Security

[wrigh003]

Cliff's notes: Lock up your stuff. There's bad people about.

Found out from my wife today that there have been some break-ins in my neighborhood. Her grandparents live on the other end of the neighborhood, and two of their neighbors have been hit recently. MO is somebody walks up the house, forces a window, jumps in, and walks through checking for valuables to walk off with.

Short of traveling to the future to bring back a Terminator to guard my stuff, any helpful hints besides "lock the doors?" I've already got a semi-aggressive/ pretty territorial dog, but in reality, he just looks/sounds mean- he's a pet, not a guard dog. We're not in the habit of leaving anything we feel like keeping outside/unlocked, but there are a few things here and there (yard tools, etc) that I think I'll take into the garage instead of leaving them out back or stashed under the carport.

My security measures/conditions so far:
Neighbors are home all day(both are retirees)
Dog roaming the property, just as a deterrent
Locks on the doors/windows
Third car that I'll start moving around so it looks like somebody else lives there.

Anything else? I'm not terribly worried about somebody creeping up on us at night, more during the day when there's nobody around. This is a household question as much as a garage one, but I posted it here since most of you guys are pretty smart and have some decent ideas about this kind of thing.

 

[PAToyota]

I've been hearing that more and more break-ins are happening in the middle of the day anymore. Parents at work, kids are at school - the average suburb is nearly totally empty.

Even a friendly dog can be a deterrent. My old Lab was about the most friendly, non-threatening animal you'd ever want to meet. He befriended cats, a baby squirrel, and rabbits. But there were more than a few people over the years that came to the door and then backed off quickly when they saw him.

Watch what you put out for the trash. Boxes for new computer, stereo, electronic equipment signal you've just made purchases. I see more and more trucks going around on trash day collecting the scrap metal. I wouldn't put it past them to be casing houses as well.

Don't be too showy and keep things put away. Most thefts are a matter of opportunity. Someone sees something and decides they have more of a right to it than you. Sounds like your problem is that people are looking for small stuff and willing to break in for it, so that doesn't go as far. But still, leaving a door or window unlocked is just an invitation. Around here we've had minor theft problems that are more often than not kids wandering around looking for opportunities - an unlocked house or car and getting some spare change, small electronics, CDs, and such. They usually wander around until they find something open and it is more rare that they break into something, but when they do it is often because there is an iPod or GPS in a car in plain sight or something obviously visible through a window.

 

[Deltarat]

My new shop has no windows and a security system.

 

[ddawg16]

I believe I'm qualified to chime in on this......

As PAT noted....don't let people know what you have....that goes especially for cars....what they don't see, they usually don't want.

Now, you need to understand that there are two basic types of dirt bags...the youg kid type that is looking for cash and personal stuff he can use...IPod, CD's, etc. The other dirt bag is the older type who in most cases needs money to support is drug habbit....he will take anything that he can sell or pawn.

Having said that.....for the most part, there is not much you can do to stop someone from getting into your house....if they want it bad enough....they will take it.....

And having said that.....you need a multiple approach to solving the problem.

1. Record ALL of the S/N's of any serialized items in your house. Not only does this increase the chance of you getting it back, it drastically improves the chances of dirt bag getting arrested. On items that don't have S/N's, ingrave your drivers license #. Most pawn shops will not buy items from people where a lic # on the item is not the same as the person trying to pawn it.

2. Dogs work. You don't need a killer....but then again, an little piss ant Chihuahua won't do much for you. The bark of a medium to large sized dog will keep most people away. But you need to allow that dog access to the inside of the house during the day....if it's locked in the back yard the dirt bag will just go in the front knowing he is safe with the dog locked in the back yard.

3. Video cameras. Buy one or more wireless cameras...connect them to your wirless router...set up a static IP address for them and use a work computer to connect to them and record an image every few seconds. You can also log in and watch what is happening at your house. Ideally you want at least 2 cameras....one outside that shows the front of the house and anyone who walks up the the front door. The other is inside showing the largest room. The one outside is actually the most important....if it has a clear shot of the street, in most cases you will also see the car the dirt bag is driving...which means you can get the plate off the car...which improves the chances of catching the dirt bag.

It's important to understand that it's basically impossible to prevent someone from breaking into your castle....but it's not that hard to put their punk asss in jail. It is estimated that 90% of crime is drug related. And there is about a 95% chance that a majority of the breakin's in your area is done by one person(s). So, if you do get your house broke into...but, you followed some of the above advice, there is a real good chance that he (they) will get caught......

There is nothing more frustrating than taking a burglary report and the home owner has no S/N's of the electronics taken......BTW...in CA, if we have a S/N of the item, it stays in the system for 6 years. Additionally, if the S/N is removed...and they are in possession of the item....It's an automatic Felony....I get to take their asss to jail.....

So....I would expect that by tomorrow evening you have the S/N of every electronic item in your house......oh...it also makes the insurance claim a lot easier....

