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buckybuck
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2016 08:18pm
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Quoting: SE Ohio My thieves are outdoors, so would like to setup there. Would be great if additional detector could be programmed for a different call or text, the idea being to denote outdoor from indoor detection.
It can. On the Straight Talk remote alert system, the first detector you put a battery in is Zone 1. If you buy another detector (up to three additional detectors can be used), it's Zone 2, etc. The text message it sends will say something like "Alarm Triggered in Zone 2" which tells you which detector was triggered.
I can't say I'm surprised about small town policing. I suspect there are certain times and nights in Vinton County when there's a total of one LEO (I'm including sheriff's deputy, McArthur police, highway patrol, and state park) on duty period.
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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 9 Feb 2016 09:25pm - Edited by: KinAlberta
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How about hidden locks / reinforcements ?
Has anyone installed a drop bar on a door that can be opened and closed from the outside?
My situation: We have a garage where in the past they cut off the lock and hasp and pounded a hole through the hollow core door, to either look inside or to unlock the locking handle. We just patched the hole and put on a new lock and hasp. That inward opening door needs to be replaced so I was thinking that I'd use an old metal skinned door with a lock and hasp.
However, maybe adding a drop bar to the inside with a string going somewhere through a wall maybe to the back of a piece of trim. Pull the trim board and it would life the drop bar. So the drop bar would have to be pivoting near or at one end to allow the door to open...
So someone that cuts the lock still wont be able to get the door to open.
...could have two bars that meet in the centre of the door and fold upwards, or one bar pivoting from the centre of the door so it 'twists' with on end raising out of a bracket and the other lowering out of a bracket...
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cabinbiscuits
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2016 12:11pm
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buckybuck thanks for the great info. If you buy the one year plan do you have to activate it right away? I would want the one year plan but won't be able to get back up to my place til the snow melts off in the spring.
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2016 02:04pm
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Quoting: cabinbiscuits If you buy the one year plan do you have to activate it right away?
It looks like it. Right after I registered my device by entering its MEID number on the Straight Talk website, I had to select and buy either a month or the year service plan in order to continue the process.
I'm like you--I wasn't planning to activate it right away, since I can't really do much at my place until spring. (Plus, until spring, the $50 security alarm would have been the most expensive thing sitting in my cabin). But we just had a freaky warm day here in Ohio last Sunday--I'm kinda like a kid at Christmas and had to see if it really worked, so I went ahead and activated it for a month and took it to my cabin to check. (As I mentioned, cell phone service is problematic at my cabin. Verizon usually works, but I wanted to make sure).
Although it's $50 directly from Straight Talk, it's also being sold for $58 on Wal-Mart's site, where it's listed as a clearance item. I'm assuming clearance means when they're gone, they're gone, so I'd probably go ahead and order one. Just wait until spring to activate it. I know Wal-Mart gives you a 90-day return window; not sure what it is if you buy directly from Straight Talk.
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cabinbiscuits
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# Posted: 12 Feb 2016 02:12pm
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buckybuck- I would be interested in the 12v to 9v step down transformer you ordered and how it works for you. I am going to order one of these kits for my off grid place.
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 13 Feb 2016 10:19am
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This is the one I ordered:
URL
Estimated delivery for mine is Feb. 23-March 28, so who knows when I'll actually get it. I wasn't in a hurry, since I didn't plan on actually putting the alarm at my cabin until spring.
According to my Kill A Watt meter, the wall wart that comes with the device pulls .8 watts in use. That's around 0.0066 amps, if I'm doing my calculations right.
Somebody smarter than me might be able to figure out what that means amperage-wise when you use a 12V battery connected to a 9V buck converter with a claimed efficiency of 96 percent.
The instructions that come with the control unit claim the unit's 9-volt backup battery will last 15 hours. My goal is to figure out what size 12V battery I need to power it using the buck converter for at least two weeks. I'd prefer not to hook it to a solar panel to keep the battery charged.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 16 Feb 2016 01:59pm - Edited by: SE Ohio
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Buckybuck,
Let's say with your 12 to 9 volt converter the security system uses .007 amps, which it uses each hour, or .007 amp hour. Pretty small draw. Look at 12 volt batteries amp hour ratings, and you'll get an idea of how many hours it will supply .007 amps. (Amp hour capacity divided by .007)
Two alkaline 6 volt batteries in series for 12 volts are good for 13 amp hours. Lead acid batteries can have even more capacity. You could go 2 months between lantern battery changes.
