So I told a friend I was starting to take home security more seriously...

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I'm new to IpCamTalk forum and have learned much. I came here to research home security, starting with cameras. Thankfully, I did because I was close to buying something from Costco (Defenders?) which I'm sure I would of been unhappy with.
Basically, a friend of mine had a house break-in while she was at work. That made me reflect on my own home security (my 2 cats) or should I say no home security. Hence, me crawling through thousands of posts here to learn as I go.
I did tell a woodworking friend about this and here is his reply:
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Security is losing battle. If I want your stuff bad enough, you lose it.
IMHO – heavy security will only stop the honest folks from making a bad decision.

That said, couple of tips:

1) Use a local recorder, with a battery back up for all cameras and recorder. First thing I do is cut your phone and cable lines; and turn off the power. 2nd thing is black spray paint on camera lenses.

2) Can not rely on web based systems to record video. Can sometimes trust that Cellular radio link heartbeat for the security feed will notify the central switch board that power/phone/internet is off, but when hitting high end homes we use cell phone jammer to knock out all local cell phones. They also stop the 911 calls if we mess up and find you home, or neighbor sees something. A cellular radio signal jammer costs < $250.

3) Make sure you hide the recorder in an unusual and hidden location. Best to build a secret, hidden box/panel in the dead space of a wall. First thing I do is look for cameras, and recorders. The recorder comes with me as I leave. I will pull wires out of the drywall from the camera to find the recorder, be sure to staple the camera wires to many studs. I like wireless cameras better. It is much easy to find wireless signals in home with sniffer. If my ‘cameras for thieves 101’ app is working on my phone, can break through most recorder firewalls in about 2 minutes and erase the hard drive, even if I can not find it.

4) Nothing small and of significant value should ever be visible from a window. Only shows me which window to break to make money quickly from a smash and grab.

5) We only steal large stationary appliance and power tools, when you are on vacation. It is easier in morning when everyone is at work, package deliveries have not started yet in neighborhood, the day after you leave and neighbors aren’t sure you have left yet. They are very heavy, and it takes about 20-30 minutes to get inside, and load that stuff up quietly; plus you need extra helpers which draw attention.

6) Idiots love to smash garage door windows, grab all the expensive hand tools they can carry, and leave in 30 seconds or less. By time you react to the alarm, find your gun, and get to the garage they are long gone; security system or not. Stupid criminals are only ones that get caught via camera. Black paint, black clothes, hooded sweat shirts, and latex gloves; are cheap at Walmart. Party city ALWAYS has mask(s) for sale.

PS – Am not a thief. In a super secret role, worked on asset security for high value electronics. Had to think like a thief to see what little hope there is of stopping hard theft, by serious criminals. With some luck, properly set up cameras will detect ordinary people coming and leaving an area; that will be wearing the same shoes and pants as that jerk in hoody and clown mask that robs you.
HaHa :) or :( ?

Best Luck.
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I replied:
FBI facts:
- There are 1,495,790 burglaries during the day. Break ins are 6% more likely to occur during the day between 6am and 6pm while people are at work or running errands. There are 1,324,090 burglaries during the night. The cover of night brings security for intruders but also means people are more likely be home.
- Burglars are most attracted to homes that do not have a home security system, but only 17% of houses have a system in place. Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized.
- 83% admitted that they specifically look to see if there’s an alarm; 60% would change their mind if there was one installed.

I’m not trying to defeat Jason Bourne :) I am trying to pursue a deterrent than having nothing at all.
Cameras are not the 100% answer. I am also in talks with my neighbors and discussing neighborhood security. Everything helps.
On my list… my first ever actual pistol for home, and even possibly 2 medium sized dogs (I’ve always had dogs or cats so this would be kinda great anyways!)
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So I know video and camera's are just 1 slice of the home security large pizza.
Besides...now I can REALLY tell what time the garbage man comes to pick up my garbage!
Silly question... does Blue Iris or Dahua make window stickers or such?
 

looney2ns

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What he discribed is definitely not the typical home thief.
First order of security is a good monitored alarm system...a loud one.
Don't fall into the falsehood of all you need is to purchase a pistol. Buying a guitar does not make you a musician. Get training.
 

BigFoot

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Black (or any) paint on the lens is an obvious one - especially when mounting cams lower down, so as not to catch views of heads / hats

The solution to this is having camera's overlooking one another. If to obscure one camera someone is caught on 1 or more other cams then they have gained nothing aside from a possible prosecution for criminal damage

Along this idea, what are the suggestions for a sacrificial lens covering / transparent tape ? (ie, could be peeled off & replaced if painted on)
 

looney2ns

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Black (or any) paint on the lens is an obvious one - especially when mounting cams lower down, so as not to catch views of heads / hats

The solution to this is having camera's overlooking one another. If to obscure one camera someone is caught on 1 or more other cams then they have gained nothing aside from a possible prosecution for criminal damage

Along this idea, what are the suggestions for a sacrificial lens covering / transparent tape ? (ie, could be peeled off & replaced if painted on)
Rarely happens.
 
