Cheap Outdoor Security Camera with Wi-Fi No Electrician required to catch bad neighbours

Lgooner85 on 11/12/2017 - 16:47

Hi there,

Am really needing Ozbargain help as I am in a pickle

One of our rear or next door neighbour is literally throwing bags of crap over the fence. It has been about 10 bags over last 2 months.

We have told the Police but they need evidence.

We are new to the house (bought) and would like to install a cheap but good easy to install security camera to catch which neighbour is doing this.

Is there a suggestion for a good quality, night vision, wifi enabled (no cables) security camera that would do the job. We don't want to spend too much but need evidence for the police

Thank you so much

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • dcep on 11/12/2017 - 17:02

    night vision would be hard unless you install it real close

    else, just get xiaomi xiaofang and install it under roof with extended usb cable

    • whooah1979 on 11/12/2017 - 18:06
      +1

      extended usb cable

      Any extension cables used should be no more than five meters in total. There is no guarantee that the setup will work beyond that unless one uses active cables.

      • qwerty on 11/12/2017 - 21:04
        +1

        A xiofang can run off a powerbank if needed

  • gooner85 on 11/12/2017 - 17:09

    To give everyone an example of where the rubbish is coming it is at the back of the garage

    The garage has electricity so I would install it with cables or battery/wifi.
    Only worry as you have said is the night vision and weather conditions

  • HighAndDry on 11/12/2017 - 17:15
    +6

    Second option - since I assume you want the shit to stop as much as catch the perp - maybe consider motion-activated flood-lights. Most people might think twice about throwing shit when they're bathed in bright light.

    • dcep on 11/12/2017 - 17:27
      +8

      they won't see the light if it is just a quick fling over the fence

      i suggest OP to study the pattern/timing then camp on it and throw back on the spot.

      or bikies !

  • gooner85 on 11/12/2017 - 17:34

    Yeh. I just received another message from the mrs and they have done it again. Causing me a lot of headaches :(

  • dapt on 11/12/2017 - 17:41
    +2

    Pour contents of bag onto a shovel and fling it over the fence, thus requiring them to pick it all up again.

    Do this just before you turn your newly installed surveillance on.

  • gooner85 on 11/12/2017 - 17:55

    I actually dont know which neighbour it is
    Therefore need the camera to film them in the act and to get an intervention order as the police have said

  • kindra on 11/12/2017 - 18:26
    +1

    I bought one of these, they're pretty good and run over POE so you don't need a power outlet to the camera. Better quality and you can view it on your phone.

    However you need a hard drive.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SANNCE-4CH-1080P-NVR-POE-Network…

    • toliman on 11/12/2017 - 21:46
      +7

      the Hikvision and the Dahua cameras are the ones to get, as they're ~$100 each and have good to excellent night vision.

      get these over SANNCE or SWANN cameras.

      If you want the wireless cameras like the Arlo, it's very expensive for a single camera. more than $300 each, much more.

      The main reasons are
      1. english guides are available online to guide you through install and lots of install/setup/troubleshooting guides are available.
      2. it's cheap.
      3. because the hikvision's are internationally popular, You can get clips of it in action.
      4. As with #3, you can actually see what the night vision actually looks like in a recorded video, as well as get an idea of the camera quality at night/day or when people drive by the house, etc.
      5. Same as #3, you can get a good idea of the quality and angles. i.e. if you're using a driveway or front door, you can get an idea of the focal length needed or lens you might want to buy when asked.

      i.e. 2.8 and 6mm are very different in setup and orientation. You can use a Bullet/Barrel camera, or a dome. The dome usually has stronger night vision, and can sit under an eave out of the weather and allows cables to be neatly tucked into a 'temporary' cable sleeve rather than setting up power for a wifi camera or changing batteries every week. Domes also are easier to clean if they attract insects at night due to the IR lights being on.

      If renting, the cable conduit runs are minimally invasive, and the mounting bracket / cable access is a very small hole or screw/nail. Consult video guides, it takes like 5 to 20 minutes to set it up, if you already have the power cable in place and sticking out, ready to go.

