Beware of the dog...

In theory they should be becoming more effective.....

My assumptions.....

1. Burglars are (generally) - the more stupid amoungst us.
2. Over the past 5 years, within the underclass only (from which the majority of burglars come) the meme of keeping dangerous dogs has taken root. For the moment the middling classes appear immune.
3. Most humans, espeically the less cognitatively proficient amoungst us, tend to overlay our own experience on real world situations when making judgements about the behaviours of other people.

So.....unlike 20 years ago, when the stupid person, attempting to jimmy the side gate of the well kept middle class residence, would have rightly assumed the dog behind the gate broadly mirrored his own friendly family mut - he will now be, incorrectly assuming, the sailvating bark on the other side of the fence, is that of a vicious attack dog, similar to the revotling creatures he and his mates keep as pets.

Ergo.....

"beware of the dog" sign should, in theory, be more effective....