My 74 yo neighbor Judi (the one who's brother evicted her) has moved to a new elderly housing location. These are small single story connected apartments run by the local housing authority.

She moved in three weeks ago and within the first week someone stole two of her plants and a wrought iron stand from her back "porch" area. A couple of days later she saw her plant and stand (now painted black - it was green) outside on a neighbors "porch" and confronted them. They told her another neighbor in the complex had just given it to them but to take it if it was hers. Judi then went to the the other neighbor and spoke with the 91 yo mother of the alleged thief. Mom says she didn't know if her daughter took it but later that day returned the other missing plant. So maybe not so "alleged" after all.

Next day the daughter (who is in her early 40's) came over to Judi's house and asked her for a ride to the liquor store. Judi had been warned by other tenants that this woman was always bumming rides and that Judi should not take her anywhere. They also mentioned that they too have had many missing items since this person moved in 4 months ago.

Next day Judi finds a note on her door that said the woman did not take her plants and that Judi should "...watch out for her little dog because something bad might happen to him. Because NOBODY that lives here likes her. Nobody.". So at this point we not only have a thief but a stupid one at that. Who leaves a note denying you did it but also including a fresh threat?

So Management was notified and Judi was told in glorious condescending corporate speak that "they are handling it, just move along.". In retaliation for going to management more plants were stolen and this morning Judi awoke to a small fire of cigarette butts on the door mat at her back door. Nothing that would have caught the building on fire (it's all brick and concrete) just a message.

Enough is enough. I made her call the Police and report the harassment because it seems that this person may have other stability issues that could present a safety issue to Judi, her dog and personal property. I told the officer that I didn't think that his talking to the thief would stop the problem and he agreed with me. So he took all the info and then went across the way to talk to the thief.

As an FYI, this kind of behavior is very uncommon here in Merrimac. Catching speeders and the occasional domestic issue are about as exciting as it gets for our two cruiser Police Dept.

I think it would be a good idea to set up a wireless IP camera to catch this person in the next act. There's many choices on Amazon but I'm new to security cameras. I would need something with a Mac interface (she has a mid 2012 Macbook Air 5,2 running 10.8.5) and preferably under $100. Motion activated would be good, battery option is also a plus. I'm probably not going to put this outside so it won't need to be weather proof.

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

You're also going to need lots of storage for the video.

Quote
IronMac
You're also going to need lots of storage for the video.

How much storage will I need? I was hoping to set it to detect motion so it wouldn't be on constantly. I've got a 1tb external she can use.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

I don't know how much storage you will need because it depends on the quality of the video and how much time you are going to record. I think 1 terabyte is a start but I have seen people and companies devote NAS boxes for this sort of surveillance.

You simply cannot go to the police without video in this sort of situation and you certainly don't want to confront a nutjob.

What is a 42 year old doing in a senior apartment complex?

---

C(-)ris
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

you're probably looking for something like this - [www.samsungsmartcam.com]

and / or

[www.bensoftware.com]

it will cost a couple of dollars and be a bit of a pain. but it would give wonderful peace of mind

---

Quote
IronMac
I don't know how much storage you will need because it depends on the quality of the video and how much time you are going to record. I think 1 terabyte is a start but I have seen people and companies devote NAS boxes for this sort of surveillance.

You simply cannot go to the police without video in this sort of situation and you certainly don't want to confront a nutjob.

Police confronted her tonight and as stated we expect more problems. That's why the camera.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

Quote
C(-)ris
What is a 42 year old doing in a senior apartment complex?

As far as we know she is living there with her mother but in violation of the mother's lease agreement.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

Quote
mattkime
you're probably looking for something like this - [www.samsungsmartcam.com]

and / or

[www.bensoftware.com]

it will cost a couple of dollars and be a bit of a pain. but it would give wonderful peace of mind

Matt, I only need the one camera to do what I need and this one [www.amazon.com] seems to have the features I want.

I understand the wifi and network parts but will I need viewing software too or does it just record the video and then she can watch it in QuickTime??? This part I haven't figured out yet.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

I followed your Amazon link and started reading the Q&A on this Foscam. You can control it with your iPhone (as well as monitor the recording) but only Windows computers can interact with it. Viewing the recordings on the Mac should be no problem with either QT or VLC.

