We'll probably hire because I want to be sure we're maximizing the cameras and system as a whole.

Maybe DIY isn't as hard as I think? Anyone DIY security or cctv cameras?

If you want to DIY just be careful, because inexpensive security camera software is one of the major malware/spyware vectors these days. It is easy to do, though.

http://www.zdnet.com/article/amazon-surveillance-cameras-infected-with-malware/

Mimi did you ever install a ststem? If yes, details pls

We just had a security company give an estimate yesterday. More problems in the neighborhood lately, moreso at the other end of our street near the woods and apartments. But more car break-ins (ours are always locked and empty) and potential people casing the neighborhood. The truck was parked outside our house between calls and I got him to come in. However, if we did a security camera in the back of the house, here are some of the issues the rep talked with us about.

If you want to record 24/7 you need to have a strong enough internet connection. You also need to have the ability to have a video recorder attached to it; hence, the internet connection. You also need a place to install.

If you don't want to record 24/7 then there are lesser requirements, but if we want to monitor the back of the house, it makes almost no sense not to record 24/7. Our street is busy enough someone would have to be nuts to come in through the front, but the back would be pretty easy.

Just something to think about. You never will know the number of times a burglar decides to pass your house by. We assume that it is a deterrent.

That said, we don't have them here but DH has installed them (either with professional help or on his own) in quite a few rentals buildings and record the goings on.

For DH, the surveillance component is very helpful and he has actually helped police solve a crime or two, as the cameras pan the street.

I agree with gscience. DH has the ability to see clearly all the properties while even out of the country. So quality matters.

I think an alarm system is even more important. People in my upscale neighborhood have been robbed with the alarms on. But, the thief knows that police will be there within a certain amount of time, so it has to be in and out. My biggest fear is coming up to a mess, things pulled apart and broken.

My loud agitated barking dog, I think works best of all.

I would LOVE to have a scary all black German shepherd or a black lab or black Great Dane, but if a guard dog, it'd have to live outside and if it were indoor then it wouldn't be a crime deterrent. I would feel very unfair keeping the big dog outside and the yipees indoors. An outside big black dog would be the best first line of defense

if it were indoor then it wouldn't be a crime deterrent.

Sure it would be, if it barks at strangers. We had a dachshund (small dog that sounds like big dog) and the only time our house was burgled was during a week when the dog was in a boarding kennel.

Writersblock, you are right, it would be a deterrent. I'm Just visualizing a big black dog laying on my pricey white sofa and there would be more loss from that than from burglary, knock on wood.

Well, yes, if you aren't in the mood for a dog otherwise, it's not a good idea. :)