How to stop a thief? (kinda long)

[tweakedlogic]

Tonight, with in the last 5 hours, my truck was tossed... again.

As it happens, I have to park on the street. Bikes in the garage, wife in the drive. Memphis ranks 389 out of 405 for crime rates (higher number being more crime). My neighborhood is not that bad. Mostly middle aged couples, young families, and some elderly. It's the **** heads that pass through.

After a thief broke my dash in pieces for an 11 year old midpriced cd player, I stopped leaving anything of value in the car. Later, after I realized i had replaced every window in the truck at least once, I stopped locking my doors, since there is nothing in there anyway. That still doesn't stop these guys. They still get in there and toss the whole rig and take what they want, flashlights, change, jumper cables, what ever.

Once, the passenger front door happened to be locked, all other entry points were unlocked. Some ass hole dug the lock out of the door to open it. Nothing in the truck, a wad of wires where the stereo used to be, nothing in there says "Hey, I'm worth something".

I tried an infrared usb camera connected to a computer that started recording when it saw motion. That didn't work, the infra red leds could only reach about 10 ft. My camera was in a window in the house over 100 ft away. It worked during the day, captured every passing car and walker, not so much at night.

I had an alarm. That sucked cause by the time I got outside, no one was around. And it went off all the time regardless of the sensitivity setting.

I've tried waiting. Just me, in the dark, with my gun. That got boring really fast. I won't even mention the bugs and humidity.

So, some ideas I'm kicking around...
Feel free to add to the list.

• 
  Rabid Monkey comes to mind. Obvious issues of control and poop.

• An old cell phone with a camera app that links to a computer on my wifi. It would be mounted in front of the high brake light facing forward. I experimented with this with a Windows mobile smart phone that I have laying around. I couldn't get the software to work before the 5 minute trial expired. I might revisit this option with a new phone bought for this purpose.

• Pain generating sirens mounted inside. If they don't need some kind of generator (alarm) I could wire them to the dome light with a disarm switch behind the grill or something. But that only scares them away, and I'm sure I'd crawl in the truck a few times and forget to disarm. Or, full hands, might forget to re-arm. But I like the idea of causing them pain, even if temporary.

• Use an old neon sign ballast to shock the hell out of them. I would install strips of metal between the foam and cover on each front seat, maybe with a switch to activate when they sit in the seat. One ballast I have generates 100,000 volts. That should be enough to stop any future breaches from that guy. Weaknesses: does not discriminate. I or a loved one could get zapped. also, It would be tough to explain why there might be a guy dead of electric shock to the cops. I also hate upholstery work.

• My favorite idea is an auto targeting taser. I can easily get a base for a camera that will move in X Y Z planes. These are cheap, and software is plentiful. combine it with infrared camera, custom software, and an on board CPU, and I think it could really be something special. When armed, it would track motion (maybe heat sig), and fire the taser at the intruder while sounding an alarm and send my a text. Mounting is an issue. I love this idea, but the software and possible legal issues are hurdles. I could overlook the legal part if I knew someone that could help write the program (or alter existing software) on the cheap. Cause I'm broke paying for all of these damned thieves.

So, what do you guys think I should do? Moving is not an option. My wife is a teacher and has 12 years left until full pension.

 

[rickybobby]

wow, sounds like you have it rough. Would it be feasible to expand your driveway? i noticed in my area (ranked in the 200's iirc) that parking on the street raises the risk for theft exponentially vs parking in a driveway. I feel your pain on the theft too, i fell asleep one night after doing some work on the rig, and some asshat broke a window and walked away with 10k in tools, including my Snap-On modis. With my current mods im getting nervous about more theft too, just installed a CB and some other trail friendly electronics that cost a fair bit of money, and once i get an antenna mounted for the CB its just gonna be a massive flag saying steal me

 

[tweakedlogic]

wow, sounds like you have it rough. Would it be feasible to expand your driveway? i noticed in my area (ranked in the 200's iirc) that parking on the street raises the risk for theft exponentially vs parking in a driveway.

I didn't find Kalamazoo in the rankings. http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/2011/City_Lo-Hi_2011.pdf

There actually is a second drive, my Rx7 is parked there. But the spot left to park behind the 7 has a very large, soon to fall tree branch about 30 feet up. Part of it already fell on the windshield once. Also, it doesn't stop them. the passenger side is completely hidden from view. That's where my lock was dug out of the door. I started parking on the street so it could be seen by the neighbors.

