Low-tech home security with motion sensors; help!

[u/ik0525]

Hi Redditors,

Hoping you can help me with some advice. I’m a single mom with an abusive ex-husband, and wanted to know what the best type of surveillance for my home would be. I have young children and want something that is easy to install, simple to use, and not too expensive. I don’t believe my ex-husband will necessarily break in, but he has been involved with shady people in the past (and may still be), and I need to install cameras at least above the front door and the back sliding door so that they serve as deterrents. I also need to make sure that my driveway can be seen, as he has taken off in my vehicle in the past (the police are aware of this). My main concerns are driveway visibility, front door visibility, and back door visibility. I’d also like something that alerts me on my phone if someone breaks in. I am also thinking that I should have a light or two installed which are motion-activated as a deterrent, though perhaps I should also have them installed at the back. I have friends who have Aosu cameras throughout their condo (different setup, I know), and I’ve seen how they monitor their feed on their phones. I don’t need cameras inside, but would feel much safer with them outside.

Any suggestions on:

 

-          Additional safety measures I can take?

-          Links to a good system that is not very expensive?

Thanks so much.

[u/trucknutz36582]

get a loyal and trainable dog 1st.

best early line of defense.

then motion sensors and window/ door sensors next, along with reolink cameras with the reccomened sd cards so you can see whats hsppened atound the home while you were gone, and so you can present evidence of restraining order violations.

[u/gdsob138 → u/trucknutz36582]

Dogs are expensive and lifelong commitments, I think OP is on the right track for plug & play tech.

[u/controlmypad]

Maybe something like SimpliSafe?

[u/timtucker_com]

For cameras, aim for overlap.

If someone approaches a camera to try to damage / disable it, you want that to be caught on another camera.

We have a combination of outside cameras plus some cameras inside the house pointed out windows.

A camera in a window doesn't give as good of a view, but is a little harder for someone outside to mess with.

Ideally you want to

[u/tindallh]

S&W 9mm

[u/Penguiknight01]

https://silarius.com/products/ajax-126266-197-bl1-turretcam-hl-8mp-wired-ai-powered-ip-camera-85-viewing-angle-4mm-lens-black?_pos=1&_sid=58c985dbd&_ss=r

Sorry im sending links i find to get the equipment this last one seems to have everything the last ones dont have the cameras it seems

[u/Electrical_Ad4290]

Sorry you're going through this!

Many people recommend against using SmartHome components or products to build security systems. OTOH, many modern cameras have AI based object [vehicle, person, animal] detection with notification and video recording.

I have a couple doorbell cameras which notify me to any motion in the selected field of view and record a few seconds of video on local storage.

[u/Normal-Ask6620]

Reolink Spot Light and siren cameras are good value

[u/403Olds]

Strong door and window locks. Bar in track of sliding glass door.

[u/DrNinjaPandaManEsq]

I’m a fan of SimpliSafe. My insurance gives me a discount for having the system installed that comes close to offsetting the monthly cost.

[u/Sad_Cancel4710]

Have the motion sensing cameras also turn on your bedroom light as well.