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We are a small building and have recently had a rash of vandalism within building that coincides with the arrival of a new troublesome shareholder.Of course, we need proof should any further damages occur.We've had a couple of security companies on site to recommend hidden cameras and recording DVDs for the vulnerable common areas. It seems very expensive-we're told $1200 for a 4-camera recorder and then the cameras, installation etc. We don't have the money for this but the damages we'll sustain from this SH can be considerable. Anyone have any grassroots ideas for security camera/s that maybe we can do ourselves? Thanks!
Sorry, I neglected to include my name.
Thnaks, Bill. May I contact you directly with a few specific questions regarding your great suggestion? If not, wondering if the webcam needs to be visible or if there is a type that can be concealed or is concealed already. The distance it would be from PC is about 15-20 feet and there is one wall/door the signal would have to pass through. IS that feasible for the type of system you describe? Thanks again.
Gluing locks, urinating, and seems to be ramping up activity.
this sounds a little vague. what locks are they gluing and why? what is ramping up activity? who is telling you that someone is doing this and does the informer have their own agenda that they might be defaming a resident? sometimes things are not as one-sided as they seem.
Taking newspapers from in front of other shareholder's doors,SHs report clothing,disappearing from from the common laundry machines,bicycle storage room being breached.
Was this person someone who just bought into your co-op, or the partner of someone who is currently residing? And if they just bought, did you guys vet him/her?
It's worth the cost. With someone gluing locks and "escalating," you'll quickly pay $1200 for repairs anyway. Video evidence will be useful in any legal proceedings (including eviction). And once he's gone you'll still have a way to protect people's safety.
I've found there are always interesting items in the New Products section on the Habitat front page. Even the stuff that's expensive or not right for a particular place can stimulate some new ideas.
I've found two security items in the archive:
BrickHouse Nightvision DVR Spy Lamp
http://www.habitatmag.com/publication_content/previous_new_products/brickhouse_nightvision_dvr_spy_lamp
and
Speco HT-B10X Security Camera
http://www.habitatmag.com/publication_content/previous_new_products/speco_ht_b10x_security_camera
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/securecam.html
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May I suggest a PC with a large hard drive (used PC is OK, but a very large hard drive and a DVD burner is a must) and a wireless connection to four five or six wireless PZT webcams. Yes, you will need a small battery/UPS to avoid outages during electrical hits, etc.
And you will need software to capture and retain the images, e.g. one frame every five seconds or only as the image changes. There is free or inexpensive software available:
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Search/newsearch.php3?S_S=webcam+capture&image.x=15&image.y=14
http://www.canadiancontent.net/tech/downloads/Video-Capture-Programs.html
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