A small wattage solar panel with rechargeable battery/batteries could be self sustaining.
This is a simplified approach, batteries won't deliver .007 amps all the way down to 0 volts, but this is an approximation.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 16 Feb 2016 04:30pm
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PS - I've also ordered the straight talk "alarm" system. Last day of sale at their website. I'm cautiously optimistic that they haven't messed up my order. I used my cabin zip code for the order, but they flagged that it didn't match my shipping address. Need the Verizon tower which works best at my cabin...
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2016 04:23pm
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I hate getting old.
My 9 volt converter finally arrived. Before I connected it, I wanted to make doubly-sure which part of the Smart Alert wall wart's barrel plug--the hole or cylinder wall-- was negative and which one was positive. (Don't ask me why I know it's a good idea to do this).
So I hooked up my multimeter and was surprised to see the wall wart's output voltage is 5 volts, not the 9 volts I had originally thought I had read on the wall wart. Got my reading glasses out and, yep, it is 5 volts.
Sorry about that. Right now, I've got the alarm's control unit hooked up to a 12 volt to 5 volt USB buck converter and running that off an old motorcycle battery. (I'm trying to keep everything as small and unobtrusive as possible, meaning I'd rather not power the unit at my cabin from a larger deep cycle battery and solar panel). I'll keep you updated on how long that motorcycle battery powers the Smart Alert control unit.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2016 06:31pm
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Buckybuck,
Might be an amp-hour rating for the battery? Might check battery model versus mfg spec for an idea on amp hours, or how long before you would use up max 60% of lead-acid battery charge.
Still need to get one month service for my unit.
SE Ohio
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Jebediah
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# Posted: 25 Feb 2016 06:44pm - Edited by: Jebediah
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Quoting: KinAlberta How about hidden locks / reinforcements
Many people are now using large magnets to move pins inside of their walls to secure doors. I would like to try using just a normal deadbolt and see it a magnet will move it when installed on the inside of the door. I've come to realise though that if they really want to get in they just bust some windows like they did on this old cabin that was being used as a storage shed.
If you look closely that large piece of dual pane glass at the bottom was actually suspended at the top, it fell like a guillotine after I hit it with a 2x4, the thieves were bending over and walking underneath it.
Old cabin used as a storage shed.
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brooksm29
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 04:34am
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Well I unfortunately have to post in this section now... . I had 3 good years of no issues but found my cabin broken into on leap day. They took everything except my trusty Coleman lantern and the fire extinguisher. I personally find that I am more irritated that they broke the window and let all the elements into my structure (Michigan Winter), than the other things. Dont get me wrong...the generator, all my saws, camping equipment and all my other tools, pisses me off too. What was supposed to be a quick walk in and check out, turned into a 4 hour, irritated, cop filled affair. Now the fun of remembering all thats lost, dealing with the insurance company and the joy of re-purchasing begins. I will however be adding some game cameras and any other criminal deterants I can think of to the list. Also, if anyone has any ideas for "Nice" notes that they have posted at their cabins, I am quite interested. Although I think that if I just walk over and talk to my neighbors, I can drop enough subliminal hints (like I know its you), to deter any further issues.
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Jebediah
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 07:39am - Edited by: Jebediah
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Quoting: brooksm29 Although I think that if I just walk over and talk to my neighbors
Some thieves are smart most are not. The police should have phoned your neighbours and told them they would be there in a few hours to speak to them about a break in, sit where they can watch the property and observe the idiots loading the truck with stolen items before the they show up, it works.
The most you can do is slow them down and deter them. My genny is secured to a cement pad with wheel locking nuts and so are a few other items, but if they show up with the proper tools (grinder) nothings going to stop them.
Trail cameras are great but you need one with the remote recording system like spy point. The trick is, to get the thief to look in the direction of the camera, so put something of interest inline with the camera, something that will make the thief say hey look at this and when he goes to look at it the camera can get a good facial shot. Something you can hang in a tree about 15 feet away from the camera, worked wonders in Afghanistan.
Engrave everything...or you can go as far as marking bolts screws etc with paint were it doesn't show to the eye.
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RichInTheUSA
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 08:09am
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I have not been broken into... but my neighbors have. I also lock everything up. Chained up the grill, the tractor implements, etc...
My neighbors and I also have many No Trespassing signs, Keep Out signs, and a locked gate on the single entrance to our properties.