I feel your pain on the theft too, i fell asleep one night after doing some work on the rig, and some asshat broke a window and walked away with 10k in tools, including my Snap-On modis. With my current mods im getting nervous about more theft too, just installed a CB and some other trail friendly electronics that cost a fair bit of money, and once i get an antenna mounted for the CB its just gonna be a massive flag saying steal me

I've lost thousands of dollars in stuff, not even counting repairing what the break. I'm a chef, (as well as a wrench) a couple years ago I used to leave my knife bag behind the driver's seat. over $3000 in knives gone. I have a long list of the stuff they've taken from the truck. I'm sure there is more that I don't remember. I hate thieves.

A few weeks ago I caught a guy trying to steal a 60 ft extension ladder from my neighbor. I broke my hand on his skull releasing my rage for thieves. I was caught off guard with him though. I had no shoes or shirt on, no weapons, no phone, and my wife could sleep though a war. So all I could do was beat him into submission until the the cops came.

They make quick release antenna mounts. Push down and twist and the antenna comes right off.

 

[wood1]

Usually additional light tends to keep the yahoos away. Is there a way to put a sodium light over where you park and one of those security cameras or a decoy camera? One that points towards your truck and is close enough to the street to be easily seen?

 

[rickybobby]

I remembered the wrong list, kalamazoo ranks 268 in the state, not nationally, but anywho good luck with whatever you come up with. Perhaps a wide angle camera set to take a pic with the door ajar sensors and use an eyefi(sp?) sd card. I dont know if that is even the right name, but Rick has mentioned using an SD card that works over wifi that will automaticly send pics over wifi to facebook or photobucket. That way if the theif makes off with the cam you still have a pic of the dipshit. Seems like there would be a way to secure the camera that would require enough effort that a theif wouldnt hang around long enough to take it. another option if you have a telephone pole or tree that you could park under would be a trail cam, you could put it high enough that a theif couldnt reach it, and they tend to have a decent range.

 

[tweakedlogic]

That's a good idea Wood. I have looked into it. I would love to do something like that. The house is about 100 ft from the road, and a slightly higher elevation, with a huge sprawling oak tree looming overhead. to mount the spot light low enough to be under the tree gave me several complaints from neighbors that come home at night. It really did blind you when it came on.

To install a post and light at the street was very cost prohibitive. He (the contractor) didn't give me an actual number, only a guess of "north of $3000" while he chuckled. The city refuses to even come out and look into installing more street lights on my road.

another option if you have a telephone pole or tree that you could park under would be a trail cam, you could put it high enough that a theif couldnt reach it, and they tend to have a decent range.

Now there's a thought. I didn't think of a trail cam.... Wheels are turning. Do they work at night?

 

[wood1]

I guess I would give in and park on the grass up next to the house in that case. The dead grass would be worth the peace of mind. I wouldn't be able to sleep with my ex parked in the street if there was a chance it was going to be broken into.

Likely it isn't the same dude over and over. All you are going to accomplish is getting some crackhead to pee on your seat if you taser him. The next guy will do it too...

 

[general x]

Hmm. It'd be great if you could be notified when a thief is in your truck doing the deed without letting them know you're on to them, silent alarm style. Maybe rig up some sort of wireless household doorbell dinger to your drivers door so when the door is opened it wakes you up. Then maybe rig up a can of pepper spray to be remotely actuated from a wireless remote like the key fob for keyless entry (Princess auto sells remote kits for decently cheap and auto ether start systems for diesel trucks could probably be rigged up to an aerosol can?) , or the previously mentioned deafening alarm if you're worried about odors/stains/missing your target. Whatever trap you may place I think having a separate independent remote (That DOESN'T make it into your pocket/childs hands XD) is key to prevent yourself/loved ones from getting in the line of fire.

Not exactly relevant but funny and has some neat ideas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIbkLjjlMV8

 

[tweakedlogic]

Your right Wood, I'm sure it's not the same guy over and over again. The last thing i need a crack head piss in my seat when i'm late for work.

That was hilarious General. If only cat piss was my problem. It does have me thinking though. I never use the rear washer sprayer. Perhaps i could fill it with a dye or cat piss and use a motion sensor (in the car) to spray below the doors. sure it would only ruin the jerks shoes and pants, but it's still retribution since he won't get anything from my truck. Maybe one day i might see a guy with funny looking blue shoes and I could kick his ass.

I don't want the disscussio to stop, but after the trail cam suggestion i turned to my trusty Google and started searching and found a dash mounted road cam. It didn't get great reviews, but for $30 I thought i might try it and upgrade later if it seems like it might help the cops ID these bone heads. I also found this 2 channel DVR. It's $65 and doesn't come with cameras or monitor, but i think it might be a good choice. A wide angle IR camera in front and back, I'm sure to get a good image. But I'm going to wait on that until I evaluate the cheaper one.