      With the network cameras, you don't need a NVR box, you can use a software app on your PC to get a full 24/7 recording,

      But, if you trust the motion on the camera, it can store clips and recordings when it detects motion, and store the files on an SD memory card, or a folder/network share and the camera can create clips to store on your home PC.

      be aware, it's going to use 5-10 GB of video each day. sometimes more if it detects a lot of motion, usually insects and bugs flying into the IR lights or dust/cobwebs, moving tree branches, etc.

      If you set up the motion events to look for movement, it will capture the 20-30 seconds previous, and another 10-20 seconds after the event if it missed anything, and send a file or an alert/email.

      With a single camera, you will need power, and storage. Power is a PoE adapter, and some ethernet cable, usually $2/meter at the most for a 20m Cat5e cable. You can make longer runs, but the power will drop more than the adapter might be capable of covering.

      Storage, is usually a 32gb SD card for backup in case the internet or network drops out. The power and video can be delivered with a $20 - $30 PoE adapter in a wall socket nearby, and the other end can be connected to your internet router or home PC with a 5 port switch, depending on how 'wired' your home is. 8-port POE switches (4 with power, 4 regular) can also power 4 cameras for ~$60-$80 rather than POE adapters, just depends on how you plan to cable everything, or if you need to drill through plasterboard/brick to get the cable inside the house or roof.

      If you get the NVR box, it will probably be $300-$400, which delivers POE power, but might also need a HDD, which you can buy online for ~$100 for 2tb "Purple" HDD's for surveillance recording. the purple isn't necessary, but it's a more reliable setup for regular recording performance over the Green/Blue series which are regular HDD's.

  • try2bhelpful on 11/12/2017 - 18:31
    +1

    You do wonder what sort of moron does this don't you. However, it might also be the sort of moron that reacts badly to you calling the cops on him. Is there anyway you can put a trellis up against the fence at a height that would make piffing the rubbish difficult? You can grow some tomatoes or espalier olives. This moron might then find another neighbour to annoy.

    • GetOffMyUnicorn on 11/12/2017 - 18:44
      +2

      That would have to be 1 super high Donald J Trump fence for it to work. Not sure how the espalier olives(or any olives for that matter) and tomatoes would help either unless you pelted the offending neighbour with them.

      • try2bhelpful on 11/12/2017 - 18:50

        I don't think it would need to be that high, if it takes this guy effort to fling it he will probably find another neighbour to annoy. The tomatoes and olives are an excuse to put in the trellis and a side benefit.

  • GetOffMyUnicorn on 11/12/2017 - 18:37
    +2

    We have trial periods at workplaces, sometimes as long as 3 months. We have trials for beds and so many other important things. Why not apply it to other aspects of life.

    I see your new to the house. I may invent something like 'uberhouse' where you live in the house for 1 week then make your mind up on the purchase. My other idea is 'uberkid' for childless couples. 'Uber cat and dog', 'uber wife', the list is endless.

  • tunzafun001 on 11/12/2017 - 18:40
    +1

    Maybe this

    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/swann-outbackcam-portable-hd-vi…

    But from here, refurbed for half price direct.

    http://www.swann.com/au/r-swvid-obc140

    Sorry never tried one, but I have bought from the Swannstore before. Previous generation went out for $10. Maybe hit up Youtube for reviews.

  • whooah1979 on 11/12/2017 - 19:48
    +1

    bags of crap

    crap as in faeces or household rubbish? If it's the latter, then you could check for letters, magazines or prescriptions with their name. there could be some pet food waste, food containers in foreign languages, children's food containers, toys, clothing, etc, in the bags that may narrow down your search.

  • whooah1979 on 11/12/2017 - 19:53

    It has been about 10 bags over last 2 months.

    it's likely that they'll continue until they get called out.

  • gooner85 on 11/12/2017 - 20:10

    it literally is poo and really depressing. thanks for all the advice. I will look at getting a system and have it installed.

    what would be your options if not to report to police. if it was rented wed move but we have literally bought abd moved in 2 months ago after some hard years of work

    • whooah1979 on 11/12/2017 - 21:36

      it literally is poo

      do you own a dog?