We used to have a sign at the gate to our community (not on my property) that read "Firearms in Use, Keep Out", but my insurance person took a picture of it and submitted it to the insurance underwriter who happened to be a liberal anti-gun ideologue. Thus, they threatened to cancel my insurance unless I got my neighbor to take the sign down.
I argued that it was not my sign, and not on my property.... but it's hard to use logic with someone with an anti-gun ideology. I got the neighbor to comply, rather than go through the process of getting all new insurance again. I had just cancelled with Allstate, and didn't want to go through it again.
Anyhow, so far so good on the cabin security. 
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brooksm29
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 11:07pm
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Jeb,
I wonder if the cops did that? IDK. I am pretty sure that the culprits are one of the 2 houses that are within a half mile tho. I even struggle seeing my place from any direction and I know its there. There are just the 2 houses that I see random people walking around (National Forest). They also give the look of THOSE types of people and have done it to other neighbors I hear. I like the idea of the remote access game cameras but is there any additional cost to them? I have not used them and I am only familiar with the ones you remove the card. I hadnt planned on leaving all that stuff there in the first place but the cabin is still a work in progress. Once the cabin is completed, I will just be leaving mostly inexpensive houseware type stuff. I hated lugging that 3200/4000 watt generator home all the time. I definately learned my lesson.
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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2016 11:17pm - Edited by: KinAlberta
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Buy a used, nice looking but seized up generator - a nice heavy one. Put it in a shed, attach fake wiring to it and put a big shiny lock on the door.
After its stolen, buy another newer and heavier but also busted genset and do the same with it, adding an even bigger lock to the door. When they come back to steal the replacement - make them work even harder.
I've always wanted to build a hidden closet, attic storage, hole in the floor or something to hide away valuables at the cabin. Instead we just leave stuff we wouldn't really miss. However, if I were building new, I'd love to build in some hidden storage. Then, like my kidding around above, hang a dud tv on the wall etc. for when it's empty.
Essentially have thieves steal a bunch of non-working crap while the good stuff is hidden in the walls.
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pizzadude
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2016 02:50am
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Quoting: KinAlberta Essentially have thieves steal a bunch of non-working crap while the good stuff is hidden in the walls.
Good plan.
Problem is, when break ins don't occur, we get laxed.
"Ah, we've had this place up here in the sticks for 5 years now.. no one has messed with us yet!?"
Such a pain in the rear to go through the hassle of setting up all the worthless crap for them to take....
Leaving the cabin becomes even more dreary, getting prepped for a thief.
*sigh*
If you possess a persistent ambition to guard your belongings, I salute you.
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Jebediah
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2016 05:54am
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Quoting: brooksm29 I like the idea of the remote access game cameras but is there any additional cost to them?
There are many different types of game cameras The only type I have any experience with is the Spy Point, it has a secondary memory device that you can hide within (the new model) I think is 200'. They are much better for taking images of say a vehicle parked at your gate as the people are exiting the vehicle. They can take your camera but you still have the photos on the other memory card.
I don't worry about thieves anymore ,I did for the first few months and was loading up my truck with all the expensive stuff. I must admit as I turn off the main road to my place I always wonder if I'm going to see an open gate swaying in the wind I would read through this whole thread, there's some good advice on the matter and more info on game/security cameras.
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LoonWhisperer
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2016 11:57am
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Quoting: brooksm29 They took everything except my trusty Coleman lantern and the fire extinguisher.
Sorry to hear that. Hope they catch those a-holes. Good plan getting some cams up and running. I have a couple strategically placed trail cams that catch anyone coming down the driveway and one near the cabin. We had some contractors show up while we were gone and the pictures were bright and clear. No issue identifying who was there.
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brooksm29
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2016 10:51pm
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I am confident they will not catch them with my stuff. I have no idea in the last 3 months when they actually did it. They could have come when we had quite a bit of snow on the ground or after it melted a few weeks ago. Bottom line is that it looked undisturbed other than my broken window. The cops showed up, after 1.5 hours, and basically took a statement. They asked my name and what I could remember them taking, thats it. Its only my tiny cabin contents but it seems like they would have dusted for prints etc. I will definately be putting up some deterrants though. Very irritating that at my own home...I DONT EVEN LOCK THE DOOR...I have gone all weekend camping and never had any problems at my house.
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 3 Mar 2016 05:23pm
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Temperatures are going to be in the mid-70's next week in my cabin 'hood, so I'm finally going to set up my Straight Talk remote alert system at my cabin. Here's where I am with this project:
I was being too optimistic about powering this with an old motorcycle battery. Instead, I'm going to use a little 33 AH deep cycle battery I picked up at a yard sale. I've been running the Straight Talk control unit off it using the 12-volt to 5-volt buck converter shown in the image below for five days now and the battery still shows 12.5 volts. I selected this particular buck converter for the simple reason that it was the cheapest one available through Amazon Prime two-day shipping.
