GARDEN SECURITY

[womacxx1]

I'm kind of a newb at growing. At least outside like I am now. I live in North Redding, kind of rural, but I have a couple of neighbors that, if they tresspassed, would be able to see what's up. I have a couple of questions that maybe someone with a little more experience can answer. Ready?

1) What are the odds that I will be ripped off? I mean, is it all THAT common?

2) What kinds of security measures can I take to discover an intruder early - before they do damage?

Advice and input are appreciated.

If you could afford it, I would suggest high-resolution IP cameras with analytics. The high-resolution allows for easy identification, the IP camera allows for networking including long-distance access points. And the analytics is a form of camera intelligence that can identify certain human activity and then notify you or your security instantaneously via smart phone with an actual picture in real time. A regular dumb analog camera system will only show you videos of people with masks on as they rob you after the fact.

I am a security consultant specializing in cameras. I works with medical marijuana growers concerning their special security needs.

Shannon -- Maui customs surveillance

[womacxx1]

1. get rid of all firearms (no gun powder), and buy a really good pellet rifle.

If the LE crowd comes up wants to be a pain, they can send you to jail for 5-10 years for just having the firearm (5 years), if you pull it out (7 years) and if you use it (10 years).

2. Think if you were a crook, how would you get in and what can you do to protect your crop.

3. Set up a tent and put a sleeping bag in it.

4. Check with any of the local dog rescue groups and see if they are looking for foster homes for any of their dogs. If so you might look for a very noisy dog and at night secure the dog in the middle of your garden, within a ear shout of yourself. After your done, maybe you'll do the dog, and yourself a good thing and you'll make a permanent home for the furry friend for his/her good service! If not, typically you can return the dog.

You area has become a vacation spot for theives, good luck and be safe!

As a security consultant who works with growers, I would not advise sleeping in a tent. If you are sleeping in a tent, there is not much standing between you and the bad guys. And if you're counting on your dog waking you up, is just too easy to kill a dog silently, silencing a dog is not difficult.

I would advise against getting a dog, particularly a noisy dog. Not only will this attract the attention of your irate neighbors, it will attract the attention of would-be robbers who actually case neighborhoods listening for barking dogs to lead them to the growers!

And the irate neighbor could be more of a threat to your business security, who may not object personally to medical marijuana but would object to any business being run in his neighborhood that would pollute or create noise or draw traffic and devalue his property. It's impossible nowadays to get so far back into the boonies that your neighbor could not hear your dog.

Trying to make your neighbors your friends, and do not ever draw attention to yourself or your business.

Shannon -- Maui Custom Surveillance

[womacxx1]

I've always been taught that this is the very last resort. When NOTHING else is working. In my state (California) deadly force can ONLY be used to protect your life, or life of a family member. It can NOT be used to protect property. The person under attack is DUTY BOUND to attempt retreat and less deadly forms of self defense first (pepper spray, stun gun, a club ...). Anyone who uses deadly force to protect property is in big, big trouble here.

.

I feel lucky I live in Arizona, you don't dare break into somebody's house in Arizona unless you have a death wish. Not only that, a new Arizona law allows anyone who is not a felon or restricted otherwise to conceal and carry a handgun. Now, if Arizona will only decriminalize marijuana this November elections :-)

Shannon -- Maui Custom Surveillance

[womacxx1]

Booby traps can be fun. Non deadly, of course. Not such a good idea at all if you have pets/children though. Electric fence and perimeter alarm are a good idea though. Electric fence will keep deer out too.

Any booby-trap on your property is a set up for lawsuit by the criminal, particularly in states like California and Oregon.

Shannon -- Maui Custom Surveillance

[oldhaole]

Fence your property. Do a good job. Go down to the pound and get a big dog. or two, or three, Keep them outside and let them roam. Soon your yard will be their territory.

Forget the guns, traps, cameras and other junk. One day some rip will make a grab for your girls. Dogs will catch him, and maul him. Make an example of him.

Now your property has a reputation. You are now the crazy SOB that let so and so get mauled. People talk. Then they leave you alone.