technology to protect against scumbags

LegacyUser

Long story short I have found myself the victim of scumbags who live local to me and have taken to vandalising my property. I've decided to install a cctv system, with house alarm and outside light also. I'm thinking of one of those lights that clicks on when it picks up that somebody has hopped into the garden.

I would really appreciate anyones advice re these systems as I am a technological dunce and don't want to end up with a system that isn't worth a damn, obviously! Also, I am a single woman raising kids and my nerves are gone and guts are churning every single day since this started, so a little bit of practical online support here would mean more to me than I can say.

cantdecide

That's awful OP. I hope things change for you.

What kind of house do you have? The light is easy. You call an electrician, he supplies and fits everything, you pay him. I don't know how much but it might cost a couple of hundred. CCTV, I don't know too much about. Start by putting up a fake "CCTV in operation" sign. There are local sign specialists that can make them up if required.

I do hope you've spoken to the guards and done what you can in this regard.

LegacyUser

I have made a statement to the guards cantdecide, and they say there's nothing they can do unless these people are caught in the act, so please God these cameras will catch them in the act, or better still please God they just never come near me again and there's no catching to be done. I just don't understand people who behave like this, tbh they're making my life a pure misery.

OwenM

cantdecide wrote: »

I don't know how much but it might cost a couple of hundred.

Should cost less than €60 to have this light supplied and fitted. Lidl had them at one point I think.

CCTV could cost hundreds if you get someone in to do it for you.

Zen65

needadviceplease wrote: »

I've decided to install a cctv system, with house alarm and outside light also. I'm thinking of one of those lights that clicks on when it picks up that somebody has hopped into the garden.

Certainly any electrician will be able to install a system for you.

Don't pay a fortune for what you want. At the end of the day the best investment is a deterrent rather than a top-of-range security system.

An outdoor PIR lamp (say, 150W - 500W) would not cost you more than €30 to buy, and about €100 to get an electrician to install (assuming your existing house wiring is fairly modern). Get at least one per direction from which your house can be accessed. Make sure to install these up high enough to discourage anyone trying to break them with a stone, but ideally somewhere that you could easily access them to replace the bulbs when they fail. I use a slightly-more-expensive CFL bulb specifically for this type of lamp as it's long-life and low-energy.

As for CCTV, if you want one, I bought a unit which records camera images (from one camera) when motion is detected. It's a bit troublesome to maintain the file storage, but Maplin offer systems for around €300. Show these to your electrician and ask if he can source something along those lines. Don't pay more than €300 because you're just not getting any additional value for your money.

If you stick to the "deterrent" approach, you can buy good fake CCTV cameras for about €20 each.

Be at peace,

Z

dar4

hey op im a sparks and i just wanted to let u know there are now security lights with a built in camera that when activated will record what ever triggered it, it can also be set up to give out a voice command ring an electrical wholesalers for more info its a combined unit costing under 100 euro to buy electricain will vary on labour costs depending on what part of the country ur in tho cant remember the name of the maker of this unit tho good luck ps if u post about this unit on the electrical forum u might get some more info on this product and price to install etc

yer man!

You could install wifi cameras. They record when motion is detected and email you an image so if it's arson, you have the pics on a remote server somewhere. They're very neat and only require a power outlet and they are under €100 for a basic one which works grand. Or you could just buy a gun..... for "target practice" of course.

bert61

Hmm. i give it a try

LegacyUser

I think you can also get sensor lights that are only activated by the motion of things that are a certain height of the ground.
This would prevent it annoyingly going off everytime a cat or something passed it, and would only go off when something big like a human activates it.

I've also heard something before about low alarms like beeps that are only heard inside the house, so that you could ring the guards, and the criminal will be unaware that you have been alerted, and so then might get caught.

There might also be silent alarms, that when someone trips the alarm it goes direct to a security firm, or guards not sure.
Some people prefer loud alarms though to scare the burglar/ vandal off.

Could I ask, are you the lady who had the thread "living beside degenerates"?
You don't have to answer obviously, but I was just wondering how that person was getting along, and hoping that things had gotten better for them. Their situation reminded me of my own, though sounded scarier.

Pauleta

To be honest once they see the CCTV, the scummers will just see it as a challenge and cover their faces. If you can make the camera as innocuous as possible you may be able to catch them. I would suggest getting the CCTV but also going to your local councilor or TD and tell them about these problems. If there are other locals effected by this talk to them as well.

dar4

this unit has hidden infra red camera and a removable photo card so when u think u hav them on it u can download and print all it needs is a 220volt power supply looks like an normal light good luck

Eric Cartman

CCTV may help with the gards identifying these people , dont bother with the cctv in operation sign , just put up the cameras

also does anyone know if that new law came in where people cant sue you for injury on your land while trespassing anymore ? if so a dangerous dog or a few loose bits of razor wire just 'left' on the ground may be an option

just as a matter of interest OP how did this all start, please tell me you didnt tell them off , the worst thing anyone can do is be the 1 person in an estate to tell scumbags to stop doing something, just makes you the target