Tracy Press

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 26, 2008

Seems like every house I have lived in has one bad apple near me. Have a neighborhood watch meeting. Hopefully you don't have to bring a lawsuit to get these yahoos out of your neighborhood.

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written by Steve Reshakis , July 26, 2008

Keep meeting with the neighbors, Crank up the Watches, and report any
disturbances
watch each others backs and keep up the pressure, go to City meetings and demand justice. video record them, and travel in Pairs so you have a witness.
band together and get a lawyer in need be.
Good Luck, and Keep us informed.
Tracy Supports you.
except for the Hippy Pinkos.

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written by fortheunderdog , July 26, 2008

Cathy,

Here is a suggestion that will make your neighbors take notice.

Install security cameras. This is not a plug but you can buy an fairly inexpensive system at Costco. And depending on where the troublemaker house is located, aim one or two of your cameras in that direction. This will not be an "invasion of privacy" issue if you can guarantee that the camera positioning is viewing a part of your property. This will keep them on their toes and at the same time protect your property. Good luck.

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 26, 2008

Get a big dog! or 2 big dogs. Are electric fences allowed in town? That is what I would put up.

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written by Decker , July 26, 2008

We will be checking out the cameras at Costco. The people next door just had some installed yesterday and I am impressed with how nice they are now. They are crisp and clear. Thank you.

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written by Concerned Parents , July 26, 2008

fortheunderdog has a great suggestion-our friends installed a camera system and caught a disgruntled neighbor setting fire to his own home on tape.

We have cameras too but thankfully haven't had any vandalism or crime to record.... perhaps because because the cameras are very prominently on our property that in itself discourages crime.

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 27, 2008

The camera idea is good and some of the cameras could be non functioning ones. The criminals would be the none the wiser.

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written by fortheunderdog , July 27, 2008

Cathy Decker,

Fake cameras is a bad idea. If you're going to go through the trouble of installing fake cameras you may as well install the real thing. If something were to happen, what good is a fake camera? The cost is less but the time, money to replace/repair damages would be greater. I'm also thinking of buying the CCTV camera kit from Costco. It doesn't hurt to have 4 extra eyes protecting your property.

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written by Decker , July 27, 2008

I live on a very large lot so 4 cameras won't be enough. I will think about the suggestion that maybeynotdumbcomment has given me and when we can afford it I will add on more. I can see how burglars would be fooled. I have been wanting a pet recently. That could cover the backyard area but I would rather have a dog in the house at the foot of my bed. I have good advise from you all thank you for helping me.

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 27, 2008

Fake cameras isn't a bad idea. It is a good deterrent. Especially if you don't have the bucks for a fancy security system set up. Have you ever put in a security system before ftud? Having someone come and install it for you is very expensive.

Cathy, I hope you have someone who can help you put one in because it is a lot of work. Drilling holes in walls and fishing the wire thru the walls, not fun.

Good luck with this.

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written by Gary , July 28, 2008

Another idea is to get all of your neighbors together and write a letter (registered) to the homeowner listing all of your complaints. Ask for a reasonable time frame to have these problems addressed and dealt with OR you and all of the neighbors will file a class action lawsuit against the homeowners for maintaining a nuisance house. This has worked in other neighborhoods.

Keep calling the police, they keep a log of all of the complaints called in and it can be tracked.

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written by what? , July 28, 2008

You can also purchase security cameras and systems online. The prices are better than Costco. Most have a support team and warranty to go along with the product.

It is a good idea to protect yourself!
I would not advertise that your neighbor has a grow house next to you. That is an open invitation to scarry people to come to your neighborhood!

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written by amy , July 28, 2008

Just be careful, don't want to see retalitation happen. Be discreet about placing good cameras and place couple of fake ones out, see if the gangs have a way of ridding it? Would be captured on your real camera?

Times are tough, time to take tougher measures. Be careful and good luck.

-amy

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written by fortheunderdog , July 28, 2008

"Have you ever put in a security system before ftud?"

I have helped neighbors and relatives install their security cameras. It's not a difficult project. I think the most difficult part is not falling off the roof as that would put a damper in your day.