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I have 4 outdoor cams in the 8 foot height range. Will be adding #5 outdoor cam for front door / package viewing. I'll also have an overwatch cam above 2nd floor.
And yes...if I pursue the purchase of a firearm shotgun, training and practice will be a requisite.
 
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I was really surprised at the pricetags of a new shotguns. $199 for maverick 88, for example. Even the Savage Arms Stevens 320 pump action pistol grip is $199. I have much to learn about home defense weapons and brands. They say, an AR15 is best for home defense due to it's magazine and less likely to go through the house walls. But that stuff is in the $700 range. Unsure if this is the right forum for such a discussion since it's Ip Camera stuff :)
 

bigredfish

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Make sure you train with a long gun for use in the house. They tend to bump walls, couches, and doorways if you're not wide awake and aware of your surroundings.;)

 

mat200

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I was really surprised at the pricetags of a new shotguns. $199 for maverick 88, for example. Even the Savage Arms Stevens 320 pump action pistol grip is $199. I have much to learn about home defense weapons and brands. They say, an AR15 is best for home defense due to it's magazine and less likely to go through the house walls. But that stuff is in the $700 range. Unsure if this is the right forum for such a discussion since it's Ip Camera stuff :)
Hi @Holbs

Off topic:

Re: Price $700 is actually fairly affordable in terms of the AR. - If they decide to ban it, you can expect the price to jump 2-3x overnight.
In fact iirc that is about what a better pistol may run. In terms of pricing, don't go for the cheapest - instead go for some decent quality.

btw - I have enjoyed the videos on the following channel on this topic, and you can learn quite a lot by just seeing what sort of experiments he does and posts.
Paul Harrell
 

BigFoot

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Off topic

From the non-US perspective but as an avid firearm enthusiasts position :

If you need to resort to using lethal force you're in a very bad position. Any sense of security you feel from having the weapon is false without knowing the abilities of your assailant/s & what weapons they are/ may be carrying
 

bigredfish

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You'll rarely if ever know the abilities of your assailant or what/if he is carrying until its Go time.
A firearm is merely a tool. Id rather have that tool than not if things go sideways. The thing most fail to understand is the need to train with it.

Once you've had some formal training, IDPA is a great way to learn and improve your handling and thinking skills. And its a lot of fun!

 

looney2ns

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You'll rarely if ever know the abilities of your assailant or what/if he is carrying until its Go time.
A firearm is merely a tool. Id rather have that tool than not if things go sideways. The thing most fail to understand is the need to train with it.

Once you've had some formal training, IDPA is a great way to learn and improve your handling and thinking skills. And its a lot of fun!

Yep, I spent 5 hrs participating in a local IDPA match yesterday. Much fun!
Will attend another next saturday.
Those that believe that all it takes is shooting a box of ammo from a static position at one static target, couple of times per year, is only the tip of the iceberg of what you don't know that you don't know.
 

looney2ns

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Off topic

From the non-US perspective but as an avid firearm enthusiasts position :

If you need to resort to using lethal force you're in a very bad position. Any sense of security you feel from having the weapon is false without knowing the abilities of your assailant/s & what weapons they are/ may be carrying
I'll just leave this here. Something that doesn't fit the news media agenda.
NRA-ILA | Armed Citizen®
 

TL1096r

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fan of this baby for home defense.. built in silencer
 
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Decided to finally own my first firearm. Will not be my last. But should be a good starting point. Mossberg 500 12gauge 8 shot. I heavily relied on the seasoned experience of the highly recommended gun shop crew to help advise me. (9mm will be next after my wallet cools off).
Next, lots of training and test firings.
bubble gum.jpg
 

looney2ns

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Decided to finally own my first firearm. Will not be my last. But should be a good starting point. Mossberg 500 12gauge 8 shot. I heavily relied on the seasoned experience of the highly recommended gun shop crew to help advise me. (9mm will be next after my wallet cools off).
Next, lots of training and test firings.
View attachment 43075
Let us know if you still like that crew at your local gun shop after you fire that puppy a few times while trying to hit a target using 00 buck shot.
It's been my experience that gun shop advice, isn't worth what you paid for it.
 

th182

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Let us know if you still like that crew at your local gun shop after you fire that puppy a few times while trying to hit a target using 00 buck shot.
It's been my experience that gun shop advice, isn't worth what you paid for it.
I would have gone for a traditional butt stock for a first gun. I’ve never fired a shotgun with a pistol grip and can’t say that I’d want to.


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