Outdoor security cameras

[ladypanther]

I live in the country and have started to have some problems with theft. So far they have gotten a lawn mower, tool box, even full gas cans...but not on the same day....all while I am at work.  My house and property are not visible from the road...part of its charm.  Now I wonder what these thieves are going to try next. I need to put up a couple of cameras...they need to be battery operated.

Anyone have any suggestions?  Used anything you like that is moderately priced?

 

Also...any ideas on how I could set them up to steal something that I could track?

 

Note...I have asked the sheriff's department to patrol the area and they are putting extra patrols for a week.  They were very nice about it.

[DaanngJohnny]

Consider a dog...an invisible fence with a loyal and assertive breed (Think blue heeler, Anatolian Shepherd) would keep most petty thieves away. 

[cvlngnir]

I've seen ads for chips you can put on devices so you "never lose them". Perhaps they could be tracked and at least find out where the person who is stealing your stuff lives or is taking it.

[Bronn]

Your easiest/cheapest solution would be game/trail cameras. I would invest in 3-4 if I were you. They are battery operated, and some have the option to hook to a larger battery/outlet.

I just saw our local Walmart had a cheaper 5MP one for $25.

You'll need SD cards for each one you get, but 5MP should be decent enough to identify your suspects. I would also recommend some Python cable locks to run through the cameras to prevent theft, especially if you are putting them within easy reach. You should be good about $50 total for a camera setup if you go for the cheap ones.

They do sell these cameras with a variety of options, and you can upgrade to better quality for more money. I currently have a Bushnell 12MP one that runs about $120.

Based on my experiences, you probably want to find some areas that you can use a ladder to put the cameras outside of easy reach with on your property. You can also conceal them somewhere in outbuildings so that they aren't really obvious.

If someone is determined enough to subvert/sabotage your cameras, they are going to be able to do so.

I'm not sure about GPS tracking chips. I would be more concerned with getting the perps on camera in clear view. That will get them arrested faster than any kind of tracker. The only reason you should track something is if it is irreplaceable. If it is irreplaceable, it shouldn't be accessible enough for a common thief to get it.

[toldozer]

My brother bought some from amazon.  I don't think they were very expensive and you monitor from your cell phone. I can ask him what brand. I think they whole 6 camera set up was less than 600 bucks