Security on recently-dodgy street

[milt1968]

Unsure if this is right thread but here we go

I am flatting on a street that has recently had a heap of break ins, and am looking at ways to deter theifs.

I dont own the place so will not be installing any cameras or anything BUT a dummy camera option came up

What do people think?

Its a tough one because if they see a 'camera' they are either going to be deterred or more interested thinking "They ust have a lot of valuables inside to warrant having a camera"

Thoughts?

Thank

[elguapo]

Why use a dummy camera? Dlink, for example, do quite cheap wireless cameras that will send snapshots direct to your phone.

http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CAMDLK2330L1&name=D-Link-DCS-2330L-Outdoor-HD-Wireless-Network-Cloud

As for the rest, good practices like decent locks, keeping a light on a timer when your away etc apply.

[milt1968]

I do not own the property and we are moving out end of January. I dont want to set up a legitimate camera system for such a short period of time. So dummy camera is not a good deterrent then?

[Maccachic]

Neighbourhood Support - http://www.ns.org.nz/

[elguapo]

So dummy camera is not a good deterrent then?

Not IMO....

[milt1968]

Ok. Thanks for the advice, appreciate it.

[td91]

I wouldn't say think a dummy camera would be deter. If anything it does say, I've got valuables and I'm protecting them by putting up a camera. If you're concerned about a break in maybe speak to the owner about installing a deadbolt on sliding doors (easy to break into) and some safety locks on easily accessed windows.

At the end of the day if a burglar really wants to get in and take your things they will. But taking a few extra security measures will reduce this risk.

[skid]

The owner may be interested in a fake burglar alarm box--no one wants a smashed window and the hassle of a break in on one of your rentals

[Monty63]

By the by, you do have insurance don't you? 'Cause if anything serious happens to the house, like a kitchen fire, the landlord's insurance will pay them out and then the insurance company will come gunning for you. I always tell my tenants this.

[ammar]

I think a camera is to help in catching the thief and less to deter especially if the thief is a professional one, he would know how to cover face well.

[Learning]

Stopping thieves from braking in to your house is all about making your house look less tempting than your neighbors. There will always be thieves and they will always take what they perceive as the easier/less risky option.

Simple cheap deterrents are -
- Beware of dog sign
- Workman's boots on the door step
- Fake alarm box
- Alarm company stickers in the windows
- Washing on the clothesline
- A half chewed bone or dog toys in the garden

[PTILoveYou]

1) Don't leave any valuables in the house.
2) when your tenancy term is up, move out.

[Learning]

1) Don't leave any valuables in the house.

Not that easy to carry the Tv, dvd, cd collection, microwave, desk-top computer, etc around with you every time you leave the house.

[PTILoveYou]

Not that easy to carry the Tv, dvd, cd collection, microwave, desk-top computer, etc around with you every time you leave the house.

Contents insurance.

On the bright side, if someone does come clean up the house, at least you get to buy everything new again =)

[milt1968]

Yes we have contents etc. I know once someone is in the house everything is done for. Looking for deterrants so they dont try to get in at all