Home serveillance systems?

[Piper2022]

Like alot of you guys we live off the beaten path. We got broken into last year and even though they caught the thief they couldn't prove he stole the goods and just got nailed with possession of stolen property.

So the dumb kid who broke into the garage is back living down the street. We need to setup some real camera now. I have 2 trail cams setup at the moment but want to install a hard drive with some cameras. Anyone care to chime in or point me in the right direction. On amazon there are camera kits with hard drive that range from 200 to 2k.

Thanks

 

[Industrial Toys]

I don't know if things are the same in the States as here in Canada.

I have been a self employed security "professional" for twenty years.

Every week I get calls asking about CCTV systems to "CATCH" someone.

It is a waste of time, effort and money!

The POLICE and legal system has no interest whatsoever in prosecuting such minor infractions. Anything less then homicide is totally ignored.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Signs. Lights, Cameras are what you need. HUGE signs warning that cameras are all over. Next motion lights that go off everywhere a crook might go. Motion cameras that go on at the same tome the lights go on. Some night vision cameras that will not be notices. They also have motion detectors that will trigger sound effects like a dog barking, of a recorded sound saying STOP THE POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED.

These things wil help scare them off BEFORE they steal anything. A crook wants to get in and out clean, if there is the slightest chance they are viewed of are noticed they move on to easier tartgets and there are plenty more to get after they are scared away from your place.

 

[YardBikeBob]

We use these: GeoVision Inc. GV-MFD130 1.3MP H.264 Mini Fixed Network IP Dome - PoE, WDR, ONVIF Profile S

Installed a dozen to watch 8 different retail stores. They have an SD card that can hold a month's worth of video. They also include server software that allows monitoring & storage of footage. During store hours, they're on continuously, over night they use motion detection. These are all 'indoor' cameras to be used in conditioned space. Outdoor rated cameras require heaters/fans to keep at reasonable temps. Outdoor rated ones are a lot more money. Captured two break-ins. Some shoplifting. What we learned:

• Break-ins happen at night. Cameras have some night vision capability. But all you have on video is a guy in a hoodie making a fast, blurry pass through your store. That is, not enough detail to identify a person.
• Added motion sensing light. 2nd break in with light. More detail but still couldn't identify person.
• Camera has to be close. Looking down from 8' ceiling rarely catches full facial image of bad guy -- they keep their head down.
• Camera at chest height w/lighting would be ideal. But where to mount them? And, of course, bad guy will steal that, too, so then you need that remote server.
• Camera's use a lot of bandwidth! Don't expect to stream video from remote cameras over internet to off-site location without very high speed internet.
• Having a central monitor/server is just another PC you have to maintain and have on all the time.
• Software is good but quirky. It takes awhile to get good at using it. And then you have to relearn on an event.
• Cameras are not very reliable -- they just break after awhile. Like a year. Some last forever.
• Police are useless. Perhaps you'll get lucky and the crook will hold ID up to camera. Otherwise police make a report and are on their way.
• Our break-ins; the guy was in an out under a minute.
• Maybe outdoor, lighted space, on drive hoping to shoot pic of vehicle with license plate your best hope -- and a trail cam can do that.

Seriously, in the country? Get a dog.

Bob

 

[MoKelly]

Seriously, in the country? Get a dog.

Bob

Agree 1000%. The more fearsome the bark the better.

MoKelly

 

[farmer2009]

Agree 1000%. The more fearsome the bark the better.

MoKelly

There is a saying around here. If a dog barks at you he is afraid of you. So if using a dog as security, you want one that doesn't bark. Just stroals up to there door and sits no barking no grouling no wagging tail. Most won't get out of the vehicle as that dog isn't afraid of them. Most barkers can just be walked by.

 

[michael.white]

There is a saying around here. If a dog barks at you he is afraid of you. So if using a dog as security, you want one that doesn't bark. Just stroals up to there door and sits no barking no grouling no wagging tail. Most won't get out of the vehicle as that dog isn't afraid of them. Most barkers can just be walked by.