I know a couple of other folks here are also planning to use this unit. A couple of things I've discovered:
Since I've still got about 60 days left on the Wal-Mart 90-day return window for this item, in the event it doesn't work out for me, I didn't want to take chances on a return being denied because I had snipped off the wall wart cord (so that I could wire it to a battery instead of a wall outlet). Luckily, I have the first-world problem of lots of orphan wall warts laying around, so I sacrificed the barrel plug and cord from one of them instead of damaging the one that came with the Straight Talk system. If you do this, keep in mind that the area where the cord plugs in to the control unit is a tight fit. You'll need a cord with an elbow barrel plug connector.
I screwed up earlier when I stated the remote's control unit uses nine volts. It actually uses five volts. I first tried using this cool-looking 12-volt to 5-volt USB buck converter, but with it, my battery dropped to 12.2 volts in about three days. Not sure why. I also tried powering the control unit from a 20000 mah USB power bank, but had the opposite problem; the power bank would automatically turn itself off because the control unit doesn't draw enough of a load to keep the power bank turned on.
I'm probably going to hook the battery up to a little trickle solar charger I've got. I don't like leaving things like solar panels out in plain view, but even the best battery is going to self-discharge over time.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 3 Mar 2016 06:52pm
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Buckybuck,
I've not read here of anyone ever having a solar panel stolen. Not heard of solar stuff stolen elsewhere, either. I think you are safe to leave one out.
I think the small battery drain is great! Not much charge needed from panel to keep battery topped up.
SE Ohio
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cabinbiscuits
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# Posted: 5 Mar 2016 09:54pm
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buckybuck- Thanks for the great info on these systems. I ordered one from Walmart.com and got it the other day. I bought a couple of door sensors and an extra motion detector with it. I set it up and started using it at home yesterday to try it out. So far so good. I will have to order a step down converter and take it up to my place in the spring. I got the one year data plan and so far I am very pleased with the system.
Thanks again for the info on these great low cost systems.
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buckybuck
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# Posted: 17 Mar 2016 11:44am
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Just an update. I set the Straight Talk unit up in my cabin about a week and a half ago. Since then, every so often I'd send an Arm or Disarm command to it from the smartphone app and I'd get a confirmation text back about a half-minute later. Kinda felt like I was controlling a Mars rover.
I was able to get back to my cabin yesterday to do some work. I received an "alarm triggered" text on my phone shortly after I opened the door, reassuring me that the sensor part of the system is working. I'd hooked a small Coleman solar trickle charger up to the battery I'm using to power the control unit, and the battery measured full when I checked it yesterday. So far so good.
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 4 Apr 2016 02:34pm
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Spoke with local sheriff, and he had some good alarm system advice that might well apply to wherever...
Although my county doesn't require registering an alarm system, the sheriff dept keeps an alarm system file that one can add to. Some things they suggested:
A contact phone number for alarm shutoff- I suspect they want someone who can shut off a loud alarm that only has minutes to drive to get there 
Vehicle descriptions and license plates of vehicles that are okay to be there- They said this could affect how they approach anyone there when thus alerted. Might oughta update this annually if you change vehicles or plates every few years.
A map showing cabin location. Forgot to ask about GPS, but remember there are several GPS formats and sheriff might not be able to convert coordinates quickly or at all if they are enroute.
Positive cabin i.d. info- House number, color, etc if there are other cabins nearby.
Let them know if there is a gate, and if it is normally locked.
I probably forgot a few things, but not a bad start. Knowledge in the law enforcement hands is good.
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RichInTheUSA
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# Posted: 4 Apr 2016 03:35pm
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SE Ohio... Don't fall for it, it's the governments way of collecting information on you.
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JDPugh
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# Posted: 24 Apr 2016 03:55pm
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OK...I have a farm property but live about 30 miles away. The farm is on a 2 mile loop road in the county and is where I grew up. We NEVER had any issues with theft. I did't even realize we had house keys until I was almost grown. But, that was 40 years ago and most likely because everyone who lived there were members of 3 or 4 families who had lived there for 75 years. Over the last 15 years several of the farms have been broken up and lots sold by several residents including my dad. Now, petty theft is running rampant and several items have been stolen from my farm. They kicked in the doors....that's right not a door, but 5 doors including one that had been paneled over years ago. They stole some old yellowed appliances that I would have given them had they asked, ransacked the house and outbuildings. Since then the doors have been forced open at least 4 times and for now I have just left the house ransacked inside. Nothing of great value has been stolen but many, many little things keep disappearing.
