A new layer of security, and a neat one at that.

[Chako]

While skulking about on Boxing day which in my city, always falls on the day after as it is a municipal holiday, I spied something that looked interesting. It was an EZVIZ Mini 360 Plus Wifi security camera. That sale died as I didn't buy one on that day, but the next sales flyer at Best Buy had them on sale for the same price as that of the Boxing Day sale. I bought one and only installed it yesterday. After installing the App that goes with the camera, I was astounded at the functionality of the whole thing. I can now view my home while away from it. The Mini 360 Plus allows me to control the camera via pan and tilt functions. It also will track motion on its own, automatically recording the video. You can set up the camera so that it will give your cell phone or tablet an alarm if it spots any movement. Pretty freaking cool. I spent a good part of yesterday spying on my two guard cats. I liked the camera so much that I went back yesterday and bought 2 more as the sale ended yesterday. I haven't installed the other two as of yet, but I know where they will be going. The reason why I wanted a few more, is that although the Mini 360 allows you to pan and tilt, and even will take a 360 panoramic photo which allows you to simply click on the photo and the camera will automatically go there, during use, the camera won't rotate on its own. If it catches movement, it will follow that movement...but it won't do an auto search. So that required me into buying a few more. This way, I can cover the entry points.

This leads me into thinking I may invest in an outdoor camera system as well. I think I will stick with the same company, as I can scan all of the digital cameras using the same application. That break in on my Jeep a few weeks ago was the impetus for me to monitor my house via cameras. I was thinking it would be nice to hand over some video to the police next time as they don't seem too enthused into catching the criminals.

By the way, an update on the hatch break in on my Jeep. We spied the culprits a week ago walking down our street. The girlfriend told me to stop as I drove  past them. She was able to positively ID them. I drove around the block a few times tracking them. The couple immediately ID-ed the vehicle and I creeped them out as I was following them from a distance. I now know where they live, which is only a few blocks away. They are new to the area. I now know who to look for if something else happens at my house...but seeing they know where I live, and that they know I was able to follow them to where they live...I don't think anything else will happen...but I am assuming a small modicum of intelligence on their part. That is why I am adding an extra layer of security over my security system. I know I will want to have outside cameras as well...then my property should be better secured. Sad that a homeowner needs to do this. With that said, I still find it way cool to be able to see what my cats are doing when I am away from home. Best part, there is a two way speaker function on the camera. Now I can talk to them while away. It was worth seeing the reaction from one of the cats as I did this for the first time while away from the house. 

EDIT: Anyways, I just wanted to share that these new Wifi enabled security cameras are really cool devices. Last time I looked into security, you had to hire an installer to wire it all up.

[ThundahBeagle]

Hi Chako

Your property is no better secured with these cameras, and will be no better secured with more cameras. You just have a better chance of obtaining recompense.

I'm kind of an a$$, so I might be inclined to get together with a group of neighbors, bring flowers and a pie to thsee new folks in town and have a bit of a "welcome wagon" and a chat right in their own living room. Never even mentioning the break-in, but parking my Jeep right in front of their place during the neighborly visit. Maybe comment on some of the lovely photos they have out, inquire politely in front of everyone as to what it is they do for a living. Of course, never invite them for dinner at my place. Then, I've been in their territory physically, and will be In their head forever.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'm with the Beagle man, only I would probably mention the cameras I just put up during my visit, just in passing, and not directed at anyone.

Then I would seriously consider leaving a few of my antique bear traps under the snow next to my car as added insurance.  I have been having a similar problem here in Ottawa- someone stole Megan's new bike off our back step a few months ago.  We managed to find it again but I'm still pretty angry about it and I'd really like to discuss it with the guy personally.  Megan spotted him breaking into a neighbor's truck a while ago- I wasn't home but luckily she was out walking Daisy, and most criminals aren't brave or stupid enough to stand up to a 120 pound angry looking dog.   

Def

[Mechanickal]

Camera's are fourth.
Intrusion detection is third.
Decent locks and bolts comes second.
First is: organising yourself.
Locking doors etc, etc, etc, ...


