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!)
-------------------------------------
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?
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:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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


Best Luck.
--------------------------------------------------
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

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!)
-------------------------------------
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?