Caught an Intruder

[PineRidge]

If they can read this one should do the job nicely

 

[birddog0304]

ROFL

Still laughing
That's good

 

[TripleR]

I know all of us who consider an assault on us in or outside our homes are considered paranoid and alarmists etc., but: Bollinger County death investigation - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

 

[MasseyWV]

IP Vs analog cameras. There are differences, but the #1 difference is resolution. IP cameras have the ability to have much higher pixel count than analog cameras do. That is not always necessary. If you are covering a small choke point, an analog camera may have plenty of resolution to show faces clearly. Analog cameras tend to be better in low light and often (though not always) at night. Analogs are generally much smaller too, so can be concealed in tight spaces. But you pay for resolution, bigtime. IP cameras are always more expensive, and often several times more, due to the resolution and other features.

You can mix camera types, though it seems to make sense to go IP for the system backbone. There are converters that make analog camera signals into network signals so you can feed those into your network, if you want or need them.

After further research, I've came to the same conclusions regarding cameras.

My requirements dictate that I have the highest resolution possible with night vision capabilities. Good resolution is far more important to me so it would seem that IP based cameras would be the better choice.

Having night vision capabilities is almost as important, but any shortcomings in this area can be compensated for by using motion sensing flood lights. It would be sort of a gotcha situation, when the lights are triggered it would be too late, assuming the camera can adjust to the lighting conditions quickly enough. Alternatively, using lighting which is always on would also be a consideration.

Ideally, each camera would have remote motion sensors or be capable of being linked to a series of them but I've never seen any using the latter configuration. Basically, what I'd like to have is a line of motion sensors to detect the presence of an intruder which would then trigger a perimeter alert (indoor audible) and cause the camera(s) to start recording. Ideally, the system would also allow other trigger mechanisms to set everything into motion.

Since passive infared motion detectors aren't always reliable, I'm also looking at active infared sensors as well as other remote sensing systems both high and low tech. For example, a tripwire could trigger a switch, etc...

Recording. Systems in a box that include cameras and a DVR/NVR are almost always crap and should be avoided. Dedicated DVR/NVRs seem like a poor choice to me as many require proprietary hardware. I believe the better choice is NVR software on a dedicated PC. You basically need to create a separate network in your house for IP cameras, as they can consume huge amounts of bandwidth. You get a few cameras going, and it will bury a home network and you will lose frames, drop connections, etc. You very quickly get into the need for gigabit ethernet switches, which are not too crazy expensive anymore. There are some decent software packages out there, but Luxriot seems to be the best bang for the buck. A commercial grade system with reasonable costs. Get a decent PC (used or not) and XP Pro for an OS as your server. Win 7 uses too much memory and resources for this application. With software like Luxriot, you can log into the server remotely even from your smart phone and watch cameras. It can send alerts to you. Track motion. Scheduled recordings. Things like that.

Unless, you're constantly recording video from all the cameras at the same time the network traffic is very minimal. Meaning if you have the cameras set to alert mode or aren't viewing them all at the same time there isn't much to worry about.

After reading numerous reviews, it quickly became apparant that "systems in a box" were mostly crap so my plan is to purchase components individually as money permits. However, network storage still has me a bit perplexed, not so much from a technical standpoint as from a requirements standpoint.

Recording video 24/7 seems like overkill so I'd like to either record still images at a given time interval or only record video when the camera senses movement. That said, I've begun to wonder if a simple network storage drive (1-3 TB) on a dedicated gigabit network would be adequate. An NVR sounds great in theory but it seems like overkill, and having a PC running 24/4 doesn't appeal to me either. If it's possible, I'd like to only use a PC as a means of accessing the stored images/video or for viewing each camera's video feed.

 

[MasseyWV]

It is generally recommended never to electrify barbed wire.

You can electrify either smooth or barb wire. Personally, I run alternately smooth and barb. smooth is electric primarily because it is cheaper than barb and MUCH easier to handle and electrify. Barb is grounded.

After further consideration, I've decided that I'm going to run 1-2 strands of barbed wire (grounded) and a single strand of smooth electrified wire. Barbed wire generally has to be stretched to make it tight and most insulators I've seen probably wouldn't allow me to stretch the barbed wire tight enough. Having a strand of tight barbed wire over a strand of smooth electrified wire would also provide some protection for the electrified wire in the event of falling tree branches.