I've been bitten by enough of those barkers growing up to know better than that. Between biking and door-to-door sales, barking dogs do bite.

 

[Looking4new]

Put up signs. 'trespassers may be shot' and a picture of a camera and a shotgun.

 

[psj12]

I agree with Industrial Toys, our justice system is drowning in what they consider petty crime. If the justice system can make money off it then they are all over it such as traffic citations and DWIs support a large number of jobs within the community.

Prosecuting a scum bag with no income or property is an expense to the system with no return. Unless it is a publicized crime or happens to a celebrity or someone politically connected nothing is done. You are told "here is your police report. If you find out who did it, let us know". Even then you will be asked if you saw them do it and if you did not, again nothing is done.

 

[DennisArrow]

Posted this in another Forum a couple of weeks ago........Still valid



Video Surveillance 101

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Christmas my very significant other, Susan/Wife, was wanting a camera or baby monitor down at the barn that she could use to check out sick goats, mommas bearing, breeding, and what they are doing in the barn overnight. Okay, this should be easy.

First the choice of broadcast type. Wireless or hard wired. That was an easy choice as if I was getting her a video cam surveillance sytem then it was gonna be more than just a goat cam. So, just to go to the barn is 250' and not gonna run wire/cable.

It would be necessary to have the cams perhaps 300 or 400 feet or more from the house to cover goat/livestock barn, vehicle barn, main entry gate, back way in-never used road gate/cable, and the path/route that trespassers are most likely to use.

The system would need to be 12V so I can power it with solar and recharge thecar, tractor, small tractor, or motorcycle battery.

The system would need to function as an alarm so that movement would set it off and it would integrate with current alarm systems. It would also need to be able to be "triggered" by movement or noise and record whatever set it off; but NOT record, record, record all the time constantly. In addition it needs to be able to be monitored from my PC, lap-top, a "smart" phone, or additonal TV monitor.

Inra-red capability and range is a totally required item on the list with at least a range of 100' feet or more.

Ok......So need at least 4 cams with a DVR, good warranty, customer service,tech service/help, and most of all.....GREAT PRICE.....

Dream on Sherlock............

So after a lot of research, phone calls, talking with sales folks, and other users I selected a Lorex system that is built for outdoors and all of my above requirments and more. Yes, COSTCO, Walmart, Sams and others sell their systems; but I went directly to Lorex because of their outstanding customer service, fast delivery (we were getting down to the wire for Christmas), warranty, and knowledgeable AMERICAN techs on the phone.

OK..........Got it and have been setting it up for several days now with NO hurry...........

Had to :
get a solar panel
battery

Build a box for those hanging on a tree or telephone pole to protect from weather

Try out distances and hook up extra extender antenna or not

Figure out the size of battery I needed. Ends up being a small tractor/lawn mower is just right. Got a 10W 12V solar panel. This charges the battery and provides enough power for cloudy days. The Cameras use 325 miliamps..................

Ok........NOW to use them...............More later. God bless........Dennis
__________________

 

[Industrial Toys]

I could have sold so many systems but opted out. Unless I sell someone something that is going to benefit them, I won't. A two dollar ski mask will render a ten thousand dollar CCTV system quite ineffective!

Not only that, but for me, there is no money in it for me anymore. I used to sell one camera lense for the same price as you can get an eight camera system and recorder at Costco today!

As for having a sign about getting shot. Well if you have such a sign and ever do shoot someone, you are going to be in so much trouble, it won't even be funny! That would probably be taken as premeditation.

A security system with an unusually large number of high power sirens is still the best bet. Flashing lights are good too. We in the industry all like to make our money in recurring monitoring revenue. In truth, it's often a waste of money. I never tell people that it is for Police response. It is to notify "someone" that an event has occurred. With new technology, there are ways you can do this yourself. A lot of security companies don't even provide sirens and if they do, it's often a three dollar siren, at the security panel in the basement. Why? Because sirens cost money, AND they compete for the monitoring revenue. People may get the bright idea, why pay for monitoring, why not just have the sirens?