Link to Foscam: [foscam.com]
Software for Mac: [foscam.com]

I'd read a lot more before buying, and I'd check eBay for competitive pricing.

Quote
Jack D.

Quote
mattkime
you're probably looking for something like this - [www.samsungsmartcam.com]

and / or

[www.bensoftware.com]

it will cost a couple of dollars and be a bit of a pain. but it would give wonderful peace of mind

Matt, I only need the one camera to do what I need and this one [www.amazon.com] seems to have the features I want.

I understand the wifi and network parts but will I need viewing software too or does it just record the video and then she can watch it in QuickTime??? This part I haven't figured out yet.

---

Ed (modelamac)

I think I will just put an OUT OF ORDER
sticker on my head and call it a day.

Maybe start with a motion sensor porch light for $50?
Rats typically scurry away when the lights come on suddenly.

I would suggest the Samsung SmartCam for very ease of use and monitoring from the web site or app.

The new camera now has onboard storage (the old ones did not) and you can also sync it up to also record video/pictures to a Google Drive account.

I have several of the older models, and while I would like new model for the onboard storage and higher resolution, the old models work just fine. I also have some Foscams and some other brands, but the Samsung is much easier for me to recommend to anybody.

---

Quote
3d
Maybe start with a motion sensor porch light for $50?
Rats typically scurry away when the lights come on suddenly.

She has one. The problem with this rat is we want to catch it so the Police can dispose of the carcass legally. They already told me that video of her in action is an automatic theft charge.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

A game cam is another option, not video but time stamped stills. Also stealth since it is IR and can be set back a ways.

$37 shipped -- The Easy Cam trail camera is among the easiest to operate with its one-switch operation. The 1-second trigger speed and 12 Night Vision LEDs allow for excellent image quality out to 30 feet, regardless of light conditions. Capable of supporting up to 32 GB SD cards, the Easy Cam holds 4 or 8 AA batteries for extended use, and is affordable. The Primos® Easy Cam Trail Camera - 5MP can imprint date, time, and moon phase on images.

or for $99, a 1080p version -- [smile.amazon.com]

---

“No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.” -- François de La Rochefoucauld

"Those who cannot accept the past are condemned to revise it." -- Geo. Mathias

The German word for contraceptive is “Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel”. By the time you finished saying that, it’s too late



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/20/2016 09:08AM by Ombligo.

Quote
modelamac
I followed your Amazon link and started reading the Q&A on this Foscam. You can control it with your iPhone (as well as monitor the recording) but only Windows computers can interact with it. Viewing the recordings on the Mac should be no problem with either QT or VLC.

Link to Foscam: [foscam.com]
Software for Mac: [foscam.com]

I'd read a lot more before buying, and I'd check eBay for competitive pricing.

As stated in the OP she has a MBA but no iPhone, and honestly I'm not sure she'd be comfortable learning how to operate viewing software, I'd have to set it up as a one click deal if possible. That's why I agree QT or VLC would be sufficient for what we need. So far all instances of theft have happened between 3-5 AM so there's no need to monitor a live stream as much as just getting it on video to give to the Police.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

Quote
onthedownlow
I would suggest the Samsung SmartCam for very ease of use and monitoring from the web site or app.

The new camera now has onboard storage (the old ones did not) and you can also sync it up to also record video/pictures to a Google Drive account.

I have a few of the Samsung Smartcam's that record to microSD cards. Easy to use, yes. No way that I can find to download a recorded video to an iPhone. You can record live video dieprectly to an iPhone, but that isn't really helpful most of the time. There's a download button when you use the web interface on a Mac, but it doesn't seem to work. If you pull the SD card, the files are AVI that play in VLC, but you have to remember to do that before they get overwritten (I forgot and lost a video I wanted to keep, but I was doing continuous recording on a 32GB card, so I only get a couple days of footage). Which brings up the next point, different models have different max card sizes they can use, from 32 to 64 to 128. Oh, and though some models say they are 1080p, that's for live viewing. They only record in 720p. I also don't think the models with microSD cards can be synced to Google Drive anymore (I'll have to look into that).

