Any tech you recommend for apartment security?

[slayerming2]

Hope this isn't considered off-topic.

 

So my apartment was robbed yesterday. Perpetrator stole my tv, headphones, xbox, and one blu ray. I got the Arlo pro camera on the recommendation of my co-workers. But feel it may not be enough. 

 

IDK, I live in a small apartment, but the area isn't that safe. I was considering getting another camera or installing some sensors. Anything you guys recommend?

 

edit: pretty happy with the arlo camera, may get another one. Just wanting to know if there's anything else you guys recommend?

[Slottr]

The Nest cameras are pretty great

[dalekphalm]

3 minutes ago, slayerming2 said:

Hope this isn't considered off-topic.

 

So my apartment was robbed yesterday. Perpetrator stole my tv, headphones, xbox, and one blu ray. I got the Arlo pro camera on the recommendation of my co-workers. But feel it may not be enough. 

 

IDK, I live in a small apartment, but the area isn't that safe. I was considering getting another camera or installing some sensors. Anything you guys recommend?

Depends on what you want out of security.

 

You could get a cheap CCTV security kit that includes a DVR.

 

Or you could get a bunch of IP Security Cameras, and setup a Server as an NVR (Network Video Recorder) - or buy a pre-built NVR.

 

You could also get motion sensors - either independent ones that will just turn a light on or make an audible alarm, or you can get ones that will integrate into a larger security system.

 

Lastly, you could subscribe to a Security Monitoring system, like ADT, etc, that will have an alarm panel installed, and any alarm trips will automatically be sent to the alarm company who will call the police if no response is heard from you.

[slayerming2]

2 minutes ago, Slottr said:

The Nest cameras are pretty great

Would you say their a lot better than Arlo's? Pretty happy with the video quality and the functionality with the app and online is pretty great. 

[Slottr]

3 minutes ago, slayerming2 said:

Would you say their a lot better than Arlo's? Pretty happy with the video quality and the functionality with the app and online is pretty great. 

Don't have any experience with them, but the nest applications and functions are super. Havent had any problems with them

[aeroencychris]

1 minute ago, Slottr said:

Don't have any experience with them, but the nest applications and functions are super. Havent had any problems with them

I have a friend who seems to love his, and it's a lot simpler than setting up your own IP cameras (unless you're into that, no shame in getting your hands dirty )

[slayerming2]

2 minutes ago, Slottr said:

Don't have any experience with them, but the nest applications and functions are super. Havent had any problems with them

Okay thanks will take a look!

[slayerming2]

3 minutes ago, Wedsea040 said:

I have found that the TT-33 Tokarev pistols are good for apartment security, I have seen some Russian military surplus of these go for pretty cheap.

Ehh, rather not get a gun. Though I may get a pepperspray of some sort.

[slayerming2]

5 minutes ago, dalekphalm said:

Depends on what you want out of security.

 

You could get a cheap CCTV security kit that includes a DVR.

 

Or you could get a bunch of IP Security Cameras, and setup a Server as an NVR (Network Video Recorder) - or buy a pre-built NVR.

 

You could also get motion sensors - either independent ones that will just turn a light on or make an audible alarm, or you can get ones that will integrate into a larger security system.

 

Lastly, you could subscribe to a Security Monitoring system, like ADT, etc, that will have an alarm panel installed, and any alarm trips will automatically be sent to the alarm company who will call the police if no response is heard from you.

Honestly I would probably be fine with just three more sensors. Would want it for when I'm inside the apartment so everyone around me is notified that something is wrong.

[slayerming2]

Just now, Name Taken said:

Burgled is the correct term unless the perpetrator physically threatened you or something along that line. Cameras and sensors are not going to prevent someone from attempted breaking and entering. A weapon won't help if you're not in the apartment.

Fair enough. So what would you suggest?

[zMeul]

double barrel shotgun

[slayerming2]

1 minute ago, Wedsea040 said:

On a more serious note, how did they get into your apartment?

They broke the lock on my door and just walked in and took my stuff. There's only one lock above the door knob, nothing else. Cops think the guy who did it lives close by. 

[slayerming2]

3 minutes ago, Wedsea040 said:

I think that a new, stronger lock could help, like those really thick deadbolt locks. And then I would upgrade the thing that the lock bolt goes into.

Not sure what that is called but mine was upgraded to this really thick and strong one. It's supposed to not be able to be kicked down/broken, like in the picture.

Damn yours was destroyed even more so than mine. Okay thanks!

[slayerming2]

31 minutes ago, Wedsea040 said:

That wasn't mine, just a picture from the internet.

 

I also wasn't broken into, my dad just found it a good idea to be prepared, and our police inspector neighbor said it was a good idea.

Ahh okay thanks!

[Lord Nicoll]

1 hour ago, slayerming2 said:

Hope this isn't considered off-topic.

 

So my apartment was robbed yesterday. Perpetrator stole my tv, headphones, xbox, and one blu ray. I got the Arlo pro camera on the recommendation of my co-workers. But feel it may not be enough. 

 

IDK, I live in a small apartment, but the area isn't that safe. I was considering getting another camera or installing some sensors. Anything you guys recommend?

 

edit: pretty happy with the arlo camera, may get another one. Just wanting to know if there's anything else you guys recommend?

Oh, A .50 cal Barrett and some AP rounds in case the guy on the other side of the apartment building it getting robbed by guys who are strangle visible through walls, 

[Princess Luna]

Is a revolver considered tech for you? lol

[beavo451]

Reinforce your door jamb. <- Link to an example.

 

Cheap enough that you can just leave it in place when you move. The steel plate will stand up to some pretty good abuse. A burglar will likely move on to another apartment if he can't get in after a few kicks.

 

3 hours ago, Wedsea040 said:

I think that a new, stronger lock could help, like those really thick deadbolt locks. And then I would upgrade the thing that the lock bolt goes into.

Not sure what that is called but mine was upgraded to this really thick and strong one. It's supposed to not be able to be kicked down/broken, like in the picture.

The locks usually are not the problem. It's the thin, wood and trim that the bolts go into. The unreinforced door and jamb break before even the most basic of deadbolts break.

[CtrlAltELITE]

Steel reinforced door & frame with a triple dead bolt, if you live on the ground floor some discrete window guards might be worthwhile if you are a bit para like me .

 

I spent £300 on my door and it was fitted by myself and my pal in 3 or 4 hours. Although we're both spanner monkeys, your experience may vary.

 

Looks just like a normal door but can't be broken down without some serious kit.

[Froody129]

Since you're in a higher population density area that's ripe with targets you just need to look harder to break into than the places around you, put in a visible camera (maybe even a fake one) on the door. Make sure the door is solid and has a decent lock on. Get window bars if you're on the bottom floors. 

[Drak3]

Guard dog. Preferrably one that gets aggressive against those that threaten their family and home, but are cuddly dufuses otherwise. Rot Weilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepards make for great guard dogs that are also family friendly and usually can be taken to the dog park.

[Evanair]

If you live in a horrible neighborhood like I use to, once the local gang knows you fix computers and will fix their stuff for free, you can leave your door wide open and everything will be as you left it.

 

Seriously, knowing your neighbors and having a good connection with those around you can go so much further than a camera.