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Home Security Systems
updated: Oct 23, 2012, 11:41 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

Someone tried to get into our house on the westside near Mission yesterday, prying off a front window screen and testing the windows on the side of the house. Our two big dogs discouraged them from coming in. Does anyone have any tips on cost-effective security camera systems that might further discourage any would-be burglars?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

MESA	2012-10-23 12:05 PM
One time my dad was buying a home security system with a fair amount of bells and whistles. When he asked the person selling him what he used for security the guy simply answered "sensor flood lights" Also, just having a sign saying you have a security system helps too. I guess flood lights would not work during the day. They also sell a nice camera security system at Costco.
COMMENT 334670	2012-10-23 12:25 PM
Dogs are great, so is an alarm system w/ monitoring that calls authorities when you're not home. Cameras are an after the fact " this was who was here", not much of a deterrent, IMHO. If you can afford both, even better.
COMMENT 334676	2012-10-23 12:36 PM
Recently someone came to our door and said they were looking for their dog. When I called the Sheriff he said that people are canvasing the neighborhood to see whos home during the day. He also said if someone is looking for their dog they generally drive or walk around, calling the dog, not knock on peoples door. We went and got a security system at Frys, it was pretty easy setup and there are six HD cameras and its all recorded onto a DVR. I can monitor my house from work from my phone or PC. I have renters insurance and nothing I own is irreplaceable, however I feel violated just knowing someone was looking to target my home. Better to be safe than sorry.
COMMENT 334679	2012-10-23 12:48 PM
Hunters use cameras called trail cams to monitor the presence of game animals. Good ones cost around $200 and can run on a set of batteries for months. The downside is that I've snapped a few pictures of my butt getting ready for bed.
COMMENT 334696	2012-10-23 01:09 PM
If you need a network attached storage (NAS) device for your home's computer network, you can kill two birds with one stone. My Synology NAS has many built-in functions including a surveillance function. Add some IP cameras and you can: - View live feed from your cameras with a web browser - Monitor for events that cause alerts to be sent to you via email or cell phone. The NAS does image processing on the video images to do this. - Record video on events. This will not be a cheap solution but you get what you pay for. IP cameras are available for both day and night (infrared) use. Synology's website has a list of 100's of compatible cameras. I use my NAS to store & stream video/audio for all the computers and network-aware devices (TV, Blue-ray player) in my house. Also to safely store important & backup files and act as a server. I am not running cameras now but might someday for fun to have a personal webcam.
COMMENT 334700	2012-10-23 01:13 PM
MESA said exactly what I was going to. Sensor lights start at $25 and are easy to install. If you insist on a camera system, Costco has some great options on their web store.
INQUIRING MIND	2012-10-23 03:18 PM
newegg.com for best buys on those types of systems
COMMENT 334756	2012-10-23 03:34 PM
Automated flood lights all around, a multi-camera DVR system, and signs clearly stating that the area is under video surveillance with off-site recording. The recording doesn't have to be off-site. The idea is to make potential burglars think they won't be able to just "grab the tape". Also consider a bait safe in a corner. I have a safe in the corner of my office that's just light enough to be lugged by one person but heavy enough that most thieves would probably think there's something inside. Well, there is, but it's a wood box packed with rocks. Sounds like there might be a bunch of coins. By the time they lug that out to their car, they'll be ready to call it a night and I'm just out an old $75 safe.
COMMENT 334852P	2012-10-23 06:48 PM
Motion-sensor activated floodlights are good, too, there are solar powered ones that are a no-brainer to set up, and wired ones with integral video cams with good low-light and/or near IR capability. OSH has the best selection in town. I checked Costco's security camera package on sale, but on-line is a lot cheaper, and overall newegg.com has great prices. Decide whether you just want to scare people away or also identify them.
COMMENT 334972P	2012-10-24 07:40 AM
Don't nocturnal animals set off the motion lights?
COMMENT 335065	2012-10-24 09:56 AM
I purchased lights called Patroller,, they have a hidden camera in the motion sensor to the flood lite, they take pics with motion day or night and can be set to video or stills,, they have a simm card so no wiring except for electrical needed, they run about $129 or less each ,, I am not a paid follower so I could not put a link here, but they also sell at some costcos

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