Criminals are a varied lot. Some do a logical cost-benefit analysis before acting, some don't. Some are so whacked out that they will leave your wallet, but eat your face. Crime deterrence by stand-your-ground legislation does not seem to be dramatic, if it exists at all. If the increased probability of an armed victim fails to discourage crime, it doesn't seem likely that talismans like door locks or video cams will do so. Compared to most of the world, we live in a fabulously safe country with excellent access to cheap, pure water. Nevertheless, we invest heavily in security systems and bottled water.
If we took the money we spent on ADT, Smith & Wesson, and Evian, and spent it on _______ (insert your least favorite liberal social justice program), we could do more good and less harm. Or maybe not, cause the social justice programs have not eliminated crime, either. Beats the heck out of me. YMMV.

I have two dozen IP cameras around our compound. Three months after I installed the system I saved myself over $5,000 dollars after one incident.

On weekends, we train dogs at our property. People come from all over the area to train with us. I don't know everyone who trains with us that well, although everyone fills out a waiver with contact information. On one occasion, one of our guests did a significant amount of property damage while backing up with their truck, damaging a gate and controller. I found the damage after everyone had left for the day. Of course nobody fessed up. I pulled up the camera footage for the day and found the 'friend' who did the damage. I told him that he is either going to call his insurance company, or I would call the police. The situation worked out well. I got a check from his insurance company and had the damage repaired. Without the camera system, I would have been SOL.


FWIW here are a few things that I have learned as I set up my own systems:

Avoid wireless systems. They are unreliable over the long haul, even for short distances.

Put multiple cameras on 'hot spots' using different angles.

Always have a camera that can take a good face shot in addition to cameras positioned for 'overview' images.

If you rely on motion sensor to trigger recording, error on the side of higher sensitivity. Hard drive space is cheap.

Test your system. Verify that it is recording as needed.

Review footage from an entire 24 hour period. Make sure cameras aren't facing directly into the sun at dusk/dawn.

A great piece of software to tie feeds from multiple IP vendor's cameras together is http://blueirissoftware.com/8.html. It's inexpensive and awesome, IMO. No affiliation, just satisfied customer.

+1 on everything Gary said. Additionally, pay careful attention to the camera's low light capabilities. Even the low lux cameras do not do well in total darkness without some type of IR illumination. Additional IR illuminators and/or standard lighting may be necessary to get acceptable images.

Lots of great ideas here! Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

OK,my biggest threat are the druggy types looking for a quick haul of easily sold items.

1-A fence.That'll slow em down

2- A dog

3- Another dog

OK,guess they will just head on down the road,an easy fast target isnt my place,many far easier.

As for the armed gang invasion,good luck.

I prep for the most likely,not the esoteric,I have no illusions Im Rambo when a gang with auto weapons wants in and storms the place at 3am.Ive played the Marine games,you are not stopping them in suburbia.

That said,never been burgled or attacked as long as Ive had big dogs.I was a burglary victim early on when there WASNT a dog defense.

I learned,first and foremost is DOGS in my book.

1. I agree that the general idea of "making your home unattractive" goes a long way towards a solution. Most criminals seem to be pretty lazy - and don't feel like carrying heavy gear over high fences :-)

2. One suggestion - just improvise a loud alarm system that is triggered by a handhald (radio) button. If you think you've got intruders - hit the alarm. If the alarm is battery powered then it still functions even if they have cut the power to the house. Look at it from their point of view - would you really stick around once a loud arlam went off? It would be a big risk, because for all you know the police may already be responding. Chances are that they will bail out quickly. And if they don't - you can move to a well-prepared standoff location and defend yourself from there. It's better for you to choose your "fortress", rather then trying to take them down on the fly.

Pete2

Pete's post reminded me of an old thread on here somewhere about keeping your car key fob handy as a panic alarm. Always thought that was a good idea...

Good suggestions! I have a couple days off around the 4th, so I plan on doing a bit more security work then.

+1 on dogs. Plus they are great hiking companions and if they have thick coats, they come in handy when you are out of dinner napkins....

I don't really have a schedule compatible with owning a dog- the poor pooch would get pretty neurotic waiting for me to come home! Otherwise I'd love to have a Yorkie & a Westie.