At least the trend seems to have halted for now. These abhorrent signs are completely pointless as a crime prevention device (obviously). It's free advertising

At least the trend seems to have halted for now. These abhorrent signs are completely pointless as a crime prevention device (obviously). It's free advertising in two ways. One is for Facebook/WhatsApp (the use of these signs further normalizes WhatsApp and strengthens the brand), and the other is as a friendly gesture to criminals: here live people who can't afford fancy alarm systems and private security subscriptions, but can afford plenty of easily stolen devices and other loot.