom Bumper Stickers and Decals Can Enable the Perfect Crime

Let’s say there’s a decal of a man (representing the dad) wearing a military helmet; a woman (the mom) in a dress; a boy (the son) with a soccer ball; a girl (the daughter) with pompoms and a small dog, the family pet. Here’s what a criminal mind may think:

  • The dad is out of town a lot because he’s in the military;
  • The mom is home alone during the day while the kids are at school, so this may be the perfect time to invade;
  • The boy plays soccer, so I can follow the family to their home and figure out which soccer field is the closest to their home;
  • The girl is a cheerleader; and
  • The dog is small and probably wouldn’t pose much of a threat.

Add a “Proud Parent of an Honor Student at Miller Elementary” bumper sticker, and the criminal then knows exactly which school the boy and girl attend.

What’s even more frightening is that sometimes I have seen the names of each family member associated with the stickers. Just think, a criminal could get the name of your son or daughter, call his or her school and impersonate you, or directly approach your child, attempting to trick your child into thinking that they know you.

I’m not saying that if you have these on your vehicle, you should run out and rip them off; however, just be mindful of the information that these little decals/stickers can give that enable criminals to put the pieces of the puzzle together to commit the perfect crime.

Image from Montgomery Public Safety Department's Facebook page.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.