Security Cameras

[Neal]

So, with the break in we just had, we're now going to take further measures to protect ourselves and our tortoises.

An alarm system is not really an option right now, nor is a dog. But a security camera system is probably the most practical thing we could do right now and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations?

I have three computer monitors at work, so I would like a system that is hooked up to the internet so I can keep an eye on it at work at all times.

I'm looking at This one.

 

[dmarcus]

I think that is a good system. Has several things that I think are very good.

1. Night Vision. So many system fail because they lack this ability.
2. Motion and alarm detection. The fact that you get an e-mail notification is helpful.
3. You have the ability to hook up extra camera's if you like.
4. DVR. They record better quality than the old VHS recorders.

I worked casino security for a few years when I lived in Las Vegas and nothing beats a good camera system. Hard to dispute video evidence..

 

[Tony the tank]

A state of the art system can cost you quite a bit of $... You can easily hook up a a decent camera $100 bucks to a cheap home depot light with a motion detector.. Some even have a small motor to follow movement..... You can then wire it straight to our TV (really no need for dedicated monitor)... If you want you can run it through a VCR or your computer...

Find a shop that sells surveillance equipment.. And explain to them what you want...and they will tell you what you need....


But keep in mind just because you have them on camera it isn't going to be easy to catch the thief... First they would have to be identified and I'm sorry to say.. PD,s don't put much effort into these types of thefts... You might be better off with deterrents.. fake cameras , good locks (a few signs stating this area is under sight and sound recorded surveillance....).. A lot cheaper same over all results..

Staying Pro active with deterrents to keep from becoming a victim is a lot easier than re active after the fact.... [/b]

 

[dmarcus]

The quality of VCR sucks when it comes to recording surveillance especially if you’re recording at night. So many store robberies in the country go unsolved because of cheap surveillance systems. If you have the money then go with quality.

Even if PD's don't put much effort into these types of crimes, the power of YouTube and other media outlets that play those videos make it worth the better system. Look at that case in California a few months back where the ladies stole tortoises from the pet store and when they saw the video of themselves on the news and other media outlets, they returned the tortoises.

This would definitly be a case of, you get what you pay for.

 

[StudentoftheReptile]

Even if PD's don't put much effort into these types of crimes, the power of YouTube and other media outlets that play those videos make it worth the better system. Look at that case in California a few months back where the ladies stole tortoises from the pet store and when they saw the video of themselves on the news and other media outlets, they returned the tortoises.

This would definitly be a case of, you get what you pay for.

Yeah, when I still worked at our LPS, someone had stolen one of the donation boxes that we had for one of the local animal shelters. We caught it on camera and we aired that sucker on the news and on youtube. They returned the box and turned themselves later that week.

 

[Tony the tank]

Your right they can air it on you tube..And they can arrest the guy a week later... But by then the animal can be gone.....

I have seen hundreds of videos related to thefts,robberies and in about 10% we had a clear identifiable picture even after being sent out for enhancement....and this included professionally installed bank surveillance equipment...

And like everything you do get what you pay for...from what I have heard about casinos most of their profits goes to surveillance...And I would venture to guess that would be quite a bit of Money...

I'm not saying cameras are a bad idea...But I have seen people use cheap fake cameras and signs to deter theft ... And if you could keep from becoming a victim..you have won the battle

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

Motion lights and a fake camera can go a long way. Also a sign posted that say's "Smile you are on camera". I think a system that records non stop would be very expensive but I have no idea, sorry. Would your landlord foot the bill for an alarm system since this has happened?

 

[Angrycowgoesmoo]

Well instead of one you can just scare the living poop outta the theft! You can put some fishing wire that can set a trap like maybe if you walk across it you would trip then maybe a creepy jigsaw puppet can come out and scream "YOU WANNA PLAY A GAME!!" and then the theft will scream thus waking you up and then he/she would run out! OR!! get a bunch of fake laser that makes a line and pretend they are like lasers and if you touch it you get burned! ORR! when the theft steps on fishing wire there would be a very loud scream!! Or you can set a fishing wire so when they step on it a bunch of fake missles shoot at them and they would be so scared because they would be trying to be super quiet and then PEW PEW PEW! they get blasted with 100s of missles! Here is a video for one of the trip wire. It makes a loud bang noise http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VsRqxoEhwY here's also a laser one! it's super cheap too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0FTzUhdg3w&feature=channel_video_title