 

[Torque1st]

Dogs are easy to get by if someone wants to, there are too many ways to disable a dog. Especially as noted if they are in the back yard. The ability to disable dogs makes dogs useless in the city. A person in the city can't just let their dogs roam. Sorry, but I won't discuss all the ways to disable a dog. Professionals and anyone that has done time know them already. I just don't want to give punks any more ideas.

Video cameras are a good idea if they can be recorded off premises. Most people do not have that ability tho. Recording the images on a computer that is about to be stolen does not help much unless the thief forgets to wipe the hard disk. Video cameras do provide a deterrent effect tho. One of your cameras just may be able to help a neighbor out...

Signs like "protected by Smith & Wesson" just let punks know you have guns to steal. So do NRA or GOA stickers on your house or vehicle. NHRA or performance oriented stickers on your vehicle just lets them know you have tools...

Records and a video stored off premises of all your stuff helps after a burglary or a natural disaster, fire, etc. Even a video of a mess is probably better than nothing. Nobody will see it if nothing happens.

 

[tdkkart]

Never worried too much about security, in fact when I leave for work today my doors will be unlocked, have been for 20 years, will be in the future.

Some ways to protect yourself..........

#1, Insurance.
Think about it, 99% of the stuff in your house is used, even if you bought it yesterday, it's used today, and I'd venture to guess that most of it is older than that.
So, wouldn't it be nice to have new stuff??
"But insurance doens't cover losses if your house isn't locked"
Phooey, if you walk in and find the place trashed, walk back out, lock the door, and then kick it back open. Problem solved.

2. Be smart.
As someone said, don't set the box from your new 60" TV out at the curb for recycling. Cut up the box and put it out a few pieces at a time, or take it to the recycling center.
Keep your stuff out of site. If your garage is full of tools keep the doors shut as much as possible so that everybody that drives by doesn't see everything you own.
Same with the house, do whatever you can to prevent everyone that drives by from seeing your entertainment center filled with video and stereo gear. I drive through neighborhoods at nite and can't believe what I see through windows.
Limit who knows what you have. Friends that you trust dropping by for a beer is great, but friends of friends and casual acquaintences are different. The less people that know what you have the better.
I recently finished a 2 year V8 Trike project, 2 of my 3 immediate neighbors didn't even know I was working on anything till it was done.
Keep your junk in it's place..........

3. Know and trust your neighbors, and let them know that you're watching their stuff and sorta expect the same from them. If someone is at their house when their not home let them know, they'll likely do the same for you.

4. Know what you have. Next time you have the digital camera in your hand, take a walk through your house and take pictures of each room. First thing this does is provides an idea of what you have for the insurance company, second thing it does is reminds you what you have. You'd be amazed at what you'll forget you have.
Once the pics are taken, store them somewhere. The best place is to upload them to your personal webspace that is included in most of our internet accounts. Make up a webpage of pics and know the address so you can pull it up at anytime anyplace. My insurance agent was amazed when I pulled mine up in his office, he couldn't believe what a good idea it was and that he hadn't thought of it. He recommends it to all his customers now. If nothing else, put the pics on disc and store the disc in your desk at work, or store the file on your work computer.

#5. Dogs are a joke. Thieves that want something will get around a dog in seconds. One smack up-side the head with a pipe and the dog won't give you any more trouble.

 

[wrigh003]

Thanks-

The serial numbers and video of all our "stuff" list has been on my mental to-do list for so long it's fallen off the bottom. No time like the present to get that together, either for burglary, fire, or tornado purposes (we have a lot of the latter here in AL). I'll file a copy of the list and email the pictures/ video to myself for safekeeping.

Yeah, the dog's a joke to somebody who wants in bad enough, but he acts as a deterrent to folks who might take a casual interest in our stuff- and that's what this particular set of break-ins seems like to me. If somebody killed/hurt my dog to get into the house, I'd probably be more upset about that than the loss of stuff. We live in the country-burbs (2 acre subdivision lot), and the dog sits on my front porch waiting for me to get home at night- so he does "roam" a little. He wears an electronic collar that keeps him in the yard- at this point it's training more than the shock since he rarely tests his boundaries, but it does keep him home. Good boy.

We tend to keep things clean outside, and there's nothing outside our garbage cans on pickup day but an empty diaper case every couple weeks. If they want some diapers, then I guess they can have them.

<sigh>
My wife would be really upset if somebody broke in.

 

[ovilla]

Find a friend that has an alarm system and ask them to order (often for free) two extra signs and a bunch of window stickers. Then put one sign in the front yard, one in the back, and a sticker on each window. Nobody will ever know whether or not you actually have an alarm system and these little signs/stickers will be enough to deter most people, especially if your neighbors don't have an alarm.

Put a radio (one in the garage and one in the house) and some lamps on timers. My neighbor does this since he travels a LOT and half the time I can't even tell if he's in or not. This works really really well. Remember, it is quite common for a lot of folks to work from home nowadays, so a radio in the middle of the day will give someone the impression that someone is home.

Set up motion activated flood lights all around the house. These obviously work great at night. Just remember to put the highest wattage bulb that you can accommodate. It's not like you're going to be using these a lot so who cares how much electricity they use.

