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Slightly OT, but I'm curious to understand the use-case for indoor/outdoor home-security cameras. Yes, it sounds pretty awesome to "catch" someone, or trigger a

Slightly OT, but I'm curious to understand the use-case for indoor/outdoor home-security cameras. Yes, it sounds pretty awesome to "catch" someone, or trigger a motion alarm, but does it work in practice? Like, is it hooked to the police or to a security firm, or what? Because someone with a face mask is unidentifiable anyway, and even if you can identify some feature, a burglar can leave with whatever valuables, or cause damage... So it's not preventing the crime, but might marginally aid in after-the-fact investigation? so is it worth it? I'm probably not a good example, I live in a small apartment, don't have any valuables besides passports and loose change. I just don't see much of a point for having cameras. Instead I focus on deterring casual burglars by using semi-intelligent timer-based lights plus a simple radio tuned to a station with lots of talking when we're away from home. Perhaps a security cam has a deterring aspect, but not sure of the legality of it in Germany where I live, and I guess a dummy camera would achieve a similar effect as a real one? What am I missing? :)

sliken 7y ago
Well my motivation started when I found an uncoiled coat hanger on top of my car. So I bought two cameras (both with IR illumination) and pointed them to the two sides of my car. Even a casual observer will notice the two cameras (with 2 rings of glowing red lights) pointed at them when they enter my driveway. I figure it's a $120 worth of prevention... hopefully. The cameras can read the license numbers of cars going up and down my dead end street, and have a NTP synced time stamp on them. So I have reported license plate numbers to the police a few times when various neighborhood issues have come up. But no, I don't think it will magically arrest someone breaking into my house. But they are still pretty useful. Did someone leave a package on my front door? Is my kids friend's parent here for pickup/drop off? Did the garbage truck get here yet? WTF is that loud truck noise out front? Is that knock at the door someone with a clip board? Or someone trying to get me to believe in their god? One thing it does help, is that at least in my area it's common for a thief to knock to see if anyone is home, then break down that door or force a rear door to enter the house is nobody answers. So being able to see and even respond to the knocker might well prevent a breakin, even if you aren't physically there.
theincredulousk 7y ago
Chances are low to identify someone (for the time being, but increased video quality and facial recog. vs. a simple driver's license/ID database may change that soon). Obviously like you said, nothing you can do with a face mask. But at least if you know something is happening in real-time, motion triggers being the most important, there is at least some chance to intervene or call the police depending on the circumstances. Even if you can't stop them, speed is key, and if they are on foot they could be caught in the area afterwards with vague id such as clothing only. Capturing a license plate is probably optimal though, if they aren't on foot. Cameras are very good these days - HD and higher 30/60fps video - not the pixelated/blocky/useless recordings of 10 years ago. Also good to know ahead of time if there is anyone snooping around looking for easy targets (as small-time burglars do). Some systems do also have monitoring services. Otherwise yeah, cameras are at best a deterrent and source of evidence, nothing more as a passive device. Best security system I've ever had was a German Shepherd. Fully autonomous deterrent + active response if necessary :)
- WWLink 7y ago
  The cameras are also a great deterrent just for being there. After installing some on our vacation house, our gardener told us there's almost never junk flyers anymore.

sliken 7y ago

Well my motivation started when I found an uncoiled coat hanger on top of my car. So I bought two cameras (both with IR illumination) and pointed them to the two sides of my car. Even a casual observer will notice the two cameras (with 2 rings of glowing red lights) pointed at them when they enter my driveway. I figure it's a $120 worth of prevention... hopefully. The cameras can read the license numbers of cars going up and down my dead end street, and have a NTP synced time stamp on them. So I have reported license plate numbers to the police a few times when various neighborhood issues have come up. But no, I don't think it will magically arrest someone breaking into my house. But they are still pretty useful. Did someone leave a package on my front door? Is my kids friend's parent here for pickup/drop off? Did the garbage truck get here yet? WTF is that loud truck noise out front? Is that knock at the door someone with a clip board? Or someone trying to get me to believe in their god? One thing it does help, is that at least in my area it's common for a thief to knock to see if anyone is home, then break down that door or force a rear door to enter the house is nobody answers. So being able to see and even respond to the knocker might well prevent a breakin, even if you aren't physically there.

theincredulousk 7y ago

Chances are low to identify someone (for the time being, but increased video quality and facial recog. vs. a simple driver's license/ID database may change that soon). Obviously like you said, nothing you can do with a face mask. But at least if you know something is happening in real-time, motion triggers being the most important, there is at least some chance to intervene or call the police depending on the circumstances. Even if you can't stop them, speed is key, and if they are on foot they could be caught in the area afterwards with vague id such as clothing only. Capturing a license plate is probably optimal though, if they aren't on foot. Cameras are very good these days - HD and higher 30/60fps video - not the pixelated/blocky/useless recordings of 10 years ago. Also good to know ahead of time if there is anyone snooping around looking for easy targets (as small-time burglars do). Some systems do also have monitoring services. Otherwise yeah, cameras are at best a deterrent and source of evidence, nothing more as a passive device. Best security system I've ever had was a German Shepherd. Fully autonomous deterrent + active response if necessary :)

WWLink 7y ago
The cameras are also a great deterrent just for being there. After installing some on our vacation house, our gardener told us there's almost never junk flyers anymore.