 

[kidr]

I will have to vote for dog improvement. Some breeds and individuals within a breed are high energy and confident, some are not. Two dogs are better than one, they give each other support and pack confidence. A trained dog will actively protect you or your wife in a physical intrusion or assault situation, no camera or motion sensor will do that. That protection is portable if need be.

Dogs may not be the total answer, but I wouldn't discount their advantages--if well trained and cared for.

Most people can't manage a trained protection dog. They are not easy or inexpensive to come by. They are also a great liability. A big untrained dog may or may not protect you. An alert terrier will bark and warn of anything abnormal.That's my vote.

 

[Lebneh]

After further research, I've came to the same conclusions regarding cameras.

My requirements dictate that I have the highest resolution possible with night vision capabilities. Good resolution is far more important to me so it would seem that IP based cameras would be the better choice.

Having night vision capabilities is almost as important, but any shortcomings in this area can be compensated for by using motion sensing flood lights. It would be sort of a gotcha situation, when the lights are triggered it would be too late, assuming the camera can adjust to the lighting conditions quickly enough. Alternatively, using lighting which is always on would also be a consideration.

Ideally, each camera would have remote motion sensors or be capable of being linked to a series of them but I've never seen any using the latter configuration. Basically, what I'd like to have is a line of motion sensors to detect the presence of an intruder which would then trigger a perimeter alert (indoor audible) and cause the camera(s) to start recording. Ideally, the system would also allow other trigger mechanisms to set everything into motion.

Since passive infared motion detectors aren't always reliable, I'm also looking at active infared sensors as well as other remote sensing systems both high and low tech. For example, a tripwire could trigger a switch, etc...





After reading numerous reviews, it quickly became apparant that "systems in a box" were mostly crap so my plan is to purchase components individually as money permits. However, network storage still has me a bit perplexed, not so much from a technical standpoint as from a requirements standpoint.

Recording video 24/7 seems like overkill so I'd like to either record still images at a given time interval or only record video when the camera senses movement. That said, I've begun to wonder if a simple network storage drive (1-3 TB) on a dedicated gigabit network would be adequate. An NVR sounds great in theory but it seems like overkill, and having a PC running 24/4 doesn't appeal to me either. If it's possible, I'd like to only use a PC as a means of accessing the stored images/video or for viewing each camera's video feed.

Foscam's cameras can do a lot of the stuff you listed. Motion triggered video recording(when a computer is monitoring), audible alarm (when a computer is monitoring them), night vision, (most models) turn off the recording light, newer models have HD resolution.

You haven;t mentioned it but I like the FTP/or email on alert. They can upload/email a photo (1 per second) once motion is detected. You can setup a free gmail account or something and have 10GB of security in the cloud. That way if you ever lost the storage at your place you still have the footage. (IE: someone breaks in when you;re not there and they trash all the equipment)

I just did a test and my camera adjusted from night vision to light very fast (I would say about 2 seconds, max).

And, just for the record I don;t sell these cams They are just my favorite (I have only used a hand full of brands).



As for the NAS (Network attached storage) I would hold off. I would either spend the money on a dedicated (used) laptop or use your current computer until you have an idea of how much storage you will be needing.

 

[texasjohn]

Massey, you will want to use this kind of fence strainer on both barb and smooth wires. Type of low impedance fence charger you need also pictured. I get these from Tractor Supply but they are available elsewhere.

 

[riptides]

Most people can't manage a trained protection dog. They are not easy or inexpensive to come by. They are also a great liability. A big untrained dog may or may not protect you. An alert terrier will bark and warn of anything abnormal.That's my vote.

Turkey and Guinea hens work well too. Mother nature has all sorts of alarms.

 

[GPintheMitten]

This afternoon, I began clearing the undergrowth along the tree line which made a huge difference. I'd like to see someone try to hide there now.



Signs are part of my plan, but these are more my style. :laughing:

These type of signs, while humorous and might deter someone, could also be a problem for the owner. If you ever did have to shoot someone in self-defense, the signs could be used as evidence as to your intent in a prosecution against you. I would not use any of these type of signs.

In Michigan, you must be in fear for your life from an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to yourself or another.

 

[MasseyWV]

As for the NAS (Network attached storage) I would hold off. I would either spend the money on a dedicated (used) laptop or use your current computer until you have an idea of how much storage you will be needing.

I need NAS for other reasons and plan to purchase 2-3 TB so I thought it could also be used in conjunction with the cameras, thus killing two birds with the same stone. Using a dedicated PC is not my preferred choice, but I already have numerous computers (laptops, desktops, and a server) available should I decide to use one of them for the security system.