Don't leave papers out on the driveway. This has got to be the easiest way to find out who's not home. You can always cancel service on papers (even mail) by making a quick call to let them know you'll be away at work or on vacation.

Get to know your neighbors and find out who you can trust. Then let them know when you'll be away and offer to watch their place when they're gone too. Most people will appreciate this. Additionally, you can also call your town's police department and ask for an extra patrol in the area while you're out.

 

[jay50]

I believe I'm qualified to chime in on this......

As PAT noted....don't let people know what you have....that goes especially for cars....what they don't see, they usually don't want.

Now, you need to understand that there are two basic types of dirt bags...the youg kid type that is looking for cash and personal stuff he can use...IPod, CD's, etc. The other dirt bag is the older type who in most cases needs money to support is drug habbit....he will take anything that he can sell or pawn.

Having said that.....for the most part, there is not much you can do to stop someone from getting into your house....if they want it bad enough....they will take it.....

And having said that.....you need a multiple approach to solving the problem.

1. Record ALL of the S/N's of any serialized items in your house. Not only does this increase the chance of you getting it back, it drastically improves the chances of dirt bag getting arrested. On items that don't have S/N's, ingrave your drivers license #. Most pawn shops will not buy items from people where a lic # on the item is not the same as the person trying to pawn it.

2. Dogs work. You don't need a killer....but then again, an little piss ant Chihuahua won't do much for you. The bark of a medium to large sized dog will keep most people away. But you need to allow that dog access to the inside of the house during the day....if it's locked in the back yard the dirt bag will just go in the front knowing he is safe with the dog locked in the back yard.

3. Video cameras. Buy one or more wireless cameras...connect them to your wirless router...set up a static IP address for them and use a work computer to connect to them and record an image every few seconds. You can also log in and watch what is happening at your house. Ideally you want at least 2 cameras....one outside that shows the front of the house and anyone who walks up the the front door. The other is inside showing the largest room. The one outside is actually the most important....if it has a clear shot of the street, in most cases you will also see the car the dirt bag is driving...which means you can get the plate off the car...which improves the chances of catching the dirt bag.

It's important to understand that it's basically impossible to prevent someone from breaking into your castle....but it's not that hard to put their punk asss in jail. It is estimated that 90% of crime is drug related. And there is about a 95% chance that a majority of the breakin's in your area is done by one person(s). So, if you do get your house broke into...but, you followed some of the above advice, there is a real good chance that he (they) will get caught......

There is nothing more frustrating than taking a burglary report and the home owner has no S/N's of the electronics taken......BTW...in CA, if we have a S/N of the item, it stays in the system for 6 years. Additionally, if the S/N is removed...and they are in possession of the item....It's an automatic Felony....I get to take their asss to jail.....

So....I would expect that by tomorrow evening you have the S/N of every electronic item in your house......oh...it also makes the insurance claim a lot easier....

On #3, do you have any recommendations on a wireless set up that is decent?

 

[crazyboy]

I' be careful on the wireless cameras indoors. Just as easy as it is for you to set one up, its just as easy for someone that has a similar camera to take their receiver driver by and watch your camera from their car. then they can find out whether there's any activity in the house or not.

 

[ddawg16]

The camera security is not an issue.....
Just like your router, you have to have the IP address (or device name if doing dynamic IP) along with a password.

Yea, someone could sit out in front of your house trying to break into your router....but if your security settings are that sloppy....then you most likely left your front door unlocked as well.

Besides, a nerd with the knowledge to still your router data is not going to waste his time trying to break into your house....he is going to be down at Starbucks trying to steal bank account numbers.

This example D-Link is just one of many wireless cameras that you can use to monitor your house.

 

[PhantomEB]

I also have heard about wiringin the opener to the switch bank. This way code snatchers cant figure it out, especially if you like me and want two doors instead of one big one.

 

[fattogatto]

Get a good monitored alarm system to start!!!!

 

[Charles (in GA)]

"Girlz of the Hood" guard my place.

See the attachment. Charles

 

[jcp907]

Make your place look more secure than your neighbors.

Lock the tool box. Chain it down.

Install a fire safe that is bolted to the floor in a closet for your "can't lose" and personal documents-or better yet, keep them off site-perhaps a Safe deposit box, or relative's house.

Keep the blinds closed to keep valuables out of site.

Decals for an alarm system can't hurt.

Question all strangers on your street. Be polite, say hello, and find out who they are.

As suggested already, keep it looking and sounding like someone might be home.

Putting a camera outside facing the entry ways might be a good idea.

I like the suggestions regarding insurance and documenting what you have.

The dog is a plus as well.

If they are looking for a quick score, and another house looks easier, they will go to the easier house. If they are looking for something they know you have, that's when you need documentation for insurance.

By the way, when I was working at a Sunoco, it was broken into, the assholes tried to break into my Snap On box. They succeeded at bending the **** out of a few drawers, but didn't get much-cost me a few hundred in drawers, and a few others are still scratched up. I am glad they didn't have a way to snag the whole thing, possibly because it was chained up. I am also glad they didn't find the oxy-acetalyne.

An alarm is ideal, but may prove pricey.

Jay