How to Detect Intruders Entering Holiday Home

Lbabolat360 on 15/08/2023 - 08:26

Hey OzB community,

Looking for some advice on a cost effective security setup.

Unfortunately, I've had some unwelcome visitors over the years. While the disturbances have been minor, I've noticed items disappearing and unexplained messes that can't be accounted for. It's concerning not knowing what's happening when we are not there.

My goal is to implement a solution that allows me to monitor, detect, and verify any intruders so I can promptly alert the police if necessary.

I've taken some measures to secure the house, such as placing dowels in all external windows and doors to prevent access and changing the locks on the main entrances. I've also informed the neighbours, but our property is somewhat secluded, so I can't rely on them for consistent monitoring.

The property doesn't have internet and is a solid drive so can't regularly visit. I was thinking just using an old phone with some Boost sims for data to make a personal hotspot. I have a Synology NAS at home if this is useful information. Is there a camera setup you'd recommend that I can monitor remotely? Other motion sensing devices you'd suggest? Open to all ideas, thank you for your help :)

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Ozbar Gain on 15/08/2023 - 12:08

    If you don't want to splash a lot and just want to deter people from entering, it might be worth just pretending like someone's home.
    Look at something like the tv light mentioned earlier, plus smart light bulbs throughout the house that turn on/off at random times. Buy a cheap, low power usage FM radio that stays on 24/7.
    Install motion triggered outdoor flood lights. Add an alarm system. One that's monitored by a security company.

    If you're willing to spend more and want to try and catch them red handed, you're firstly going to have to get a reliable internet connection. Mobile hotspots are finicky, they need to be power cycled every now and when the hardware comes back on there is usually a manual step or two to get the hotspot going. There should be ways around it but you're going to have to research that.

  • Euphemistic on 15/08/2023 - 12:24

    Hire a child. Let them watch Home Alone and set the up with a BB gun, an iron and some micro machines.

    • DGrayson82 on 15/08/2023 - 12:35
      +2

      Keep the change ya filthy animal.

  • Protractor on 15/08/2023 - 12:37
    +6

    How about a few wildlife cameras as an entree into if/when you step up the security?
    One placed to go off as vehicles come and go, and low enough to get rego.
    One per front/rear or side shots, pointing so it captures as much activity around main house as possible.
    They should last a few months and you might get enough evidence to act on it.
    Just make sure you hide them well. Check them all before batteries go flat.

  • Drpepper666 on 15/08/2023 - 12:46

    Im a heron and I'm in your kitchen messing up your pots and pans

    • GordonD on 15/08/2023 - 12:56

      Just as a long as you're not an ibis. They make an awful mess.

  • BuyoTheCat on 15/08/2023 - 13:33

    I can go check it out for you once in a while. I wont make a mess.

  • MITM on 15/08/2023 - 14:28

    Audio recording of vicious dogs barking on permanent playback loop.

  • foolsgold on 15/08/2023 - 16:46

    done similar,
    any camera connected to blueiris ($60 for licence + computer)
    computer runs 24/7, cost about $40 a year to run
    connect computer to internet, mobile sim ($ not sure I had internet)

    remote to computer needs to be done with ZeroTier or some other reverse VPN to allow you to remote into a mobile network (cgnat)

    you can then send push triggers to alert you, you don't need the vpn running on the device to recieve push notifications, you can set up email, text messages, rich push notifications etc)

    computer can record footage locally, I also had mine upload it but it was connected to a nbn with unlimited data

    i'd also put a ring doorbell or something with the created wifi network so you can talk to visitors who push the doorbell etc

    • Herbse on 15/08/2023 - 19:06

      What do you do with the footage of someone who's broken into the house?

      • Protractor on 15/08/2023 - 21:48

        What do you do with the footage of someone [wearing gloves ,baggy clothes and a balaclava] who's broken into the house?

      • foolsgold on 21/08/2023 - 11:05

        Nothing but the OP can "use it to monitor, detect, and verify any intruders so I can promptly alert the police if necessary"

        • Herbse on 21/08/2023 - 11:39

          And what will the police do with footage of someone with a hoodie on they can't identify?

          • foolsgold on 21/08/2023 - 17:25

            @Herbse: I think if necessary, they can alert the police.

  • ginormousgiraffe on 15/08/2023 - 17:08

    Set up home assistant or something similar. Install smart LEDs, a smart speaker and an outdoor motion sensor.

    Randomly make 1-2 rooms of lights turn on for 15-60 minutes with always one set on at minimum.

    1/10 chance for a set of lights that is visible from the front of the house to flick on for 1-5 minutes every time the front sensor is tripped.

    Play background chatter podcasts on the speakers for a couple of hours each night.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 15/08/2023 - 17:37
    +1

    $500 gumtree vehicle in the driveway. Timers for lights in the evening.

    Or sell it or rent it out.

  • Herbse on 15/08/2023 - 19:05
    -1

    Cameras are pointless. You'll have a photo of some random which is completely useless to you.

