Placing an alarm or video surveillance sign on a home bearing the name of a security company without having contracted its services may seem like an innocent way to deter squatters or burglars. However, this practice is expressly prohibited in Spain by Law 5/2014 on Private Security and can lead to fines of up to €600 per day.
The penalty is not for using a sign itself, but for displaying the name or logo of a genuine security company without a contractual relationship. In effect, it creates the false impression that the property is professionally protected when, in fact, it is not.
According to Article 10 of the law, individuals or legal entities that are not authorised, or have not submitted the corresponding declaration of responsibility, are prohibited from advertising or providing private security services.
Why is it considered an infraction?
The issue lies in the commercial exploitation of a specialised company’s name without paying for its services, which may amount to corporate identity theft or even a breach of intellectual property rights. As a result, offenders risk not only a daily fine but also potential legal action for damages from the affected company. In such cases, penalties can be significantly increased, particularly if harm to the brand’s reputation or fraudulent use of its image is proven.
What if the sign doesn't mention any company?
However, if a generic sign is installed simply warning of the presence of security cameras – without reference to any specific company – no infringement is committed, provided the Data Protection Law is respected (for instance, if real cameras are recording without authorisation). What is penalised is not the notice itself, but the false impression that a professional security service is in place when it is not, particularly if the name or logo of a registered company is used.
In summary:
- Yes, you may display a generic "video surveillance area" sign, provided it does not mention any company.
- You may not display a sign bearing the name or logo of a security company unless you have actually contracted its services.
- Doing so can result in fines of up to €600 per day, along with potential lawsuits for damage to reputation and trademark rights.
What may seem like a simple deterrent can quickly become a serious legal issue. The advice is clear: if you don’t have a security service, don’t pretend you do – especially not by using a company’s name or logo.
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