Cheap deterrent - Security Camera

[AEA]

Dummy camera for indoors or outdoors uses 2 AA batts and they last for about 2 months. They power a red led that comes on every few seconds. This imitates the operation of some security cameras.

Even if you have a real operational outdoor security camera system in place, a few of these added will deter more by "expanding" your "coverage".

I got a couple to put outside on the eve corners of my place. You can find them various places (including the Bay) for 12-14 dollars each.

Pretty cheap deterrent that may make some peeps think twice. That is if they are smart enough to realize when they see the red led that they have already been "video'ed".

In my case, these and the GSD barking should let them know that their best option is to move along.

[Excaliber]

Dummy camera for indoors or outdoors uses 2 AA batts and they last for about 2 months. They power a red led that comes on every 2 seconds for 1 second duration. This imitates the operation of some security cameras.

Even if you have a real operational outdoor security camera system in place, a few of these added will deter more by "expanding" your "coverage".

I got a couple to put outside on the eve corners of my place. You can find them various places (including the Bay) for 12-14 dollars each.

Pretty cheap deterrent that may make some peeps think twice. That is if they are smart enough to realize when they see the red led that they have already been "video'ed".

In my case, these and the GSD barking should let them know that their best option is to move along.

Cameras are great for post incident forensics, but their deterrent value is highly overrated. They have very little with the possible exception of deterring internal theft because employees don't want to lose their jobs.

Remember that every video you see on the news that shows the robbery of a bank, convenience store, gas station, etc. was taken by a security camera that was in plain sight and clearly didn't deter the action you see.

[pbwalker]

I went with a Zmodo 4 channel system so I have something there in the unfortunate event of a home invasion (to ensure there is no question on the legality) or post-burglary forensics (in the event they get past the alarm system and dogs).

[Keith B]

I agree with Excalibur. We have highly visible security camera mounts at multiple points on the outside of our building and they have not deterred daytime smash and grabs and even a daytime vehicle theft from our parking lot. The captured video just showed us how fast someone was able to get into a vehcile and even bypass the ignition.

[RSJ]

I believe that these serve as a great deterrent, less than a dog, but still better than nothing. If a BG is looking for a simple garage swipe, or B&E hopefully he will move on down the street a few houses. I see a return on the $12 investment.

[jmra]

IIRC there have been a number of places successflly sued for having dummy cameras or non-working cameras. The plaintiffs (often female victims of violence or rape) argue that the cameras suggested a since of security (for the victim) that turned out to be false.

Probably ok to use at your home but I would advise against it at a business or a public place.

[Excaliber]

I believe that these serve as a great deterrent, less than a dog, but still better than nothing. If a BG is looking for a simple garage swipe, or B&E hopefully he will move on down the street a few houses. I see a return on the $12 investment.

The point that many miss is that the time horizon of burglars is not the same as ours.

Their long range planning goes out as far as lunch.

If something won't impact them in that time frame, it doesn't matter to them what impact it may have later. They're not worried about losing their job, their pension, their CHL, or even going to jail. Right now is all they are concerned with.

Careful studies also fail to support the concept of significant deterrence. Here's one example. The conclusions start on page 53, but there's plenty of data there for those who want to dive into the details.

[jimlongley]

In the other security camera thread I mentioned my involvement in a security camera network for DHA, to "protect" their air conditioners.

Although the cameras eventually worked, as far as we could tell, they NEVER deterred the copper thieves, more than one actually stared into the camera while they were doing their deeds, a couple tried to disable or steal the camera, apparently on the assumption that whatever it recorded was still inside it, but no evidence that anyone ever turned away because of the presence of the camera. It is possible that one or more might have seen the camera from a distance and decided not to do it, but my view is that security cameras are like police, reactive not proactive, and there to catch the BGs not prevent them from doing bad things. If cameras prevented people from doing bad things, the England would be one of the safest places on Earth.