Cathy Decker,

When installing those cameras, you can run the coaxial thru the attic since the cameras will most likely be located under the eaves. If you have a two story home 4 cameras will be sufficient even if you have a large lot. You can criss-cross your views on the front of your house which will give you total coverage. If you have to, you can do the same for the rear of your house. If not, then you'll have 2 extra cameras you can place wherever you want.

Awhile back, Costco had a security system that included 6 cameras. I don't know if they still offer that kit. I think it was $1,400. If they don't, you could try going to their on-line site to see if they have anything similiar there. Usually the cost of their on-line merchandise is a little lower in price.

Also try Overstock.com You may be able to find a compatible system there also.

Good luck.

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written by Dave Hardesty , July 28, 2008

Folks
Having some experience with security cameras I would caution all of you to go to a "big box" store that has a number of them on sale so you can actually see the product before you lay down your hard earned money.

Then when you find something you think will do the job go to the Internet and buy it on-line or seek out the purchase and installation of such devices by a qualified professional.

Fry's Electronics is a pretty good place to "test drive" these things but keep in mind you are in a highly lit area and in pretty close proximity to the camera rendering the image. As you get into low light situations, as what happens at night, and are much further than 25 feet away from these devices the image quickly deterioriates.

You may not know this but the people breaking into your property usually do.

For the type of security many people usually expect and are frequently disappointed with in video cameras, the cameras that do work in all of these low light and distant scenarios currently are priced in the $1,500 and above per camera market.

Just make sure you are getting what you think you are paying for before you spend your money.

You might also want to check with PD in order to determine what they can use and what they can't use in the name of recorded video to track down the person robbing you. Just because you have a video of the crime does not always mean they or the District Attorney can use it. A couple of grand for a multicamera video system might sound like chump change to some but if it doesn't give you the performance you need then the dummy video camera to scare the small potato theves away will do just as much good without the expense.

Check it out and ask the professionals in the business before you buy and the folks at Fry's electronics probably know a whole lot less than you do as they are really nothing more than sales people.

Dave Hardesty

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written by Decker , July 28, 2008

I have the information to set up the Neighborhood Watch meeting. I spoke to quite a few and they all want to do it. So I am going to copy these ideas down as more information for everyone. I am sure that will be covered but I don't know. It all is good advise and I do have someone, more then one to help with cameras.

It brings me back to years ago when I lived not to far from here and there was a prowler in the neighborhood. A whole row of us put up those lights that went of automatically when entering the zone. I think we pushed they guy into another area. But we got rid of him.

Thank you everybody. I got to go shopping.

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written by fortheunderdog , July 28, 2008

Hey Decker, now that guy is prowling my neighborhood.

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written by fortheunderdog , July 28, 2008

"the dummy video camera to scare the small potato theves away will do just as much good without the expense."

Why is everyone suggesting dummy cameras? If a crime does occur on your property won't you want to catch it on camera? All you're going to say if you have a dummy camera is "Gee, I should have installed the real thing." The dummy camera is a dumb idea. I don't recommend it. If you only have $100 to spend then by all means try the dummy route. If you turn out to be a victim, there will only be one dummy.

Install motion lighting ifo your house. The cameras will pick up just about anything. Even street lighting will be enough for you to see further than your nextdoor neighbors house.

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written by Dave Hardesty , July 29, 2008

fortheunderdog

The point of my statement was to illustrate that if you don't have a clear picture of the person committing the crime your thousand dollar video system is just about as worthless as a dummy camera.

Deterrent is another way of combating the problem as well. If you don't know if the camera is a dummy camera or if it is real, you would really have to be some type of fool to go ahead and commit a crime in its presence because you will be taking the risk that it was real and would capture your image so you would be caught.

When the automobile boom stereo craze hit years ago, I use to manufacture and cell little blinking LED lights the kids could turn on and off as they parked their cars at night. Now you might think it didn't do any good and they should have purchased a $200 plus automobile alarm with a siren.

But if they kept their mouths shut as to the ruse, as these little blinking lights were used the people breaking into cars would by pass them and attack the cars without them for fear they would trip an alarm that actually didn't exist.

I only charged $5.00 for these little gadgets and they actually produced better results that sophisticated automobile alarms that were set so sensitive and went off all of the time that eventually no one would pay any attention to those cars when the alarms went off.