  • gooner85 on 11/12/2017 - 20:11

    im not keen on causing issues but feel we need evidence yo take them to court

    • qwerty on 11/12/2017 - 21:08
      +2

      You are going to cause an issue if you get the order out on them unannounced - if i was you first option either go around all the houses and knock and ask them if they are also having it happen to them if thats not an option do a letterbox drop about throwing dog feeces over the fence and if it continues you will report it to the police.

      That way they are warned about it .

  • subydooby on 11/12/2017 - 20:39

    Is it dog poo? How many neighbors have dogs, can you narrow it down by the size of the dog versus the size of the barkers eggs?

  • gooner85 on 11/12/2017 - 22:13
    +1

    I dont't own a dog or know neighbours.
    only been here 2 months

    i will install camera and take it to police. let them deal with it and then if they continue it can go to court.

    pretty shit people out there. lost a bit of faith for humanity. who would do such a thing? unprovoked

    • LFO on 12/12/2017 - 23:17

      Does it cross your mind the fact that a severely mentally ill person is doing it?

      I mean, no one "normal and friendly" will do something so obvious and traceable.
      It is either a pathetic gangster criminal feeling untouchable or a mentally ill person that doesn't comprehend rubbish (dog feces?) will not disappear.

      Long long time ago we have neighbors jumping over the back fence and stealing fruit from our trees. When confronted they swear they thought the place was unoccupied/empty. They never did it again and, thru time, they happened to be "nice" people.

      You probably have a limited number of boundary neighbors. Perhaps a friendly visit, introducing yourself (so they immediately feel "important and powerful") and mentioning about the rubbish/feces problem might help.

      As I said, it doesn't sound as something a normal person will do. It is too bloody obvious.

  • Hiroko on 11/12/2017 - 22:55

    sorry to hear OP, pretty shit welcome for a new neighbour.
    out of curiosity which area did you buy in?

  • [Deactivated] on 12/12/2017 - 08:34
    +2

    Why don't you get a ladder and have a look over your fence to see who has a dog.
    If people a slinging it from a couple of yards away, can you put a 360 camera on the roof.
    This is a pretty low act , you may have to resort to actually talking to to your neighbours and they may be you're best bet to track them down
    PS If you do ,don't mention the police , council or rspca
    On the other hand , perfect excuse to buy a Harley and fly the Southern Cross and Skull and Crossbones from the roof

  • kale chips suck on 12/12/2017 - 08:55
    +2

    Get a dog whistle. Blow whistle. Listen for neighbour with dog/s. Exclude other neighbours from surveillance regime.

    Also, maybe see how far the bags can be thrown - it may be your neighbour's "other-side" neighbour throwing the bags clear over their property and into yours.

  • backpaqer on 12/12/2017 - 09:36

    Hikvision with power over Ethernet. they're pretty low profile and throw a pretty good infrared range (30m). You can then expand the system by adding a NVR down the track. You can record to your computer in the meantime.

  • gooner85 on 12/12/2017 - 10:54

    Hi Backpacker

    Would like to know of any example of this Hikvision over ethernet and what that means?

    How would this be set up?

  • simmos on 12/12/2017 - 11:13

    Just a thought but a few years back I had some stealing going on at my factory unit. We needed to find the perp. After my complaint, the police agreed to install cameras (3). One of the cameras was stolen believe it or not and we never caught the perp… long story. Might be worth a try because they do have surveillance gear in house. Might be a matter of finding the right detective in there that is sympathetic to your cause. (Show them this Ozbargain post :-) )

  • honky123 on 12/12/2017 - 20:22

    I run some Hikvision cameras. At night, they will be hard pressed seeing a parcel being thrown over the fence or the direction it came from, unless you also get a view of the villain in action. The angle of vision at night is also a lot narrower (DS-2CD2042WD-I) due to the focused lighting of the irleds.

    Maybe try this battery/wifi system for simplicity.. https://www.arlo.com/en-us/default.aspx

    Also, keep some poop. If the shit hits the fan in court, it can be DNA tested to ID the dog.

    Or randomly rain the packages randomly on the neighbours roofs.

