Home Security Options for Mum

Hey everyone,

I'm worried about my dear old mammy. After numerous break-ins or break-in attempts in the area over the years and her living in a largish (5x2) house, I'd like to take advantage of the WA Security Rebate and get some security cameras installed.

She uses iOS devices, but doesn't use HomeKit. An app with notifications will suffice.

Looking for:
Video doorbell
5x security cameras
Good low light/night vision

Ideally with a charging/power solution that doesn't require someone coming around and taking the camera down every few months.

Budget of under $1000 would be nice.

I don't want ongoing subscription costs.

I'd also like the ability for family to be able to access the app from their phones.

Currently looking at Eufy, or Reolink. Open to more suggestions and experiences.

Thanks

Poll Options

  • 8
    Eufy
  • 13
    Reolink
  • 13
    Something else

Comments

  • +1

    I found eufy to be a pretty good solution if you have access to power at the places required. Otherwise they do solar kits too.

    I am personally running 5 outdoor cams atm and the doorbell

    • Thanks

      • +1

        Eufy can be fiddly and recharging the bits will be a hassle for mum. You can solar panel some of the stuff and hard wire the doorbell if you have one there already. But thats an electrician which will be a budget hit.

      • +2

        Buy her shotgun $299, rocksalt shells $15, license $15, and dog $350 less with concessions. Fck the glamour photography sht.

  • +2

    Something else: Wyze Cam v3 or Pro with window mounts keep all the cameras indoor and mains-powered.
    Five cameras @$60/100 = $300/500, doorbell @$150, low cost subscription, solid iOS app

    • Unfortunately there isn't a clear line of sight from the inside for some areas I want covered. And can absolutely see mum unplugging a camera to plug in the kettle. Thanks, though!

      • Wyze also does a solar panel. I gather in the badlands external security cameras get dislodged with sticks and perhaps stolen too.

        • +2

          The badlands. Roamed by hordes of meth-head brickies and concreters in utes.

    • can't find info on subscription

      how much is it ? for remote viewing ?

    • This a security option or a vanity glamour photo shoot?

  • +1

    Consider outdoor movement to detect lighting.

    Also:
    https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Your-Safety/Home-Security-Check…

    • +1

      Great link. Thanks

    • +1

      Nay- most burglaries are mid-day when people are working. Get a dog. Dogs bite and bark. Hopefully they bite stupid thieves. Unfortunately we don't have rabies, because that would be a nice come uppance for crims.

  • +4

    Reolink is my preferred option and will come within budget. Even cheaper if you can run cables.

  • +1

    WA Security Rebate

    keeping in mind, they need to be installed by a licensed operator. There go all your savings lol
    If you want to take on the WA Security Rebate, you better get a quotation from a local installer.

    5x security cameras

    what we installing for a Budget of $1000? Cameras from Aliexpress?? You need x5 cameras, Video doorbell, base station, networking, HD, and installation, all under $1000?

    • +2

      keeping in mind, they need to be installed by a licensed operator. There go all your savings lol
      If you want to take on the WA Security Rebate, you better get a quotation from a local installer.

      No it doesn’t.

      Q: Can I DIY the installation?

      A: Yes, you can conduct DIY except for where there is a connection to mains power such as a mains powered smoke alarm or Residual Current Device. Only a licenced Electrical Contractor can perform these tasks. If you engage a tradesperson to install an item, then please ensure they hold the relevant licence to conduct the installation as required under law.

      https://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au/news-announcements/announc…

      • Ah, thank you.

    • what we installing for a Budget of $1000?

      If that budget isn't feasible, that's fine, but a quick look at the Reolink nets me a doorbell, 5x arlo 3 pro, and a solar panel for each for $1150. They don't need a base station, or HD (networking is already taken care of, unless I need specific equipment).

      I'll make sure to get. that quotation though, thanks for pointing that out. Any recommendation on brand?

      • There are many Arlo haters, but I have five cameras, various models. Some caveats: battery life is over-promised; the Arlo hub is useful as it reduces camera power drain and allows local video storage; without a service plan you can't use Activity Zones, Cloud Recording, Smart Notifications, Alarm Detection, etc. You really should be pricing Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra - which will blow your modest budget.

        • Will Arlo physically deter a burglar? Will Arlo bark at or bite an intruder? Would Arlo shot a round of harmless (unless hit with) rocksalt from a 12 gauge shotgun? Will it make an intruder soil their breeches to hear a gun being racked for another shot?
          Arlo is rather insipid.

  • Open to more suggestions and experiences.

    Ubiquiti make good systems that run via POE, so licenced installation isn't required. They're in between professional and consumer grade.

  • +5

    Wouldn't your money be better spent stopping them from getting in, rather than taking videos of blokes in balaclavas?

    • +2

      Most people don’t understand this. All they’re doing is getting better res photos for the police down the track of punters with hoodies on, surgical mask and gloves.

      I spent money on crim safe for all doors windows, sensor spotlights and dummy cameras. Worth it for the peace of mind and never having to update/get a sparky in etc

      Don’t even get me started on the creep factor for inside cameras.

  • +2

    The best thing to deter burglars is a dilapidated 20+ year old Camry parked on the driveway.

  • Unfortunately I agree with some of the other comments on here. An obvious camera security system is only going to warn the low-life to hide their faces…..

    Just make your house much more of a detterant than the neighbours. Install an alarm box (with real siren inside) and monitored alarm stickers. Upgrade the window/door security, make fences difficult to jump and add a couple hidden cameras for that one idiot who still doesnt care..

    Edit: Probably one in the door bell (or near entrance) as it's common for them to knock before jumping the fence.

  • I just set up one wyze cam in the back patio. It's more to see whether my 95 year old parents are moving around ok. Dad would not want cameras all over. I think getting a security screen door is more useful use of the rebate. It really does change how you live, although $800 is ridiculous.
    You can set up your own system for cameras gradually, wyze have been good for me or blurams are ok too. Unless they are monitored I don't see how they can do much about avoiding crime.

  • +1

    Fake cameras, better locks.

  • Are video links for Eufy and Reolink similar to Hikvision, Dahua, etc?

Login or Join to leave a comment