Intruder Alert!

[skieur]

Why did none of you consider that the answer to these sorts of scams at the door is a CAMERA or even a cell phone camera? Take their picture. I would bet that they probably have a record and are known to the police.

 

[Photographiend]

I can appreciate the suggestion of a camera... however when phrased in the tone of "Why is it none of you..." it comes off sounding pretty arrogant imo.

Yes a camera is a great idea it could help the authorities track down any potential door to door criminals. However, it will not keep them out of your home and it will not protect your family which is why it is good to be vigilant and take what ever means you see necessary to keep your family safe. It could be a security system, a dog, good martial arts training...

Not putting down your idea, just saying it is not grounds to devalidate the rest, most of which were people sharing their own personal experiences.

 

[Dagwood56]

Ummm......I don't think most people take a camera with them when they answer the door and considering many of these people work in pairs and while one keeps the homeowner distracted at the door the other is breaking in at the back, asking them to wait and saying "I'll be right back" so you can go grab your camera or phone, really isn't a good idea......just saying

 

[sm4him]

I tend to not even answer the door when someone knocks and I'm not expecting anybody, especially if it's after dark. As a female living alone, I just don't take chances. If they knock, I ignore it. If I hear anything that sounds like they are trying to get in, or aren't going to go away, I call the cops.
I'd FAR rather explain to a legitimate representative of some company why I called the cops on them, than to end up letting someone in that has less than honest motives.

Back in Dec. 2004, when my dad was in the hospital (shortly before he passed away in Jan. 2005), I was spending a lot of time at the hospital, including some overnights. We had to take turns and have someone with Dad every minute or the hospital would have put restraints on him, because he tended to forget where he was and start trying to rip out the IVs. Anyway, my boys were then 14 and 12 years old--if I was going to stay at the hospital overnight, I'd have someone come stay with them. But otherwise, I let them stay home alone until I got there; we'd had LOTS of discussions about what they were to do when they were there alone. One night, I was still at the hospital later than I'd intended, so I called the boys to update them. While I was on the phone, the oldest says, "Oh hang on a minute, someone's at the door." I said, "DO NOT answer that door!!" It was after 10:00 at night, and there was simply NO reason for anyone to be knocking on our door! My oldest son just could NOT understand what my problem with it was. He said, "But what if their car broke down?" My response: "Then they go across the street and knock on THEIR door, and an ADULT can decide whether to help them or not. But YOU are not to answer that door, for any reason whatsoever."

About three nights later, I was at home and again, someone knocked, then started banging, on the door. It was nearly 11 p.m. this time. AGAIN, my oldest son gets up off the couch and heads toward the door!!

It is a WONDER that boy is still alive…and probably still answers the door for perfect strangers in the middle of the night.

 

[treeafodo]

I tend to not even answer the door when someone knocks and I'm not expecting anybody, especially if it's after dark. As a female living alone, I just don't take chances. If they knock, I ignore it. If I hear anything that sounds like they are trying to get in, or aren't going to go away, I call the cops.
I'd FAR rather explain to a legitimate representative of some company why I called the cops on them, than to end up letting someone in that has less than honest motives.

This is a good idea I'd think. As far as your son goes, my parents were the same way if they were going to be out for a bit once we were old enough to stay home alone. We weren't even allowed to pick up the phone unless it went to the answering machine and it was someone we know (ie- family, good friends, etc.). Now because of that I have the worst habit of never picking up the phone. lol

 

[skieur]

Ummm......I don't think most people take a camera with them when they answer the door and considering many of these people work in pairs and while one keeps the homeowner distracted at the door the other is breaking in at the back, asking them to wait and saying "I'll be right back" so you can go grab your camera or phone, really isn't a good idea......just saying

Camera inside on a shelf aimed at the door. There are cell phone apps that allow your cell phone to to act as a remote for your camera. Then there are also security cameras that are motion activated and look like a rock in a flower pot or garden and are not pricey.