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written by Dave Hardesty , July 29, 2008

Is this going to stop the truly hardened and experienced criminal from plying his or her trade? Nope! Not in the least. And the installation of video cameras don't slow them down much either. That's what insurance is for. And if someone is out to get you and cause you physical harm your camera isn't going to prevent that from happening either.

I am not against video surveillance. But if you are going to put one in to cover all the bases you are not going to do it with any commercial off the shelf video product you commonly see sold and will be wasting your money when it is easily defeated.

All I am trying to do is to bring in an element of reality so that people are not deceiving themselves with false expectations as to what these things are currently able to do.

Dave Hardesty

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written by fortheunderdog , July 29, 2008

Dave Hardesty,

We seem to be at opposite ends in a couple of these blogs.

I would not waste my money to install a dummy camera just as I would not waste my money for one of your dummy blinking lights. If I want something protected I'll use the real thing. Your thinking is sort of like TPD putting replica weapons in their holster making the bad guy think it's real.

Since you have such a great repoire with TPD, and since you brought up the "stereo craze" maybe you can get in touch with your friends and have them start enforcing 27007 VC. Have them look it up, it'll be better ingrained in their memory. While your at it, have them also read 11713j VC. Lots of these running around Tracy and it'll bring in revenue. (ps, 11715 VC for reference.)

Nobody said a security camera would protect you. It's sort of like using a radar gun, it's there to confirm your suspicions.

Security cameras have caught that idiot in Lodi who stole a camera while it was "on". Captured his mug quite well and it was taken during darkness. I'd have to say that a camera is a good deterrent if it's not a dummy.

There is nothing wrong with commercial off the shelf video products. They're made for the resident(s) in mind who do not want to fork out an enormous amount of cash for a similiar product. Sounds like you're an agent for ADT or Sonitrol.

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written by amy , July 29, 2008

fortheunderdog, I also mentioned fake cameras, to be placed further away from real cameras so it would capture those who damage or tinker with the fake cameras. That way it would show the PD how these criminals operate when they spot what they may think is a working camera. The real, functioning camera will document their methods? Will that help?

-amy

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 29, 2008

I'm beginning to think ftud is right. It would be better to have two Good working cameras then four so so cameras. Put one at the entrance of the front door and one that can span the areas where the cars are. And have the motion detector lights in the backyard. I'd still get a big dog. Ones with teeth that glow in the dark,

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written by fortheunderdog , July 29, 2008

amy,

Security cameras are only as good as their placement. If you have it aimed incorrectly it's useless. Usually an overlapping view from 2 cameras is best. Like I said earlier, Costco's 4 camera system is quite nice. It records night views very well also provided that there is enough light. (Lights hooked up to motion detectors) Most crooks will commit their crimes by "hook and crook" (no pun intended), meaning that the police already have some knowledge as to their method of crime.

A working camera is always better than a dummy camera. I would hate to have my home burglarized after installing dummy cameras.

My home is secured with an alarm system and cameras. It's also guarded by a crotchitty male SOB who's armed. Ok, maybe not crotchitty SOB.

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written by Decker , July 31, 2008

I spoke to Officer Rose and have a meeting date. The meeting will be in a driveway. I like that idea because it is neutral territory. It is a BYOC, bring your own chair meeting. We will be talking about what the neighborhood watch is about. Someone has already offered us a motion light. I think we can pull this together. I have a kid stopping at the STOP sign in front of our house now instead of running it. Now he needs to get his muffler fixed. It still alarms my birds when he drives by. It isn't just me that wants this kid to fix it. We will find out how we can be civil and sensitive(not aggressive) in our approach to neighbors over annoyances. I figure we really can't have an absolutely quiet crime free place to live. We can help the police in our efforts to watch our own neighborhood and get the bad guys off the street. . I would suggest other people start one because it is summer time and easy to have a meeting. The hardest part will be drawing a picture of the street, I better use a pencil with a good eraser.

Call 831-6581, Officer Rose, TPD Crime Prevention Officer

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written by Decker , July 31, 2008

Thank you every body for all your suggestions and help. I think other readers will benefit from all your insights and knowledge. Soon I will have more to share.

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written by fortheunderdog , July 31, 2008

Decker,

When you have your meeting, try passing this information on to Ofc Rose.....Write down the license number of the offending vehicle with the noisy muffler. Give it to Ofc Rose to forward to TPD Traffic Unit. Maybe they could run a registration check to find an address where the vehicle is registered to and warn the offender of 27150a VC. This way, you will be out of the picture and no retaliation, if any, would come your way. Just a thought.