But: if you want a "decent" camera system (I'm NOT calling your camera's junk) you still need a professional.

Wifi camera's can be jammed, wired ones can not.
If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.
A UPS in between the NVR and power outlet will keep everything functional for several hours during a power outage.

Again, NOT calling your cameras smurf, but they're not the same either.

[Don Pablo]

Why do the security speSmurfpillsts make such good burglars, at least in theory? 

[Chako]

Most folks around here do not cut the power as they aren't professionals. I am more worried about the village idiots such as that guy who broke my rear Jeep window. I already have professional monitored security. I am just adding another layer is all.

[ThundahBeagle]

I'm with the Beagle man, only I would probably mention the cameras I just put up during my visit, just in passing, and not directed at anyone.

Then I would seriously consider leaving a few of my antique bear traps under the snow next to my car as added insurance.  I have been having a similar problem here in Ottawa- someone stole Megan's new bike off our back step a few months ago.  We managed to find it again but I'm still pretty angry about it and I'd really like to discuss it with the guy personally.  Megan spotted him breaking into a neighbor's truck a while ago- I wasn't home but luckily she was out walking Daisy, and most criminals aren't brave or stupid enough to stand up to a 120 pound angry looking dog.   

Def

Glad you guys got Megan's bike back, Def. That sucks though, you had to do your sleuthing. Someone took mine off the bike rack off the back of my Blayzah. I had two of the same model on there - old mid 90's Mongoose Hill Toppers. They were even cable locked to the luggage rack. He got one. Eventually saw him riding around town and tracked him down to his home.

What kind of dog do you have? Funny how most people give little thought to annoying a 120 pound man, but would perish the thought of crossing a dog of even half that weight.

[ThundahBeagle]

Camera's are fourth.
Intrusion detection is third.
Decent locks and bolts comes second.
First is: organising yourself.
Locking doors etc, etc, etc, ...


But: if you want a "decent" camera system (I'm NOT calling your camera's junk) you still need a professional.

Wifi camera's can be jammed, wired ones can not.
If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.
A UPS in between the NVR and power outlet will keep everything functional for several hours during a power outage.

Again, NOT calling your cameras smurf, but they're not the same either.

Right on, Mech. Layers of an onion, with the deepest layer being up to you.

[ThundahBeagle]

Most folks around here do not cut the power as they aren't professionals. I am more worried about the village idiots such as that guy who broke my rear Jeep window. I already have professional monitored security. I am just adding another layer is all.

Hi Chako

Didn't mean to minimize the cool factor of your new cameras. Like you said, the simplicity with which they set up and their functionality are great for John Q. And nicer still if they are an additional layer, providing extra coverage for such low cost and infrastructure. And they can presumably be moved around as needed much quicker.

Sometimes there's nothing economical we can do. If I had a garage, my truck would be locked in it every night, as I'm sure your Jeep would. Both times my truck was violated, it was at my girlfriend's. Once on the street, and once even in her driveway.

And you are right that most of this type of theft is not by highly organized professionals. A lot is drug use habit that needs to be fed, so they take other people's things to sell. They won't take the time to cut power.

But they WILL experience high A$$ pucker factor when you and the neighbors show up with a cake and coffee and chat them up in their own parlor, and they scramble to lie about what they do for a living.

You - "so new neighbor, what kind of dog do you have?"
Dirtbag - "um, we don't have a dog."
You - "oh, that's funny...I could have sworn I saw you two on my street the other night looking for your dog near my Jeep. More sugar for your coffee, Mr. Poon?"

Their private conversation after the welcome wagon leaves will be one of deciding where they should move house to next, and how soon they can do so. I love that kind of psy-ops.

[Mechanickal]

Why do the security speSmurfpillsts make such good burglars, at least in theory? 

In practise too

Most folks around here do not cut the power as they aren't professionals. I am more worried about the village idiots such as that guy who broke my rear Jeep window. I already have professional monitored security. I am just adding another layer is all.