There was a tractor there but it had a hidden kill switch and an empty fuel tank. One visit several years ago I found a two fuel cans beside it and the tank was now full but they did not find the kill switch. So, I just sold the tractor. There also was a pickup truck that had not run in years...last week the stole the wheels, so I sold the truck to a neighbors son who has recently asked about it.
It's not just me, several homes have suffered the same fate. One guy who works out of town frequently said he has had "visitors" at least 10 times. In asking around over the years I have found that there a several people in the area who's name keeps coming up. One being the son of one of my cousins.
I really feel like this is the work of one or two people and just approached the sheriffs department about setting up some "bait" items there on my farm with GPS tracking installed to see if we can put a stop to this crap. If they have devices fine, if not I am looking into buying my own if they agree to work with me to catch these bastards. Figure I can pick up some things at my brother-in-laws pawn shop or the local repair shop. Maybe an old tiller, mower or worn out portable generator. Need to see what the sheriffs office suggest, I would prefer that it be valued enough to be a felony.
Time to stop trying to prevent and instead catch them. If it turns out to be kin folk....too bad for them.
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Julie2Oregon
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# Posted: 24 Apr 2016 09:26pm
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I've thought a lot about this subject, of course. I'm sorry to read about folks' break-ins. There's a meth (and heroin) epidemic in this country. Everywhere. Addiction leads people to desperate acts that they wouldn't normally do, and it's sad.
I live out in the country now with more people near me than I will when I'm living in a cabin and being that I have more things, I'm probably at a slightly greater risk here than I will be there. Crime in the city where I currently live is getting really awful. Last week, two people stormed into the Salvation Army, of all places, with guns and tried to rob the workers who had next to nothing but offered them what they had. SAD. And an elderly man was beaten and robbed (for the $70 in his wallet) in broad daylight in the parking lot of a major supermarket. I'm very aware and careful, at home and out. Always.
I have a security system at my house. It's OK but there are a lot of false triggers. Over time, it builds up a sense of complacency to a degree. Not sure I'll have one at the cabin. Maybe a camera but not an alarm. Dogs are my alarm and I plan to get a Great Pyrenees. Great family dogs, great with livestock, will bite the buns off a stranger or intruder. Very smart and sentient. Very BIG.
There are decorative but highly functional burglar-proof doors one can install over the regular doors. I plan to do that.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Unique-Home-Designs-36-in-x-80-in-Solana-Navajo-White-Surf ace-Mount-Outswing-Steel-Security-Door-with-Perforated-Metal-Screen-5HS610NAVAJ36/202 098319
I won't do window bars because it's too dangerous in case of fire. But this would give me warning of a problem. I mostly care about my personal safety while I'm home.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Doberman-Security-Home-Security-Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-4-Pa ck-SE-0137/203105248
And every little bit helps. This helps to keep the window together in case of shatter from anything -- flying storm debris, rock kickups, intruders, etc. Living in a place with frequent storms, I've put this on my windows, and will in OR:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gila-36-in-x-84-in-Safety-and-Security-Decorative-Door-and -Window-Film-50167611/205906141
I'll have a gun, of course. I'm mostly concerned with my personal safety and having enough time to do that. If I'm away for a weekend and someone breaks in? Bummer, but they won't find anything they can get quick money for at a pawn shop or selling privately and quickly. That's what they want. One wasted effort and I'd imagine word would get out that I don't have anything worth stealing, hahahahaha. Just girly stuff.
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JDPugh
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# Posted: 25 Apr 2016 01:26am
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Yeah locally I think it is a meth & prescription drug problem for sure. Have not heard much about heroin but most likely it's in the mix. Sad to see that happen right there where I grew up.
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KinAlberta
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# Posted: 25 Apr 2016 10:35pm - Edited by: KinAlberta
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Years ago a company in my city produced high security storm doors. They had lots of really nice, non-ornate designs. Unfortunately they are gone and now it seems all I can find are the ornate ones.
The one above at Home Depot looks nice but wouldn't be 'rustic' or simple enough for my applications.
This is nice but likely over the top in terms of cost:
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/83/74/3f/83743f7a6243fcd558ad26216a08bef8.j pg
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