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written by Decker , July 31, 2008

Thanks for reminding me fortheunderdog. He lives on the corner house facing away from our street so I called a few of my neighbors and will be sending invites to the short street they live on. They may not come but the information will get out there to them we are doing this and he parks on the street. I'll get his Lic, # easily.

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 31, 2008

Cathy Decker, You should look around at some of the other comments some of these people made, you might be leary of their advise altho not all together bad, especially the police logs.

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 31, 2008

I think your advise you gave Decker is in complete conflict to your police log comments. And some of the other stories. My insomnia is back and you all did nothing but blog all day. Now I'm reading them.

Cathy, listen to the Neighborhood watch people. Just ignore what we all said. They are like dogs with their nose up, well you know what I mean if you read the police logs.

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written by Decker , August 01, 2008

I read a few and I don't know why they would do that. Alot of time went into the jokes. I'm not sure how to take it. Bizarre humor.

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written by fortheunderdog , August 01, 2008

Decker,

Let me first say that all the clowning around on the police blotters is a way for some of us to relax and just get away from all the ugliness this society has to offer.

The police blotters do not list people by name. The listings are completely generic as are our comments.

maybenotdumBcommenT has her opinion of our comments and has told us so in just about EVERY police blog but she continues to read the police blotters.

I'm not here asking for you to side with anyone. You'll have to make that decision on your own.

I'm sure if you show the advice I have offered you to Ofc Rose you will see that what I am telling you is correct. I was employed in law enforcement and recently retired. I think I know what I am saying when it revolves around security.

Have a good evening.

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written by fortheunderdog , August 01, 2008

Decker,

One more thing then I'll let this end.

maybenotdumBcomment wrote this after some advice I wrote to you. You can make your own decision after you read it.

"written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 29, 2008
I'm beginning to think ftud is right. It would be better to have two Good working cameras then four so so cameras."

Lastly, have a good evening.

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written by Decker , August 02, 2008

I'm one of those people who tries to be nice to everyone. I don't under stand the logic in it .

I already had gotten the information from Officer Rose, I know to get the license numbers and I know you were trying to help but I honestly don't understand what you are trying to prove. I'm not like that so I don't understand the reasonings and all the time put into it.

You could sit out in you front yards and help catch the speeders. But thats just me. I was watching the kids down the street.

Well, I'm glad I wasn't caught up in it. It's a waste of my time. Sorry if I didn't get it. I have no time for it, sorry. I'm guessing you do. Well have a good day.

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written by fortheunderdog , August 02, 2008

Decker,

I don't sit ifo the monitor and have to think really hard to come up with these crazy ideas, it sort of comes quickly. Cop humor I suppose. It's a way of dealing with all the ugliness by making it humorous. Ask any cop who will give you a straight answer and not try to sugar coat it. The idea is not to offend but to make the comments generic. If you re-read the police blotters you'll see what I'm talking about. Also as you read them notice how the "other person" is commenting. What would you rather have? A sniveling malcontent or humor to make your day happier?

Have a good weekend.

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written by Decker , August 02, 2008

ifo, in front of, it took me a minute. Will I get anything out of it because I'm busy these days. Will it benefit my problem right now? I don't disbelieve either of you. I prefer to stay on equal ground. If you have a problem you should try to work it out. That is what I am doing with this whole thing. Our neighbors and I could have gone to an attorney and tried to force the undesirables out but this is a step in the positiveness direction I like to try.

This has taken more time then I thought to keep track of the comings and goings of cars, mostly at a certain house and working with my other neighbors. We have a lot to get done.

I hope that answers your question" I am happy with my family, grandchildren and friends. I made a new friend because of this. Got to go vacuum, now that is what I call fun.

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written by Decker , August 02, 2008

The consensus is to put up cameras and motion lights. I think we can do that.

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written by fortheunderdog , August 02, 2008

Cameras and motion detector lights will work. I have the same set-up at my house. Although it can be considered a false sense of security it will keep the honest people honest. If you have an alarm system, it too will be a good deterent.

Is the system you're considering also have "sound" capabilities? With the volumn turned on at night you can actually hear what's going on outside.