That is indeed what you described in the topic

[Grant Lamontagne]

Camera's are fourth.
Intrusion detection is third.
Decent locks and bolts comes second.
First is: organising yourself.
Locking doors etc, etc, etc, ...


But: if you want a "decent" camera system (I'm NOT calling your camera's junk) you still need a professional.

Wifi camera's can be jammed, wired ones can not.
If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.
A UPS in between the NVR and power outlet will keep everything functional for several hours during a power outage.

Again, NOT calling your cameras smurf, but they're not the same either.

Agreed, although Chako is also right- the types of criminals we usually encounter here are the smash and grab type that may be deterred by a camera but are not likely to disable power systems.  The usual type of break ins prevalent in Canada are done y the type of people that steal the camera but leave the VCR with the tape of them disabling the camera behind.   

Def

[Don Pablo]

Camera's are fourth.
Intrusion detection is third.
Decent locks and bolts comes second.
First is: organising yourself.
Locking doors etc, etc, etc, ...


But: if you want a "decent" camera system (I'm NOT calling your camera's junk) you still need a professional.

Wifi camera's can be jammed, wired ones can not.
If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.
A UPS in between the NVR and power outlet will keep everything functional for several hours during a power outage.

Again, NOT calling your cameras smurf, but they're not the same either.

Agreed, although Chako is also right- the types of criminals we usually encounter here are the smash and grab type that may be deterred by a camera but are not likely to disable power systems.  The usual type of break ins prevalent in Canada are done y the type of people that steal the camera but leave the VCR with the tape of them disabling the camera behind.   

Def

You still use VCRs up there? 

[Mechanickal]

Camera's are fourth.
Intrusion detection is third.
Decent locks and bolts comes second.
First is: organising yourself.
Locking doors etc, etc, etc, ...


But: if you want a "decent" camera system (I'm NOT calling your camera's junk) you still need a professional.

Wifi camera's can be jammed, wired ones can not.
If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.
A UPS in between the NVR and power outlet will keep everything functional for several hours during a power outage.

Again, NOT calling your cameras smurf, but they're not the same either.

Agreed, although Chako is also right- the types of criminals we usually encounter here are the smash and grab type that may be deterred by a camera but are not likely to disable power systems.  The usual type of break ins prevalent in Canada are done y the type of people that steal the camera but leave the VCR with the tape of them disabling the camera behind.   

Def

You still use VCRs up there? 

And tape!

[Aloha]

There are some really neat cameras on the market.  I like layers of security myself and interior and exterior cameras make a lot of sense.  I have a few clients with the Ring camera system.  I've been following a guy on youtube who does really good reviews of home security systems.   He's installed a few on his home rather easily.  The picture quality is really nice and the systems overall are prices decently.  I've looked at some pretty nice front door deadbolts, Medeco comes to mind.  Replacing the screws in your doors hinges with 4 inch screws is a good place to start.  The normal screws are pretty wimpy and is a failure point.  It does suck we have to secure our homes but whats the alternative? 

[Aloha]

Coming back to this thread.  I used to be a bit uneasy about all the cameras used around.  Seemed like they are everywhere.  A few neighbors have them and like I said I've looked into them as well.  I moved from a high crime area to a lessor one but auto theft and burglaries are pretty rampant.  My friend joined a FB neighborhood watch group.  Just this morning someone posted video surveillance of an individual checking cars to see if they were left unlocked.  While the footage was good the person was hooded so no way to ID this jerk.  More and more I am wanting a larger dog.  I will continue to look into exterior cameras.   

Oh, have you guys seen the footage of cameras showing jerks stealing packages from the front porches?  I love the that technology has come so far that homeowners can now have high level of surveillance on our properties affordably. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

Many small businesses do still use VCR's and tapes, but also the vast amount of my investigative experience is from a long time ago too.

I'm old, sue me.... 

Def

[Smashie]

One camera is not enough, one obvious camera the crook will smash or take. Add a second or third and the crook (normally not high on the IQ scale) will miss it.

Better off improving physical security, nasty spiky plants around the outside right up against the walls, external lighting, toughened glass in the windows and strengthened doors (frames too with piano hinges and multi point locking).

