If I spend $100.00 or so, I really want to be sure the product will suit me. Then I have concerns about whatever I get being damaged by the person disturbing me.

I am buying a cheap thing short-term, but collecting information for a permanant solution

Thank you for the advice.

Try this to start:

https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/ways-to-repurpose-an-old-android-phone/

We had a set of Lorax security cameras. I mislaid them, and haven't found them. I might have given them away, still have the readout screen and the box the set came in.

I knew you could adapt an old phone, but turned my last one in when I got my new one.

Thank you!

Wifi connected and battery powered but need to set up a hub device on your network. That may be out of your skill set.

Wyze makes wireless cameras that don’t require a hub and connect right onto your wifi. But most are USB powered so there is that wire to deal with.

I want something that'll be easy to use, and I hope temporary. School starts soon. :/

Simpler set up and much more economical.

I set up a Wyze cam at my mothers place in TN (on her wifi) and check on it from here in PA. Been working great.

I have three older Wyze cams set up at my 95-year-old mom's in Illinois and can check them remotely from my place in Indiana. I've even got one pointing through the kitchen window at her front door and porch so I can see package deliveries and visitors. You have to check the glare if you shoot through a window, but it can be done. You can even put in a memory card and have it record based on sound or movement.

I wonder if even a cheap dash-cam would do. (to get evidence)

Nobody comes up here but mountain lions, so I don't record.
Neighbors have critter-cams, though.


Good luck.

The person would probably boost it :/

Raises charge to grand theft if you mean the auto.
Of course, if I rented it out, it would have a minuscule amount of fuel or a short delay shut-off device.

If you meant the dash cam, put it behind the peephole. (suitable view, you can check as you install it) or conceal it in the porch rafters.

I have thought of the world's cheapest and smartest alarm.

Install a dummy camera in a highly visible spot that sounds off only if the lens is covered.

All that said, just hiding a dash cam somewhere safe should do.

I can work on a sound-activated water sausage deployment device if you're interested.

Do you have a screen door? In that case, it's even simpler.

Lots of good ideas for security

I think the perp runs away so fast, they wouldn't hear it. That sound would be a good addition to a motion activated device! lol

Was trying some options. Each was about $20-30 and uses my home wifi. Very easy set up. You install the app and then open the app on your device (phone, tablet, computer) to monitor live feed (and sound) and to see clips that were recorded according to your prefs for the triggering event (sound, motion)

Here's one I like, but you need a power outlet for it. There are battery op ones too though. They take microSD cards for saving recordings, but work for live monitoring if you don't have a card.

Also, it needs to be in range of your home wifi signal.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Security-Camera-Outdoor-Pan-Tilt-360-View-2K-PTZ-Outdoor-Dome-Surveillance-Motion-Detection-24-7-Recording-Smart-Siren-2-Way-Audio-Color-Night-Vision/1843475276

I screwed it into the socket and it fits, but then saw I'll have to remove the housing around the light, so the camera lens has a clear shot. I read the user ins. and saw info about an app to download, as far as I got. This will be temp. till I have more time.

I made some notes about the ideas here, will dig deeper.

Ty for your ideas.