Web Cams for Security of Bonsai.

Emperor Fish

Hi Ian.

I'm running a home WiFi network - (mainly so I can work from bed and keep tracks on what Aibo is up to - but's that's a different story). My issue with cameras is that unless either you, or the police can get home before the thieves have stolen your trees, then the camera is mainly a placebo. I do have a colleague who kept having his car vandalised though, who put one of these inside the car to very good effect. Turned out to be his next door neighbour!

Regards,

Fish.

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Ian_Homer

Hi Fish,

Yes, but I have neighbours either side, both of which are in during the day.
A quick phone call to them and the police, should result in a shout over the fence to scare them away!

Now, remote switching of 10,000 volts onto the Garden gate is the next option I'm looking at. Umm, have some old Neon transformers lying about somewhere ..... .

Still a nice piece of kit.

Cheers,
Ian.

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rockm

I really, really, really doubt you're going to stop anyone from stealing your trees with a remote camera set-up . The solution is seriously flawed. The police are very unlikely to come on the run to save a plant. They, fortunately, or unfortunately, have other, more pressing, things to do. Your neighbor might not be home, could care less, might be otherwise occupied, might be the thief...etc.

Probably the best thing such a camera would offer would be a way to simply enjoy your trees while you're away. The worst thing it might offer would be a way to see your trees getting stolen...

Joanie

I have dogs. Dogs are great. And a sign that reads "We can make it to the fence in 3 seconds....can you?"

Which is pretty silly considering my ancient lab and friendly little Amer. Eskimo, but the barking and the sign are enough.

However, the webcams seem an excellent idea. Why not also keep an eye on your doors and your garage where all your expensive Joshua Roth tools are stored? Webcams would also show you if a squirrel bent on mischief or a neighborhood cat looking for a litterbox are in your yard.

If you pointed a webcam at a thermometer and something that gauges humidity and windspeed, and had a remote to turn on some misters or whatever, you could even control to some degree the conditions your trees are living under while you are on vacation or at that three day Bonsai conference. How about an automatic device to deploy the shade cloth if the days get hotter than expected? And as far as scaring off the tree thieves, how about a horn/siren that you could activate remotely? If anything, that should be easier than the webcam itself, right?

(I'm not kidding here....have seen some very expensive model homes with similar devices....remotely controlled gadgets. Love it!! Geeks rule!! All of these things are within reach for someone who likes to tinker.)

Joanie

Ian_Homer

Rocm,

I totally agree, but any deterents are useful tools.

We have been down the road of Dogs, Neighbours and other security devices before. I was merely investigating the possible use of "Web-cams" as an additional security measure.

In my particular instance, even if theives broke into my Bonsai Courtyard, they would take several minutes to escape the confines of the area. I have 3 other gates/walls between them and the roadway. I would like to see them get some of my larger trees over a 6 feet wall.

This gives plenty of time to raise the Alarm with local relatives or neighbours.

Another option, is to frighten them, with remote switching of a Pre-recorded message, just like the reversing aids on trucks. "WARNING -
YOU ARE ABOUT TO GET NICKED YOU LITTLE TREE LEAF" etc....

Joanie, you are quite right also. Have a look at Latest Microsoft developments
With all the advances in technology, we will have many options available to us in the next few years. Bill Gates is working on the Digital Home right now.

Everyones circumstances will be different, but there may be just one new thing which adds an extra level of Security and better piece of mind.

Still, it would be nice to gaze at them in the day as well

Will I ever get any work done ?
How does Fish work from home ?

Regards,
Ian.

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rockm

Look at it this way, have the remote cameras in the local Seven Eleven (or any corner store) stopped armed robberies at those establishments? No, hardly. They have, however, provided alot of useful footage for programs like "Cops" and the evening news. Certainly they have also been a valuable tool for law enforcement to ID thieves after the crime has occured. They, however, most often have NOT prevented the crimes they record from happening though. It's a very rare instance when the police come roaring up as the creeps are leaving--and this is for an armed robbery, or sometimes, murder.

As for escaping your yard (and the dogs), never underestimate the quickness, ingenuity, and athletic abilities of 17-25 year olds--who will be the group most likely to be stealing your bonsai. In my youth, stealing pumpkins from front porches Halloween night despite dogs, lighting systems and watchful adults was a sport. Usually, the darkest yards were avoided as you could hurt yourself tripping over stuff...

Ian_Homer

Its the "toys" I like

I am not disagreeing with how effective things may be.

Cheers,
Ian.

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Joanie

Rockm, it's certainly true that cameras haven't stopped ALL robberies in 7-Elevens, etc, but it doesn't also follow that they haven't cut down the number of attempts. People robbing gas stations and convenience stores are out for a very quick buck (and sometimes a bottle of booze) because they can get in and out quickly.

It would be interesting to know....what do you all expect that the "typical" bonsai thief is like? (Other than beavers....) What do they do with the trees? Sell them to other bonsai collectors? Give them to their mothers for Mothers Day? Decorate their hydroponic marijuana closets with them? ("hey, dude, cool Serissa") Keep them? Who fits the profile? That strange, dark, brooding fellow that comes and hangs out at club meetings? The next door neighbor kid that has a rock band? Are any of the stolen trees ever found, and if so, where were they? In other collections? Being sold out of the back of a pickup truck?

It helps to know who the potential thief is, when deciding what deterrant to use.....

Joanie

Emperor Fish

Joanie,

I'm pretty sure that it would just be cheaper to fly over a master from Omiya, pay his hotel bills and food??

Bonsai thieves are opportunistic in the main. They see something portable, they have no idea of its worth, except that it is worth something, and they lift it. Keep them out of sight, secure your garden, buy a nasty dog, or if you are as paranoid as I, chain them down. Work from home and practice twirling Dai-Katanas around your head in the garden whilst wearing a kimono and geta. That way the neighbours know you are a complete lunatic, not to be approached.

Regards,

Fish.

__________________
Old age and treachery will overcome youth and skill.

HEALTH WARNING: Engage brain fully, before typing into keyboard.


"We are the average gamers and we'll kill you badly. There'll be no finesse. no fancy tricks, no inventive attacks, just 2 whole smg clips and a rain of 'nades."