    Alarms are the best defence in home protection because they reduce the time criminals dig around the house looking for valuables. But if the house is secluded like you said then they won't care other than the irritating noise. Which is probably the best you can ask for tbh.

    • ssfps on 16/08/2023 - 07:37
      +2

      A camera pointed at the car port / parking area would be pretty useful…

  • UltimateAI on 15/08/2023 - 22:36

    $150\180 for a decent pre-paid SIM in a hotspot device, paired with something like a Wifi camera with person detection. Good excuse to get another Woolworths SIM for the 10% off a shop, pays for itself.

    RioLink argus 3 pro are good for external and internal use providing the solar panel get's light otherwise a USB charger. They come with a stand, so great for in-doors without mounting.
    They have good person detection, and cloud is about $20 a year.

    Whatever you get make sure it supports cloud storage.

  • meong on 15/08/2023 - 22:46

    What about home wireless broadband?

    TPG has a free trial gor 1 month. They send the modem to you preconfigured.

    It is using 4G/5G but properly tuned and optimised to specific area so it has more reliable connection compared to let's say using your own sim cards.

    I know this cause my area has bad coverage (Boost 5G only got me 10mbps) but when I used TPG home wireless broadband i was able to get 20mbps.

    I had to use it for nearly month cause when i moved in, they had an issue with the fibre that they suggested me to use this for about a month.

    I was able to work, use Teams for video calling etc with no issues.

    • Davo1111 on 15/08/2023 - 23:18
      +1

      As a reolink (non go) owner I recommend getting the solar panel

  • OldSchoolHarry on 16/08/2023 - 00:52

    Security cameras with motion detection plus sirens and contact sensors on all doors and windows.

  • MissKitten1 on 16/08/2023 - 08:30
    +1

    How are you securing the home? At our holiday home, we have high cyclone fencing with an entry gate that is locked when we're not there and the driveway gate locked when we're not there. External roller shutters to windows. Strong, solid and secure external doors with stansard locks and deadlocks. You need to use it more regularly, rather than just the school holidays, to deter the squatters.

  • sprocketoctopus on 16/08/2023 - 09:29

    Thinking of other solutions, what about renting the place out sporadically? That might deter them, as a pattern of random guests ,may just get them to try else where.

    Also good security lights that can be turned on via a timer perhaps.

    I also like the idea of a 4G Solar camera as suggested, but do you have Cellular service? How good is it?

  • Willy Beamish on 16/08/2023 - 09:36
    +1

    Firstly narrow down exactly how they are getting in, then install an alarm system.

  • surg3on on 16/08/2023 - 09:47

    Sell it

  • bbinc on 16/08/2023 - 09:52

    Google dog barking alarms. I had one that worked OK but it annoyed the neighbours cat. If your neighbours are a distance away, may be OK. Not the total answer, just another deterrent. The earlier in their efforts that you have deterrents - lights, alarms, the quicker they’ll leave. Once they are inside they will grab something. Also very loud internal screamers, like 130db or so.

  • gromit on 16/08/2023 - 10:43
    +1

    The reality is "most" thieves and intruders are opportunistic and are easily scared off by simple things like motion activated floodlights, automated evening lights inside and simple cameras (hell even fake cameras) as while freebies are enticing there are usually plenty of easier less risky targets. Having said that if you really wanted to go the next step then a NAS and camera plus a hotspot or something to regularly upload can be done cheaply. reality though the opportunistic ones will be scared off simply by the camera presence and those that aren't will be in and out long before the police turn up.

    • Protractor on 16/08/2023 - 10:52
      +1

      It's probably (likely) someone in the OPs inner circle sneaking up there when he is stuck at home base.
      (OP said not B & E )

      Given they intruders don't make the bed, there's the clue,who it might be.

      • gromit on 16/08/2023 - 11:01
        +1

        It does happen. many years ago my brothers neighbour on a farm started to suspect someone was using the house while he wasn't there, he had a city job so was only there on weekends but started to notice odd things out of place. Sure enough he decided to put his vehicle in the shed to make it appear he was gone for the week and a guy wonders down out of the forestry area and goes in through the roof to use his house. Apparently, he was camping in the forest and would wait till it appeared he had left before coming down and using the house during the week. He claimed he never slept there and just used it to make coffee and take a shower.

        • Protractor on 16/08/2023 - 11:06

          LOL
          Civilised yeti

          • gromit on 16/08/2023 - 11:14
            +3

            @Protractor: yup, he suspected he did a lot more than just shower and coffee but couldn't prove it so just warned him if it happens again the police will be involved and he told him he is reporting his illegal camping to the forestry, never saw or heard from him again.

  • LoserScott on 16/08/2023 - 12:54
    -2

    So you just spent money a property but come here to solve your problems, genius.

  • Bargain-Basement on 16/08/2023 - 13:34
    +1

    How far are your neighbours from you?