 

[Jetmugg]

I have an Infrared camera-based surveillance/security system installed at my home. 4 cameras, 1 microphone. One camera watching the driveway, one watching the front door, one watching the back of the house, and one "up high", looking at a wide angle. It does excellent during the daytime, and pretty darn good at night. It's not a "pro" level system, but not a Sam's Club deal, either.

The background is that we used to have some pretty bad neighbors (aggressive dogs, delinquent teenage kids, etc). Having this system has resulted in the prosecution of 2 kids who were responsible for a lot of vandalism in our town. I have no doubt that it also contributed to our neighbors finally realizing that their dogs were a menace to society, and ultimately to them moving away (hooray).

Additionally, it allows my wife or kids to see who is at the door, without ever having to come near the door. Everything is stored on the DVR, and backed up by a remote server.

For less than the cost of a nice camera lens (or a new D7100 body), you can buy all the components for a nice camera based surveillance system.

Your personal defense options beyond that will vary from state to state.

Steve.

 

[skieur]

I have an Infrared camera-based surveillance/security system installed at my home. 4 cameras, 1 microphone. One camera watching the driveway, one watching the front door, one watching the back of the house, and one "up high", looking at a wide angle. It does excellent during the daytime, and pretty darn good at night. It's not a "pro" level system, but not a Sam's Club deal, either.

The background is that we used to have some pretty bad neighbors (aggressive dogs, delinquent teenage kids, etc). Having this system has resulted in the prosecution of 2 kids who were responsible for a lot of vandalism in our town. I have no doubt that it also contributed to our neighbors finally realizing that their dogs were a menace to society, and ultimately to them moving away (hooray).

Additionally, it allows my wife or kids to see who is at the door, without ever having to come near the door. Everything is stored on the DVR, and backed up by a remote server.

For less than the cost of a nice camera lens (or a new D7100 body), you can buy all the components for a nice camera based surveillance system.

Your personal defense options beyond that will vary from state to state.

Steve.

There are all kinds of options. Doors can be protected as well as windows and sliding glass doors in vulnerable locations. The point is to discourage any attempt or make it extremely difficult. Instead of night vision cameras some have used motion activated lights that turn on, followed by the cameras.

 

[Jetmugg]

Yep, we have both motion lights and cameras.

 

[leeroix]

This is why I own a big dog. I live in a ****ty neighborhood and he is intimidating. I like the idea of cameras however.

 

[skieur]

This is why I own a big dog. I live in a ****ty neighborhood and he is intimidating. I like the idea of cameras however.

Yes, some breeds of dogs are naturally owner and owner's family protective and/or owner's property protective. The best can be very threatening when appropriate, but otherwise friendly.

 

[Jetmugg]

I also have 2 watch dogs. They aren't "attack dogs", but they will definitely sound the alarm if anyone or anything gets within their range of awareness, which is pretty big.

 

[runnah]

I have a very small dog that fits in my hand. He has a very loud bark and a hell of a bite.

 

[snowbear116 47]

Glad it all turned out; hopefully they will get caught.

I also have 2 watch dogs. They aren't "attack dogs", but they will definitely sound the alarm if anyone or anything gets within their range of awareness, which is pretty big.

I'm more of a cat person -- I'd be interested in getting a puma.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I wouldn't take time to go get a camera, but my parents have a camera on their porch; they're on a corner where if anyone's out there it's usually school kids waiting for the bus etc. but it's hard to look out the living room windows without someone seeing them looking out. When I'm at their house to me it's like watching an old B&W TV with one channel where the same thing's always on and nothing ever happens! But it works for them.

When I had someone come to the door they worked for a company, not apparently a very reputable one since they're trying to get people to go get their utility bills etc. but if I wasn't expecting someone I wouldn't go to the door. If a person going door to door works for a legit company they shouldn't mind if you call the company to verify who they are.

(My dad said one time a squirrel was in front of the camera and it looked like there was some giant Godzilla squirrel taking up the entire TV screen! lol)