Some of those trail cams will do video as well as stills. I have a few made by Bushnell that are inexpensive and work quite well.

---

Mr. Lahey: A lot of people, don’t know how to drink. They drink against the grain of the liquor. And when you drink against the grain of the liquor? You lose.

Randy: What the @#$%& are you talking about?

Quote
Ombligo
12 Night Vision LEDs allow for excellent image quality out to 30 feet, regardless of light conditions.

Something to keep in mind. Night Vision does NOT work behind glass! It reflects off the glass and blows out the video. I had to turn it off on my camera that is pointed out a window.

Quote
Jack D.

Quote
3d
Maybe start with a motion sensor porch light for $50?
Rats typically scurry away when the lights come on suddenly.

She has one. The problem with this rat is we want to catch it so the Police can dispose of the carcass legally. They already told me that video of her in action is an automatic theft charge.

Unfortunately, I doubt anyone is going to jail for stealing a couple of houseplants. Bait the rat's porch with a bottle of Jim Beam half filled with urine and a couple of red cups here and there. Sit back and have a giggle. In the meantime don't leave things on the porch until someone new moves in and the rat's attention is shifted.

Jack,

See my posts about IP cameras. Been there, done that. My last attempt was with a Foscam IP cam and I managed to get it to work but it was difficult and didn't work particularly well. The costs of Security Spy and one cam isn't awful but it can add up quickly. Great stuff when it works but definitely not user-friendly.

Personally, I'd get an off-the-shelf surveillance system. Wired and wireless models are readily available. No need for the internet and such unless you want to view footage off-site. The video is stored in a DVR. If she has Internet access, then all of them can be viewed on an iOS device and many on a Mac. Minimal configuration necessary.

You'll want the cam (or cams) outside. Make sure they're weatherproof and high resolution. At least 1080p preferably.

Off-the-shelf wireless systems with a DVR for storage can be had for $300 or less. I saw many for half that price but can't speak to the specs.

Robert

Quote
3d

Quote
Jack D.

Quote
3d
Maybe start with a motion sensor porch light for $50?
Rats typically scurry away when the lights come on suddenly.

She has one. The problem with this rat is we want to catch it so the Police can dispose of the carcass legally. They already told me that video of her in action is an automatic theft charge.

Unfortunately, I doubt anyone is going to jail for stealing a couple of houseplants. Bait the rat's porch with a bottle of Jim Beam half filled with urine and a couple of red cups here and there. Sit back and have a giggle. In the meantime don't leave things on the porch until someone new moves in and the rat's attention is shifted.

It's not about sending her to jail, it's about giving her her own set of legal problems to work on so she will move on and leave this elderly community to live in peace. If it was up to me, I'd be set up in the tree by the back door with a load of double-aught buckshot. Problem solved. Unfortunately, even though we are in a semi rural area, the Police tend to frown on this solution so we will try the approved "civilized" method of varmint eradication.

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

"Why is this new tenant out to get me?!! I just politely asked for a ride. She's crazy. I must send her another message so she will stop sending the police to my apartment. Mother will be most displeased if that happens again."

Dealing with an unstable neighbor sucks.

As luck would have it, today's B&H newsletter was about security:

[www.bhphotovideo.com]

[www.bhphotovideo.com]

Your friend's situation really sucks. Hope you can get it sorted out. Meanwhile, she'd better keep the dog within reach at all times, and check the area for poisoned goodies.

Quote
3d
"Why is this new tenant out to get me?!! I just politely asked for a ride. She's crazy. I must send her another message so she will stop sending the police to my apartment. Mother will be most displeased if that happens again."

Dealing with an unstable neighbor sucks.

Worst part of owning a home. I have been very lucky to have really wonderful neighbors the last 28 years. Before this I lived in a third floor apartment with a crazy tenant on the first floor and a school next door. Not pleasant.

This woman is not even supposed to be living at the complex and she's been stealing and intimidating many residents for the last 4 months. Management has been notified and done nothing for fear of being sued (mainly because this woman has mental health issues). The Police have been called a couple of times but they say they need 3 incidents from one person to take any legal action.