  • TRG on 13/12/2017 - 10:41
    +1

    I came across the ReoLink Argus security camera which is designed for use in all weathers. (https://m.reolink.com/product/argus/)
    It is battery powered for up to 180days on standby, it is suitable for day and night use, it has PIR, 1080p, 2Mp, two way audio and more.
    They cost USD$99.99 with free shipping.
    Or the 'Keen' model at USD$120 with Tilt & Pan.
    Both can do 64Gb SD card and use an IP App.
    This is my first post, hope it is of use.

  • ShannonN on 14/12/2017 - 00:21
    +1

    Another thought, as you are new owners is it possible the neighbors don't know the previous owners have moved? they may have had a feud going on and are unaware new owners are there? Also previous owners may have sold to get away?

    if possible contact previous owners for info

    • LFO on 14/12/2017 - 18:14

      Yes, that is exactly what I am imagining.
      And that is why I posted this comment (without any feedback):

      "Does it cross your mind the fact that a severely mentally ill person is doing it?

      I mean, no one "normal and friendly" will do something so obvious and traceable.
      It is either a pathetic gangster criminal feeling untouchable or a mentally ill person that doesn't comprehend rubbish (dog feces?) will not disappear.

      Long long time ago we have neighbors jumping over the back fence and stealing fruit from our trees. When confronted they swear they thought the place was unoccupied/empty. They never did it again and, thru time, they happened to be "nice" people.

      You probably have a limited number of boundary neighbors. Perhaps a friendly visit, introducing yourself (so they immediately feel "important and powerful") and mentioning about the rubbish/feces problem might help.

      As I said, it doesn't sound as something a normal person will do. It is too bloody obvious."

      Either an old battle or some little lady with full dementia "disposes" of their pets poo as she has done it for the last 50 years …

    • whooah1979 on 14/12/2017 - 18:34

      it possible the neighbors don't know the previous owners have moved? they may have had a feud going on

      op is talking about ten bags of crap. one bag over the fence every six days. feud or not. it doesn't matter what they use as an excuse for their disgusting behaviour. they still sound like feral people.

      • LFO on 15/12/2017 - 11:52

        Sounds like dementia more and more and more.

        Feral people are … well … feral … uneducated and rough, they are not stupid.
        Even feral animals know to be discrete and secretive. Their way to survive in the wild.

  • JackMayyam on 07/03/2018 - 21:47

    Arlo pro's night vision might be something to consider. It's a wireless camera and got motion sensor too. But it's not very cheap.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 15:05

      Yeah, this works well.

      I caught my neighbour who was a potty mouth cranky idiot that lives in the apartment next to me. Literally the guy was mentally ill and had a carer who was this young fella who didn't know how to do jack in my opinion. He just let the old guy swear in the middle of the night and so on, banging on the fence and pots and pans. (Bleh)

      The police mentioned he was fined after they reviewed the footage. I'm not sure if the fine was revoked afterwards because if they are mentally ill, they can get exemptions from civil offences…

      The only problem is he came across with a ladder and balaclava over his head and stole the Arlo (or someone else did…), but if you take away the camera in anticipation for revenge, then they might just continue to throw garbage across the fence. (CATCH 22)!!!

      Police couldn't do anything about the theft and I was out of pocket ~$600. Tit for tat it appears…

      (It would have sucked if they got fined but then revoked and then I lost $600. I'm actually not sure what happened and I don't think the police can comment on individual circumstances…) Keep this in mind too. lol.

  • tonyjzx on 08/03/2018 - 15:25

    For a very very cheap way utilising existing hw you can get a PoE cam, poe injector, some rj45 and a laptop.

    Oh and you need a fair bit of technical ability soz.

    Once its on your network you can see it on pcs, phones and on the web.

    • [Deactivated] on 09/03/2018 - 15:06

      Something cheap and preferably inside your house visible from the window should be alright.

      Just be aware of revenge if they get fined as a result of your footage.

  • Stegasaurusnext on 17/03/2018 - 22:17

    Have you considered a fake and obviously there camera? Cheap and may just work if they notice it

  • kiwijunglist on 15/09/2018 - 05:59

    What was the end result?

    Sounds like a feud with the old owner. If you complain in a nice way they might either stop or if they like you then throw it to a different neighbor.

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