These type of signs, while humorous and might deter someone, could also be a problem for the owner. If you ever did have to shoot someone in self-defense, the signs could be used as evidence as to your intent in a prosecution against you. I would not use any of these type of signs.

I would not actually use that kind of sign and only posted them in jest. For that matter, shooting an intruder would be my very last course of action, which is why I'm going to such great lengths to secure the perimeter, thus giving myself more time (advanced warning) so I'm hopefully not forced to make that fateful decision.

My security plans could be summed up in the following order...

1. Deter
2. Detect
3. Document
4. Defend

 

[mvwicker]

If they can read this one should do the job nicely

There's a story about a fellow who put up a sign saying "Danger! Mined!" at his boundary. The sheriff came out to investigate and the fellow said "Oh, that just means be careful, like mind your manners" and then crossed out the "e" with a pencil.

 

[forgeblast]

Trespassers will be Violated, Sayings, RY-15 - #1 source for Vinyl Decals

I always love the trespassers will be violated signs.

 

[s219]

When we were getting our building permits, we had to agree to put up a fence and signs to keep construction workers out of a sensitive wetlands area. So I made up some signs that said "NO ENTRY: Violators will be shot. Survivors will be violated, then shot again!" I did it mainly to amuse the building inspector, who was being kind of picky.

 

[Redbug]

Just wondering, Massey...
When you get the time, if it were me...I would put up a 3 or 4 strand barb wire fence. That would put a permanent border on your property. No trespassing signs could be placed at intervals. The fence would not cost as much as other fencing and it would deter the occasional trespasser. Anyone going past the fence would have to have a guilty motive in mind.

We are not sure about the trespasser's motive on the guy you noticed. Could even be a fellow looking for places to hunt...legally or illegally. I would not go too overboard about your incident. Maybe a game camera or two, and rake down any trails he might have used to look for new tracks. But...you have been violated and you need to keep your hackles up.

FYI...Interesting incident happened to us a month ago. I was at work...my wife heard our dog, (german shepherd), barking his "mean bark". She went out to see what the commotion was about. Our place is fenced in completely including the gate. Like a compound. A couple of adults were taunting the dog along the road. They cussed my wife and dog and said they did not plan to burglarize our place. Just that remark put us on edge. A normal person probably would not have said something like that and used profanity. These were 40ish year olds and rough looking. I do think they were casing the houses along our road. Now, we keep a camera, (and me my pistol always ready and in my pocket if I hear anything), and any one odd gets their picture taken. That way the perp also knows that we know that his picture has been taken. In SC you do not have to retreat if you are threatened with bodily harm.

So...I think a few signs that say you property is under camera survellance would be good too, whether you have cameras or not.

 

[Tororider]

So...I think a few signs that say you property is under camera survellance would be good too, whether you have cameras or not.

I was thinking this also. Something along the lines of " smile, you are on camera"

 

[greasemonkeyok]

I was thinking this also. Something along the lines of " smile, you are on camera"

Unless you are thinking like a criminal, which is "Game cameras are easy to sell or pawn in the next town over. Now, where is that thing."

 

[texasjohn]

"Smile, you are on hidden camera!" Place signs out of reach at numerous points within your property.

Now, it's a game....you gotta go inside fence and spend lots of time checking around looking for it. Just because you don't find it, doesn't mean you haven't had your photo taken!!

So, lots of time spent looking, increasing the chances YOU will see the intruder and take action and if he's busy elsewhere, he's NOT messing with you and your possessions.

 

[MasseyWV]

Unless you are thinking like a criminal, which is "Game cameras are easy to sell or pawn in the next town over. Now, where is that thing."

I do plan to buy a game camera, not only to use for intruder detection but also to see what kind of 4 legged critters frequent our property. In any case, I definitely plan to heavily conceal any type of camera I may decide to use, just to eliminate the temptation for someone to steal or destroy them.

"Smile, you are on hidden camera!" Place signs out of reach at numerous points within your property.

I've considered the possibility of posting "video surveillance" signs, but I remain undecided about it. The nut jobs around here just might interpret it as an invitation or a challenge. They might wonder what I have that is so valuable that requires video cameras to protect, hence the "invitation". That said, I'm thinking that most of what I do should be kept as low key as possible.

 

[Lava Rancher]

Just cut a fireline around your place and drag it daily. You'll know whats coming on or off your property and it's cheap. This is a low tech method USBP use to look for traffic in the desert. The fact that you headed after your perp will discourage him from returning.