5 Mar ’12
I think earthenstead could put out a cell connected camera to instantly send him pictures. I chose to put mine in a spot that couldn't get the best shots but would get peoples license plates coming into the property. I wonder if you could stash it somewhere high in a tree in a not awesome spot. And since it is cell connected you can have it constantly recording pictures and you only log in to see them -- that way you don't kill data.
I agree, relying on these trail cameras doesn't always work because of their sensitivity to movement and limitation with constantly recording.
6 Feb ’14
PorkChopsMmm said
I think earthenstead could put out a cell connected camera to instantly send him pictures. I chose to put mine in a spot that couldn't get the best shots but would get peoples license plates coming into the property. I wonder if you could stash it somewhere high in a tree in a not awesome spot. And since it is cell connected you can have it constantly recording pictures and you only log in to see them -- that way you don't kill data.I agree, relying on these trail cameras doesn't always work because of their sensitivity to movement and limitation with constantly recording.
I'd looked into the cellular enabled trail cameras before. I like the idea. I think the concern I had was that whatever it was that I had looked into required a particular cell provider and plan which was disproportionately expensive.
Vehicles entering wasn't such an issue. It was mostly ATVs. Now that I have the cable gate, it has only been trespass on foot. For getting license plates, the highest resolution I found was the camera I bought which claims 720p video and 10MP photos. The one vehicle I had trespass, the angle had the plate, but it was still too fuzzy. I cannot say if photo mode would have had better resolution. Unfortunately, the "Megapixel" metric can be exaggerated because some manufacturers use software interpolation enhancement to claim higher MP as opposed to actual optical capability.
I'm struggling between deciding to throw more money at this, leave be what I still have, or remove the cameras still out there. I'm hoping I got my message across to the former custodian and his relative who went hunting. Thing is, if I remove the remaining cameras, I have no way to verify that they are staying away.
My last footage collection showed repeated visits from the same domesticated dogs. Mostly they appeared to be roaming on their own, but in at least one video, one of the dogs appears to stop, check back at his owner, and wait a bit before running further ahead. Several seconds later a shotgun goes off. The dog looking back (into my property) suggests that the shot occurred on my land.
Other footage caught a woman I could not identify who moved very erratically. Fairly certain it was the result of being very high on some kind of drug. Not thrilled seeing that, but she looked like she was just exploring. Of course, I am assuming she was also looking for anything she could steal.
6 Feb ’14
KVR said
I wonder if you can get arrested for stealing your own trail camera
Anything left behind on the property is presumed to be part of the sale unless indicated otherwise. He wouldn't be stealing his camera, he'd be stealing the camera belonging to the new owner. He'd need to clear removal of anything left behind.
When the sale went through, the custodian's deer stand was still on my property. I could have been a jerk and made claim on it. I let him leave it there till my driveway was cleared. Too bad he has not reciprocated the same consideration.
5 Mar ’12
How far away are you from this spot? Do you have cell reception there?
I think cellular trail cams are a rip off. My plan was to use a weather proof enclosure, small solar panel, battery, inverter, an IP camera, and a cellular MiFi to allow instantaneous access with whatever provider I choose. You can get a MiFi plan with 1 gig of data so per month for pretty cheap. You just need the reception to do it.
If you start getting pictures based on movement you can call the cops. This would take some setting up but I think it would allow you to check on your property whenever you want and receive instantaneous notification of trespassers.
6 Feb ’14
PorkChopsMmm said
How far away are you from this spot? Do you have cell reception there?I think cellular trail cams are a rip off. My plan was to use a weather proof enclosure, small solar panel, battery, inverter, an IP camera, and a cellular MiFi to allow instantaneous access with whatever provider I choose. You can get a MiFi plan with 1 gig of data so per month for pretty cheap. You just need the reception to do it.
If you start getting pictures based on movement you can call the cops. This would take some setting up but I think it would allow you to check on your property whenever you want and receive instantaneous notification of trespassers.
21 miles away. The drive is about 40 minutes. There is cell reception there.
I like this idea. I looked into it and there are UHD IP cameras too. Pricey, but the better the resolution, the better the odds that if you can catch the face or license plate that you will be able to make out what you are looking at. It has certainly inspired me with ideas for a long term permanent system. For now, good motion detection with wide angle would be better for remote alerts.
I'm still torn over spending any more money for the short term present.
6 Feb ’14
It happened again!
The two cameras remaining at the property were destroyed. Smashed to pieces and all electronics and data cards gone. On one, they left part of the housing, on the other, they took everything but the clips for the tree strap.
Camera 1
Camera 2
They left a Deer Skull on a stake at the front center of the driveway. They tore off the No Trespassing sign and dropped it halfway between the gate and Camera 1 which means they knew exactly where to find the camera. How? When I took them to court for Trespassing, the video footage I had as evidence was shared with their lawyer (and them) as "Discovery". They had no idea there were cameras, how many, or where until seeing that footage.
Deer Skull
Sign Torn from Cable Gate
Torn Sign
Minutes after driving down there, the Neighbor's Wife's Best Friend drove down with the wife in the passenger seat. The wife quickly accused me of recording them. I wasn't, but wish I had been, and wish I had until they left. Before leaving the wife leaned out and snapped a picture of my license plate.
I called the Sheriff's Department and made a report. Without the data cards, I can't show footage that it was them. He took the report and filed it as a Felony Theft. Once the report was ready, I took it to the prosecutor's office who refused to do anything.
They were let off easy by the judge with a "6-month stay" for the trespassing. It took them 2 months to violate it, yet they're getting away with it... so far. The neighbor is a bow hunting enthusiast and bow hunting season just started in late September. That more than explains why it happened now.
Because it is Felony theft, I might be able to get more investigation put into this. I'll find out about that hopefully Monday. I also have the option of taking them to civil court which has lower burdens of proof. I'll likely get back my losses for the cameras, but I need to find out if I can get more then that in damages as well. Namely, they're hitting me in my wallet, I can hit them back in their wallet and (hopefully) recoup my losses. Either way, they're likely to hire a lawyer (again). I look at it as sending a message that they will be held accountable for their actions criminally and/or civilly, AND financially.
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You'll notice the heavy duty 1/4 inch braided steel cables and padlocks wrapped completely in camo duct tape.
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