My greatest pleasure comes from instances, where a customer had their door kicked in, all **** broke loose, and you see the tire marks in the driveway where the suspects got out of their in one **** of a hurry!

The one phrase I hear time and time again, by people with no security systems, is " If they want to get in, they will get in". What an utterly DUMB thing to say! Some of my doors I don't even lock, preferring just to set the alarm. Let them in, and see what happens!

 

[Looking4new]

That is why the picture of the camera AND the shotgun. People do 'shoot' pictures with cameras too.

 

[MacLawn]

Policeman at our neighborhood watch meeting said they've learned a dog is the best deterrent to a thug. They'll try to find an easier place. Me? Dog, gun, I work from home, security system (SimpliSafe), watchful neighbors, we watch out for each other, and I think the word has spread that I'm a crazy man with a shotgun wandering around on me place. Ain't had nary trouble.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I'm sure neighbours think me of the nut case as well. There are signs, and large institutional posts like on an expressway with cameras (usually non operational).

Years ago, a farmer lost his cattle and no one dared come on my hundred acres to look for them because rumour has it that the whole place is WIRED! Too funny!

I also TOTALY disagree about the barking dogs. Even little yappie lap dogs will snap at you. Never had a dog try and bite me that wasn't barking!

In this day and age around here, CRAZY and FIREARMS are not two things that should go together, or there will be ETF heavily armed cops repelling out of black helicopters. They don't need much excuse to deploy!

Up here in Canada, if you complained someone was shooting at you, the Police would be there in short order. It doesn't even have to be true!
So then they find a single .22 shell on your coffee table or in the console of your truck. That's unsafe storage of ammunition! Or a firearm is not locked up. Now you are a criminal! Now all your guns get thrown in the trunk of a cruiser like cordwood, and you will probably never see them again! Plus you now have a CRIMINAL record!

 

[newbury]

<snip> I think the word has spread that I'm a crazy man with a shotgun wandering around on me place. Ain't had nary trouble.

That helps, I had several people "scavenging" wood off my 70+ acre lot about 100 yards from the house.. I got in the habit of walking out and firing the 12 gauge occasionally. (I like the smell of gunpowder) They stopped. I disagree with the "barking dogs are safe" theory. To often I've seen intruders on my suburban lot scared off by our 70lb lab (RIP).

 

[Piper2022]

Thanks for all the input, the following is a summary from when we got broken into last time, I posted this a few months back went it happened.



"Monday I had a few sets of alloy wheels stolen from outside my parents garage as well as a riding mower. Today the garage was broken into, and a dirt bike was stolen as well as the door smashed.

Here is a little history
I am 24 years old and basically share the garage with my father as i live right near by. We built the place and and its a 30'x50' crammed full of tools, toys, and materials. The driveway is 1000ft long with the house at the far end and the barn by the road. I spoke with my farther monday night and he said a bunch of stuff was stolen from the yard, alloy wheels, tires, lawnmower, etc. The stuff was all outside under a lean-to addition. He was looking around after that and noticed some tractor tire tracks that wernt ours and we know of only one other person near by who has a tractor. We have never met any of these people before but my father knew it was there tractor so he drove up there driveway to have a word with them. There was a early 20's kid in the yard who came over to him. My father asked him if he had been on our property with his tractor and he said he was lost earlier. The he tells him that "you have alot of scrap metal over in the woods and if you would like it gone i can do that" my father said we are fine and left under good terms, knowing that it was the kid who stole all the stuff. We called the cops and the kid in questions has been stealing all over the town, but mostly scrap metal. We filled a report and he said he would try and look for the stuff. I was not too worried because it was not worth a ton, maybe 800 for everything.

