trail camera theft

[TreeDaddy]

How do members deal with this?

Any ideas on prevention?

thanks,
bill

 

[bigeight]

Public or private land ?

 

[TreeDaddy]

private property

 

[bigeight]

Sounds like a trespassing issue rather than a stealing camera issue. If they see a camera and they are trespassing in their minds they HAVE to steal it, cause it's the only evidence.
I really like the property line signs threatening about the use of multiple wireless cams on the property. If your picture is taken, authorities have already been called. Even if you don't have the cameras, the fear of the owner having a live feed to the land owners phone would seem like enough. Getting caught stealing as well, would seem even dumber....even for a crook.

I think Covert sells signs on their site as well as custom ones at signsonthecheap.com.

 

[MoBuckChaser]

I have only lost one camera. It was at my home farm in MN. I followed the 4 wheeler tracks out my field road and into my neighbors driveway. Some words were exchanged, he said it wasn't him, and he's the only one that lives there. It was him!

I waited a year, stole a better one back...... Have not lost any since!

 

[MoBuckChaser]

I also thought someone swiped a camera at one of our farms in Missouri. I was pissed, stomping around telling everyone that would listen, Saying I will kick someones ass if I find out who it was!

Turns out I moved the camera a month earlier and forgot...........gulp!

 

[Catscratch]

Lol. Mo for some reason you kind of remind me of the guy in "the most interesting man in the world" commercials. Stay thirsty my friend!

 

[4wanderingeyes]

On entrances I put a cheap camera near the gate. Then a wireless camera about 50 feet back. They may see the first camera, and it may deter most. But the second camera is hidden pretty well, and is aiming towards the first camera. I also have random cameras throughout my land, so if someone where trespassing, chances are I will catch them on one of the cameras.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MRBB]

placing camera's up out of reach can help, but make more work for you to check, but beats buying new cam's
the ONLY GOOD OEM bear /metal lock box I know of is made by CUddyback cams
its the only metal box that actually protects the loc as well as camera,
if your allowed to, them boxes and 4-5 inch lag bolts, NONE of mine like that have grown legs
BUT I have had a few where someone tried to beat them off the tree and ruined the camera any how??
I know some where I seen where an aftermarket company made HD metal boxes that worked the same for other brands, so that is my second vote

I have NO idea WHY< camera company's don't add tracking devices to camera's
and then offer a pay for service to TRACK a camera down
I think they would make a LOT of $$ in guys willing to pay to have there camera back and find the SOB that took it, every darn smart phone and cell phone today has a chip in them they can be tracked, so they cannot be that costly to add??

and come on, what would you pay to get a stolen cam back, or just find out WHO took it,
well worth a few extra bucks no??

 

[4wanderingeyes]

I believe the first couple years of the coverts had a tracking device, where it would remember the coordinates to any where it is powered on. Then you can get that info from the camera. Or you could command the camera to send you all info.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[yoderjac]

How do members deal with this?

Any ideas on prevention?

thanks,
bill

For the first several years after we bought the farm, we had a lot of trespass and theft. With my high-end BuckeyeCams, I bought camera boxes designed for them and then used motorcycle chain trough a poured cement pillar to secure the box. Nothing will prevent someone who is really determined and has access to tools, but boxes and chains will help keep an "honest" guy honest.

On private land, the best long-term solution is constant vigilance, reporting, and prosecution. After we prosecuted a handful of folks, the word got out that we are not a soft target for trespass and poaching. I'm sure they still do it but elsewhere. I no longer need heavy handed protection.

For public land, I go with low-end Chinese cameras. It doesn't really mater if they are stolen or just stop working. At the low end, you are more renting than owning.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Bigshooter19]

I just had my first trail cam stolen and boy was I pissed. I know who did it but can't prove it so i reported it but I know nothing is going to happen. Think I might do cam watching a cam bear boxes or broken nose and black eyes.

 

[yoderjac]

I just had my first trail cam stolen and boy was I pissed. I know who did it but can't prove it so i reported it but I know nothing is going to happen. Think I might do cam watching a cam bear boxes or broken nose and black eyes.

Another trick I used was to use a decoy camera. I'd take a dead camera and put it out in an obvious location. I'd then take a tiny black flash camera and hide it near and pointed at the decoy camera. Crystal clear date/time stamped pictures of criminals stealing the decoy are a big help to law enforcement.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[buckdeer1]

A couple of the cameras have security code and if you don't activate it will lock it up.When they call the company they can look up the serial number to see who it belongs to

 

[yoderjac]

A couple of the cameras have security code and if you don't activate it will lock it up.When they call the company they can look up the serial number to see who it belongs to

Very few cameras are serialized and most are easily defeated. BuckeyeCam is one that is serialized with a useful code technique, but it is high end and not one I'd recommend when theft is probable.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Bigshooter19]

My cameras are coded. I run all moultire cams. But I think the can just reset the cam.

Sent from my XT1093 using Tapatalk

 

[yoderjac]

My cameras are coded. I run all moultire cams. But I think the can just reset the cam.

Sent from my XT1093 using Tapatalk

Yes, I won't provide the "How To" details here cause I don't want to aggravate the problem, but Moultrie, like all the low end Chinese cams are easily reset. Also keep in mind that sale or reuse is not the only reason criminals steal cams. Often there are other motives at work.

 

[Bowsnbucks]

We also have dead " decoy " cams at camp. Also have other hidden live ones scattered around the property looking at the decoys - and other things. We prosecute to the fullest extent.

 

[Natty Bumppo]

Another trick I used was to use a decoy camera. I'd take a dead camera and put it out in an obvious location.

Private property and well posted land....I do the same thing with one difference. I buy old broken cameras where I can find them and put them out where I think I may have trespass issues. Inside the camera I have a note that reads something to the tune of "This was a decoy camera you stole. A 2nd wireless camera was placed to catch the thief...that's you...and your pic is now sitting in my inbox. If I can ID you, you will be prosecuted."

I also buy broken cameras and then glue on $5 antennae that I find on Ebay. They look just like wireless trail cameras. I have a few of these out...high up in trees where they can't be reached...but visible enough for somebody to at least spot it.

Been doing this for 4 years now. No trespass issues. No stolen cams. I have not seen even a random boot print on my land. Had one of the bait cams stolen the 1st year. There rest, 12 or so, are still sitting out. I move them every now and then to make it all look good.

 

[Jordan Selsor]

I also thought someone swiped a camera at one of our farms in Missouri. I was pissed, stomping around telling everyone that would listen, Saying I will kick someones ass if I find out who it was!

Turns out I moved the camera a month earlier and forgot...........gulp!

I am missing a cam that for the life of me can't remember where I hung it! Could have swore I put it along the driveway someone during new home construction. Can't find it anywhere. Will keep looking I guess.