Three years ago, Orlando’s MetroWest area was hit with a crime wave, so everyone turned to the developer of the community’s Veranda Park town center, Kevin Azzouz, asking that something be done.

   Azzouz promised an aggressive security plan, which included about 40 “infrared” security cameras along the major thoroughfares, OrlandoSeninel.com reports. Now, residents have discovered that all the security cameras Azzouz installed are fakes — empty boxes not connected to any monitoring system

and without working parts.

   Orlando police Capt. John O’Grady said that in some settings, fake cameras can be appropriate, such as for decoys for hidden real cameras to catch shoplifters. But outdoor fake cameras can give people a false sense of security, he said.

   The board that governs the 1,800-acre development with about 12,000 residents says it is working to have real security cameras wired directly to Orlando police headquarters.