Today he breaks the glass in the entrance door to the barn and steals a dirtbike and it appears just that. We as well as the officer thought he would be scared off by the fact we knew who he was and filed a report, but no he wanted more. My parents found the damage before I was able to check on the garage and the cop was there and filled another report. Being 24 and living in the town for many years I know plenty of people. I called a few buddies and before I knew it I found out who he sold it to. The kid was nice enough to give it back for the 100 bucks he supposedly paid for it. Kid said he bought it thinking it was a 93 when it was an 03 that is why its so cheap.

Now I need a way to deal with this properly, both the kid and garage security.

For dealing with the kid, should i let this just play out, or should I have a talk with him. I am not a violent person and have no desire to fight with him. He only lives 1/4 mile from the garage. I have a friend who he stole from as well and he would would like to "beat him up" with my help but that is not how I solve problems. There are too many stupid kids out on the streets carrying guns that I dont want to get shot over some theft. The police have testimony from the kid he sold it too but I am not sure what sorta good that will do in the courts?

As for garage security I have installed a very loud alarm with motion sensor indoors and two trail cams setup outside for now. I am going to have dsl brought to the garage so I can setup some live video feeds to watch at work. Any opinions?

I am worried he is going to steal more stuff now that he has seen the inside of the garage. Any ideas?"


Sorry for such a long post. I have seen him back on our road now that he is outa jail. He did get convinced for theft. He stole crap all over town. From boat motors to lawnmowers. The last two time he broke in he drove his grandmas 50hp tractor around the town pulling like a 6x12 dump trailer in broad daylight. He is not going to come at night if he dose come again. He know everyone on this road works 8-4.

I do want to do a Camera system such as the fellow on here described to monitor his livestock in the barn down the road.

We have a dog at the house and my mother who lives at the end of the driveway works part time. When the garage is 1000ft from the house it's easy to sneak in with out anyone hearing.

Getting back to some of you guys who questioned the cops perusing the case. The fact so many things around towns were stolen that had to prosecute him. He goes to court in a few weeks and we have a claim for 800 for the damage to the door because he admitted to breaking in for that.

 

[oosik]

I live in the middle of nowhere and have a mile long driveway. Never had any break-ins in the 32 years I've been here. It didn't take long for the word to get around that I greet all who come to my house with a loaded shot gun. My nearest neighbor(4.5 mi away) put a sign on his entrance gate that probably does well at distracting miscreants. Its a large sign with the outline of a 30-30 Winchester across the top and this wording - "We don't call 911 out here".

 

[Industrial Toys]

Short of resorting to violence, like paying someone to beat him to within an inch of his life, I don't know. I would have no problem with having him beat up, just getting caught for it which is just too easy. Plus, some day down the road, he may seek revenge. Do you want to spend your life looking over your shoulder?

I knew a guy like that growing up. He was adopted, his stepfather died of alcoholism, his sister was a drug addict. Yet they wee upper middle class people! He stole everything in sight. Eventually he stole brand new sports cars from dealerships and had smash up derbies with some friends. He was in an out of court and group homes but never really got in big trouble. Eventually, I think he grew out of it.

I seriously don't know what I would do if I were you. Did you say how old he was? Don't you guys have that three strikes thing anymore?

 

[Piper2022]

I think he is 21 now. And I am not a big guy but in good shape and 190lbs. He looks like he is 13, must be 5'5" 130lbs. I have really tought about scaring the crap outa him. Except he has nothing to live for and never graduated highschool. I am a mechanical engineering and no need for a criminal record.

The local cop should not have told me the but when I asked what my rights were if he came back when I was home. He told me basically if i were to pay him a visit at his place just don't get caught lol. Not food advice from a cop.

There is a restating order against him with terms being he can't step foot on our property. I am 99.99% sure he rode his snowmobile down out driveway today but can't prove crap because there are many sleds who get lost because the trail splits off right near our driveway. There are plenty of no snowmobile signs but people don't seem to notice them lol

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's always dicey when you have more to loose then the other guy.