[ironraven]

Gaurd animals. I am partial to skunks. Descented pet skunks are very cuddly- they will love you to death if you let them. Most people will see Mr Stripes come waddling over and high tail it.

And all he wanted to do was say Hi.

[Chako]

skunks are adorable.

[Vidar]

Most folks around here do not cut the power as they aren't professionals. I am more worried about the village idiots such as that guy who broke my rear Jeep window. I already have professional monitored security. I am just adding another layer is all.

I'm sorry to say that your village idiots are smarter than ours. I had a theft from a car some years ago and the smurfing smurf had to break two windows to get in...

I still like that workshop who had a sign saying "We don't report thiefs. We punish them". As far as I know they never had any issues with thieves. My issues with car theft stopped once I quit locking the car. Oh the irony.

[Etherealicer]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

[Mechanickal]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

[Don Pablo]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

Power outlet in the shed also....

[Mechanickal]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

Power outlet in the shed also....

True!

[Etherealicer]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

That must be strange wiring. Done right, the best you can achieve is to blow the fuse (or more precisely the circuit interrupter) for the outside circuit.

[Mechanickal]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

That must be strange wiring. Done right, the best you can achieve is to blow the fuse (or more precisely the circuit interrupter) for the outside circuit.

Nope.

Common mistake.

Give it a try...
Both ground leak switches will blow when leading the phase onto the ground connection.

[Don Pablo]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

That must be strange wiring. Done right, the best you can achieve is to blow the fuse (or more precisely the circuit interrupter) for the outside circuit.

Nope.

Common mistake.

Give it a try...
Both ground leak switches will blow when leading the phase onto the ground connection.

We use ring circuits here(possible due to all plugs having a fuse) so would that change things?

[Mechanickal]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

That must be strange wiring. Done right, the best you can achieve is to blow the fuse (or more precisely the circuit interrupter) for the outside circuit.

Nope.

Common mistake.

Give it a try...
Both ground leak switches will blow when leading the phase onto the ground connection.

We use ring circuits here(possible due to all plugs having a fuse) so would that change things?

Don't know what you mean :-/

[Etherealicer]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

That must be strange wiring. Done right, the best you can achieve is to blow the fuse (or more precisely the circuit interrupter) for the outside circuit.

Nope.

Common mistake.

Give it a try...
Both ground leak switches will blow when leading the phase onto the ground connection.

Maybe different wiring in different countries? But here, that would not work, the interrupter on the outside circuit would go first and would go alone.

[Mechanickal]

If I'd break into a house, I'd cut the power first. No router, no power, no cameras.

That is why powerlines are in the ground.

The problem is, if you have a skillset, that allows you to overcome a decent defense system, its probably more profitable to employ that skillset in a legal job.

We had a break in at our office. All they took was the cash from the vault, they left the computers and all other electronic devices. Quite unsurprising really, the value of second hand electronics is zilch. The chance of finding a decent amount of money is in a private home is minimal.
There are very few items, thieves are interested:
- Jewelery
- Cash
- Guns

Don't know the situation there, but people here often have a power outlet in their yard for their pressure washer, christmas lighting, electric lawnmower, etc.
Using this outlet I can disable the entire fusebox within 2 seconds.
I don't even have to open the outlet for it.

Problem is: they know what I know...

That must be strange wiring. Done right, the best you can achieve is to blow the fuse (or more precisely the circuit interrupter) for the outside circuit.

Nope.

Common mistake.

Give it a try...
Both ground leak switches will blow when leading the phase onto the ground connection.

Maybe different wiring in different countries? But here, that would not work, the interrupter on the outside circuit would go first and would go alone.

Over here we have a 300mA leak protector for regular indoor rooms and a 30mA protector for outside and humid areas.

A phase wire directly on the earthing circuit will mean a loss much greater then 300mA, causing both protectors to go out.

However, if your leak remains below 300mA, your statement would be true.

EDIT: the 30mA is always added BEHIND the 300mA here. So no parallel connection.