If we can't track people coming and going 24/7, then lets get high tech. I suggest we install digital image equipment at all entrances, that can take an image of the vehicle, the driver and even possibly the their license plates. This can be captured into a USB memory device and picked up every day/week (whatever frequency that is needed), then upload and send to the Sheriffs department. Suspicious vehicles can be "tagged" and if there was a burglary, we now have someone that MAY be the culprit... WE can have signs posted at all entrances informing them that they are being photographed, for security reasons. That could be a deterrent in and of itself. It may also be possible to have the images uploaded "REAL TIME" and our posse alerted. A little servalence can go a long way! For those entering in the wee hours of the night, put in a night camera, or have a light flash... This is not that expensive to setup and I for one would like to see our community discuss it SOON... before someone else is hit!

Hi Brian; I think this is a possible solution, I always have asked for solar gates but maybe they are too expensive for us! At least you have come up with an idea. I have motion detectors that are used for; " hunting". They are motion activated and downloaded into a SEMS card. They can also be set for differant intervals. " Your' system would be more high tech. but has to be available. Mine can be downlaoded right off the camera and are mobile as they are battery operated, also can be operated off a 12 volt system plugged into a 120 volt unit. Mine can be bought at Gun Shop if some one wants to protect ther' own property. Pete Ratcliff Then we can hang them high " above a fire pitt " Hows this for a deterant ?? or is this in-humane ???

The motion detector for animals is what I was considering initially... and just expanded from there. Having it linked to someone real time provides a great response, but it wouldn't take too many times before someone would notice it and it would be stolen or destroyed.

There are a few other ways to deter that, like putting the equipment on a 15 ft pole and protect it with a metal casing (to prevent getting shot at). For taking pictures, all you need is a small pin hole for the camera.

Ultimately, we need to evaluate the ROI and make a collective decision. It's likely not everyone is keen on doing something like this, especially if it takes more money out of the association coffers.

But, considering options and discussing the benefits is certainly a good idea right now.

Does anyone know if this can be a topic for review at the june meeting? even more importantly, what does the greater population think about the issue? do we do something at all?

b

Good Idea!
What if the people are local?? I wonder if some of these burglaries are really outsiders...Just a thought.

Hi Brian/Nancy; Well the only reason I think about this and try to catch someone , someway is intruders can cause other problems { illegal hunting }, ( Thefts }, possible squatters / fires. If we can come up with something affordable we would not have to use fire-arms or hang um high mercinary tactics! Cameras or gates might be the way ??? Well the meeting of the minds may work ??? Pete Ratcliff

Hey all,
I like the ideas presented.

1. Game cameras (and other motion-sensitive surveillance cameras) are a good idea--especially if we can create a hidden/hardened/hard-to-reach placement for the cameras. The down side is: we have to separate the legit vehicles from the "bad guys". And even if we record a "bad guy" entering 4 Hills, all we can do after the fact is report it and hope for the best. [Now let's all hold hands and sing a round of "Kumbaya" ]

2. Howard Mesa has gone ahead and started on the gate concept. This I like very much. It is a direct deterrent and does NOT rely on using the local gendarmes (Sheriff et al) to follow-up for us.

3. The final idea of armed patrols is currently frowned upon by the local gendarmes (isn't it always?). My attitude is that "when seconds count--cops arrive in minutes". And make that HOURS in our situation. I carry a firearm(s) because cops are too heavy and they always want to stop for doughnuts and coffee!

4. The talk about owners carrying easily identifiable "4 Hills Owner" window/bumper stickers, or front plate tags is a good supplement to area security, especially when an owner comes upon another vehicle on our roads.

Unfortunately, the front plate idea is probably a no-go as some out-of-state owners must display front plates as well as rear. However, some sort of sticker would help.

Any other ideas?

Hope I don't intrude...

I came across your site when looking for large acreages in Northern AZ and read about your troubles with thieves, poachers, trespassers.

I am an IT specialist and have some insight into access control and surveillance system. So here is me 5 cents in the hope it might help you:

- RFID FOBs

These devices can be carried on a person or installed in vehicles. Usually no bigger then a dime or peanut kernel these devices react to a low intensity radio signal being transmitted by check points (your ranch entrances) and responding with (encrypted) ID information. Such a system could be setup to ID association member/property owners and in conjunction with a camera system produce snapshots of those vehicles not ID'd. This system could also be used - generally or seasonal/interim to alert "on duty" neighborhood patrols to check out the unidentified vehicle.

Here are some links to what both RFID FOBs and receivers look like:

FOBs:
http://sublimefreedom.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/rfid2.jpg
http://www.erpsoftwarebusiness.com/Pic/RFID2.jpg
(This version could even be incorporated into a visible window sticker, similar to what Mobil gas stations offer/offered, I think it was called SpeedPass, or the like)

Receivers:
http://cliste.sailwhatcom.com/files/imagecache/product_full/RF8315R-sc_1%20(Medium).JPG
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/103/293393621_8c29d0ded1.jpg?v=0http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00gvEaPTCqqzoBM/2-4G-Long-Range-RFID-Reader-RFID-08I-.jpg
(This last one has feedback LEDs to determine visually if you have been ID's)

- 360-Cams

These are actually specialized lenses available for a wide range of camera/lens connections. The benefit of these lenses is that they allow a pan & tilt setup (i.e. for intersections and gates) that require no moving parts. All camera "movement" is done electronically. Additionally these systems record all angles at the same time and panning/tilting to look for identifying information can be done after the fact. Last but not least, because of the absence of a mechanical pan & tilt mechanism these systems can be houses in very inconspicuous places, such as light posts, key pad posts (access gates), etc.

Here is a link to what they look like:http://cinematogrphygadgets.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/0-360_124x300.jpg

Hi KK!
Thanks for the great tips and welcome to the forum.

I like your hi-tech solutions. It would be very cool to have that level of security here at 4 Hills Ranch.

The only problem I see is that the Association is currently running on empty as far as funds go.

I suspect that if anything gets done in the near future it'll likely come down to putting up ranch gates with combo padlocks and maybe a couple of game cameras. Pretty lo-tech.

Whatever we do, we're looking at antelope hunting season starting up in our area (Unit 10) on September 4th followed shortly thereafter by elk hunting season.

We've already had some local yahoo busting a few rounds in the past few days. He left four rounds of Hornady .308 EXP (that's for a Marlin lever-action rifle) on the roadside at Estrella & Firesky Trail. He was shooting over private lands (whichever direction he was shooting) and was well within 1/4 mile of a dwelling or two. If he was shooting at an animal he was also poaching. What a peach!

Other reports are coming in that hunters are scouting around at 4 Hills. So the time is at hand.