    Could you set up a camera system but connect to neighbours network if close enough? And give them a fee every month.

  • max900 on 16/08/2023 - 13:59

    Unifi cloud key + unifi g5 pointing at front yard + unifi g4 instant for indoor + cheap g4 router. Can be done under $1k - $1.5k.
    The unifi protect app can notify you any movement detect pretty much instantly and most importantly you can monitor remotely.

    Add a Bluetti in ups mode if worry about power being turned off.

  • Hangryuman on 16/08/2023 - 16:53

    if the home is secluded, then crims could easily smash windows or door locks to gain entry

    so I'd say make sure your building insurance is good in case they start arson around

    and don't leave anything there you really don't want to lose

    that said - any online loop alert ring camera type stuff that would send you alerts on movement despite crims ripping out power supply or cameras they can reach ?

  • cnrmlj on 16/08/2023 - 16:55

    Is the property big enough to build a moat around?

  • TooMuchChocolate on 16/08/2023 - 17:11
    +1

    Cheapest option would be to place deterrents:
    - Fake camera domes with a red led light inside
    - Motion detection fog light

    More expensive:
    like other said, sim card-based internet or even elon's satellite dish
    - Camera, I have a set of 8 uniview cameras with the 3TB NVR, pretty happy with it. Chinese brand, who know, the footage might be going back to mainland, Maybe they can tell me who is not picking up their dogsh1t from the nature strip in front of my house.
    - Wifi Zigbee controller
    - Zigbee door sensors
    - Zigbee motion detectors close to the doors.

  • eklipsils on 16/08/2023 - 17:49
    +1

    Ring doorbell and Cameras have motion detection and can be easily monitored via the Ring app

  • Kiro on 16/08/2023 - 18:48
    +1

    You sorta nailed it already, some sort of internet access plus a few either wireless or PoE devices and have remote access.

    Rather a phone maybe have a dedicated 4g/5g modem connected to cameras with network access.

    Maybe have a small UPS just in case the intruders cut the power and for protection to connected devices.

  • letmecry on 16/08/2023 - 21:14

    Rent it out like airbnb & hire local people to clean it up for you

  • darkchoc on 16/08/2023 - 23:14

    Lock the front driveway and gate. Lock windows and doors.

    Alarm system, motion sensor floodlight, ring doorbell, cheap cctv, sign at front of house saying cctv in operation.

    Plug in cheap phone or 4g dongle in locked cupboard or in the ceiling. You'll have internet.

  • Oz em on 17/08/2023 - 00:09
    +1

    How are they getting in?
    Bolt the windows and put dead bolts on the doors.

    • Protractor on 17/08/2023 - 16:41

      fundamental question of the thread

  • 1Kenobi on 17/08/2023 - 07:13

    Trail cam

  • Cheap Gamer on 17/08/2023 - 07:37

    Leave Kevin home alone. He'll handle those pesky intruders.

  • cheeksahoy on 17/08/2023 - 07:49

    Using an app like Alfred Camera, you can turn any old phone into a security camera.

  • kaleidoscope on 17/08/2023 - 10:14
    +1

    Few cams and an alarm system with network module would do. Use one of those 4g modems so you can monitor and disable alarm if it goes off.
    You nas can has surveillance station that you can hook up the cams

    Keep in mind if property is unattended for long time the bugs such as small spiders can trigger alarm as well.

  • 10fps on 17/08/2023 - 15:41

    Im up for hire if you want me to stay there and protect your holiday house. I can deter intruders and fight them if required.

  • knk on 17/08/2023 - 16:37
    +1

    IT Guy here

    It sounds like you've got adequate reception to do this so skip the sim in a phone and just grab yourself a router that will take it. Then just use any off the shelf CCTV system that doesn't require you to forward ports.

    I don't have a recommendation for anything consumer grade but I personally use these in my business. They're tricky to configure but if you don't mind getting your hands dirty you'll work it out. I think they have allow you to configure the LTE module in their quickset menu now days anyway, which takes the difficulty out of it. Someone might have a recommendation for something more consumer friendly though.

    https://store.duxtel.com/hap_ac3_lte6_kit

    I'm using the Aliexpress Tuya compatible stuff for my cameras and it does a good job. However obviously with this stuff you wouldn't want it on a network you had anything important on (mine are segregated and internet access is disabled to everything but the NVR). But they're cheap and do the job and I'm happy enough. I'd recommend hardwiring so you don't need to worry about going and changing batteries.

  • Willy Beamish on 17/08/2023 - 16:59

    Buy used cheap car, park it out front.

  • G-Bard on 17/08/2023 - 22:07
    +1

    Install energy consumption monitoring!

  • Yamete Kudasai on 18/08/2023 - 00:19
    +1

    eufy 4g starlight and a small solar panel. get a long cable away from the solar panel so its not too stand out?

  • 1Kenobi on 18/08/2023 - 09:15

    Clothes on line
    Radio on talkback station
    Car our front
    Alarm system
    Etc etc

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join