 

[Jason94sport]

Moving is not an option

It is the only option if it's as bad as you say it is. I would never put up with that.
Did you complain to LE? Can they do more patrols in the area?
Is it only you? Maybe someone is targeting you just you for fun.

I have a blackvue dash cam setup in my SRT8. Records my driving but also has a parking mode & will trigger recording if the G sensor gets triggered at the limits I set it at.

Works pretty well.

 

[tweakedlogic]

if it's as bad as you say it is.
Did you complain to LE? Can they do more patrols in the area?
Is it only you? Maybe someone is targeting you just you for fun.

It's not like my truck is getting ransacked a few times a week, or even a month. More like, once every 3-4 months. I don't think anyone is targeting me. I don't have any known enemies. I'm a nice guy, I help old ladies, and rescue puppies. I'm not the only one on my street with the problem. I am one of the few that park on the street, the only one on my block. I wish some one was targeting me. That way, if/when I catch them, it would stop.

I have a blackvue dash cam setup in my SRT8. Records my driving but also has a parking mode & will trigger recording if the G sensor gets triggered at the limits I set it at.

Works pretty well.

That one looks pretty good. I'm going to try this cheaper version I found first. It would give me the red ass if my solution for identifying the thief was $300 and got stolen. This cheap one doesn't have the high res, and probably isn't as well built, but for 10% of the cost it's worth a try.

 

[snoranger]

Rabid monkey????

 

[Maniak]

Rabid monkey????

You'll need one of these to go with that.

stock photo of the trunk monkey power outlet cover we bought by maniak_az, on Flickr

In all seriousness, Camera is the only thing I can think of. Can you see your truck from the driveway? If so, install a camera in the vehicle in the driveway and aim it at the trucks spot.. maybe you'll be able to catch 'em that way.

~Mark

 

[OffTrac]

My thought was a trail cam too. They work great in the dark and have long distances. The problem is usually battery life.

Get a pitbull and let it sleep inside the truck at night.

 

[CDW6212R]

I wish you well at solving the problem. I dread the thought of having my cars/house broken into by thieves who may not care if it's only $10 of junk they find.

I have always wanted to find a way to trigger an air horn(CO2 hockey hand type) inside the vehicle if someone got in. I'm sure that can be done, but a camera and triggered lights would be the best answer.

If you had a light mounted before that would handle your truck, why not just install a filter/shield in front of it? Mount something that will only allow light to hit the truck area, like the "dog collar things to keep them from licking".

Good luck, and anything that you do an post about here, it may help a lot of other people. Regards,

 

[Teejay4490]

Maybe its the southern attitude I have or something else but if my truck was being broken into on a regular basis, I would literally wait outside for the oppurtunity to shoot them in the ass, hold them at gunpoint and wait for the cops to arrive.

 

[Dano!]

Shatter safe windows?
www.shattersafe.com

 

[tweakedlogic]

Maybe its the southern attitude I have or something else but if my truck was being broken into on a regular basis, I would literally wait outside for the oppurtunity to shoot them in the ass, hold them at gunpoint and wait for the cops to arrive.

I did that. See post 1. when it's as infrequent as every few months, you start to feel silly out there sweating and fighting off mosquitoes. I would spend weekend nights sitting out of sight until about 2am. Nothing happened except me missing a social life. After I gave up on that, it was months until it happened again.

I've decided I'm going to install a paging alarm on the truck, and the motion DVR. that way, I will be alerted when it's happening, and I have a video of the guy red handed. I already have my "thief kit" ready in case I finally hear it happening. I've got a 3 ft long OO gauge steel cable (sheathed), taser, law enforcement mace, flashlight, and zip tie hand cuffs, all waiting by the door. I hope I get to use it soon.

 

[DCVR 614]

Honestly, if you vehicle keeps getting broke into maybe its your neighbors. Someone is watching you. Another trick you can do is get a driveway sensor that goes off when someone gets near your vehicle. You can also install razor blades in your CD player, so when they try to remove your cd player they will get stabbed. Also, invest in a train horn attached to a ScyTek Vision Guard 8000 has a camera attached to it, so when they break into your car it will be loud enough to scare them away.

 

[kworonowski]

http://www.sureguard.com.au/products/Horse-Electric-Fencing/Portable-Budget-Electric-Fence-12-Volt

Set it up so when u alarm it it activates im betting 4k volts in the rear will get them up and outta there quick. (prolly walk a little funny for a bit too)