I'm old skool and have no sympathy for A-holes, mental defective or otherwise. Judi is retired Marine Corps and disabled and shouldn't have to put up with this BS in any case. Our system is broken and it seems as if nobody has any respect for the elderly. Sad state of affairs....

---

- Jack D.




New tasteless sig coming soon!

Maybe a threat of a lawsuit by the tenants against the management for not enforcing the age restrictions, endangerment, etc.., Adobe up some nice Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe, P.A letterhead and an envelope, type up some fancy "pursuant to..." words, sticking the state statue numbers for age restricted rentals, landlord responsibilities, the case numbers for the police complaints (or at least make up some dates), and whatever else in it. Claim to represent a consortium of development residents, and send it as certified mail it to management certified and see what happens.

I'm betting she will be moved out within a week.

---

“No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.” -- François de La Rochefoucauld

"Those who cannot accept the past are condemned to revise it." -- Geo. Mathias

The German word for contraceptive is “Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel”. By the time you finished saying that, it’s too late



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/20/2016 02:20PM by Ombligo.

Quote
Ombligo
Maybe a threat of a lawsuit by the tenants against the management for not enforcing the age restrictions, endangerment, etc.., Adobe up some nice Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe, P.A letterhead and an envelope, type up some fancy "pursuant to..." words, sticking the state statue numbers for age restricted rentals, landlord responsibilities, the case numbers for the police complaints (or at least make up some dates), and whatever else in it. Claim to represent a consortium of development residents, and send it as certified mail it to management certified and see what happens.

I'm betting she will be moved out within a week.

Would that amount to mail fraud?

...could end up like......Rear Window.......

---

_____________________________________

I reject your reality and substitute my own!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/20/2016 04:03PM by NewtonMP2100.

As a stop-gap to at least protect her somewhat, get a driveway alert at Harbor Freight for under $20 that will bing-bong in the apartment if the nut gets on the porch.

If you implement all of the above suggestions her unwelcome neighbor will certainly feel paranoid.

---

Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

Quote
mikebw

Quote
Ombligo
Maybe a threat of a lawsuit by the tenants against the management for not enforcing the age restrictions, endangerment, etc.., Adobe up some nice Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe, P.A letterhead and an envelope, type up some fancy "pursuant to..." words, sticking the state statue numbers for age restricted rentals, landlord responsibilities, the case numbers for the police complaints (or at least make up some dates), and whatever else in it. Claim to represent a consortium of development residents, and send it as certified mail it to management certified and see what happens.

I'm betting she will be moved out within a week.

Would that amount to mail fraud?

You are essentially just acting as your own attorney, which is perfectly legal. As long as you do not ask for compensation, there is no basis for fraud.

---

“No persons are more frequently wrong, than those who will not admit they are wrong.” -- François de La Rochefoucauld

"Those who cannot accept the past are condemned to revise it." -- Geo. Mathias

The German word for contraceptive is “Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel”. By the time you finished saying that, it’s too late

This just popped up for me on Groupon:

iPM 1080p HD Hidden Surveillance Camera with WiFi - 68 bucks on special until 5/22

[www.groupon.com]

---

gl @ Dana Point, CA



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/21/2016 05:12AM by GeneL.

you might also consider -

[www.amazon.com]

ScareCrow Motion Activated Animal Repellent

---

Quote
GeneL
This just popped up for me on Groupon:

iPM 1080p HD Hidden Surveillance Camera with WiFi - 68 bucks on special until 5/22

[www.groupon.com]

The reviews aren't favorable.

---

Saint Cloud, Minnesota, where the weather is wonderful even when it isn't.

Someone on NextDoor has this setup (not purchased on Amazon but they used Amazon links)
[smile.amazon.com]
[smile.amazon.com]
The reason they posted these links was that everyone was impressed by how sharp the pictures were. They did not look like typical surveillance photos at all. Very clear and easily IDd photos of the guy who tried to break into their house. Obviously I'm not going to share something that was posted on Nextdoor because it would violate everyone's privacy but those photos were great.

---