Andrew McGlashan wrote:
> On 8/08/2013 6:23 PM, Rohan McLeod wrote:
>> I came across the following device on GumTree
>> "Tenvis Motion Detection Tilt Zoom Wireless Wifi IP Security Cam ($84.95)"
>> seems to "* Support wifi: 802.11b/g wireless networking";
>> with  "* Network connection methods - TCP/IP, HTTP, ICMP, DHCP, FTP,
>> SMTP, PPPOE";
> A WiFi camera is for courtesy, not security.  My view is that security
> cameras need to be hard wired so that WiFi cannot be interfered with and
> become it's own vulnerability -- you are only as good as your weakest link.
Andrew thanks for your interest; after replies from Steve and Trent:
ie. -"802.11b/g " wouldn't reach 50m and  through block of flats and
- anyone who would steal my van, would probably steal the camera !;

I have put the project on hold;
-the situation is far from ideal with no obvious access to power;
-distant, obscured, extremely public , unsecurable location;
-no guarantee the body-corporate would even agree to DIY security 
modifications
I suppose my security 'philosophy' is that all security is just a way of 
delaying access;
if a thief can be convinced that his/her time can be more profitably  
employed else where ,
it has done it's job;

                                                   regards Rohan McLeod

Trent W. Buck wrote:

.........snip Could you just get a wheel clamp, like the police use?

Yes ; but would they be designed for convenient usage ? : after all I could just remove a wheel!

Your threat model isn't clear to me - are you worried about the contents of the van (e.g. your purse) being nicked, the van being driven away,

oh....hard questions; when I actually think it through; the concern is the van being stolen; the one previous to this was stolen; and never recovered. It is the generation before remote locking and integrated immobilisers; breaking in is dead easy ; in fact watching the RACV guy was anxiety producing ! But having said that, I would prefer not to have the tools stolen. Options that occur: -put up a fake camera and / or fake security notices -build some kind of gizmo with a blue-tooth/ USB camera and cell-phone connection; that way the wireless stuff is hidden away and they only get the cheap camera -instal a hidden immobiliser switch (which would be very cheap) The thieves in this area (North Melb public housing) are most likely persons in urgent need of pharmaceuticals !, but there may be a few more serious lads who require transport or a vehicle for 'late night removals' ; thanks for your interest by the way; regards Rohan McLeod

or the van's bits (e.g. tyres) being nicked?

Rohan McLeod wrote:

The thieves in this area (North Melb public housing) are most likely persons in urgent need of pharmaceuticals !, but there may be a few more serious lads who require transport or a vehicle for 'late night removals' ;

Don't sound like the kind of people that would be discouraged by a "this area under surveillance" sticker. If it's pre-EFI, just take the spark plug out each night?

On 13/08/2013 8:40 AM, Rohan McLeod wrote:

simply pull up with car transporter, winch the chosen vehicle on board and drive off; .....gone in 5 min. doesn't even look suspicious !;

Yes, all too easy. Just for further interest. This link [1] from an email I received from http://www.tacnetsol.com/ - these are the guys that brought us the WPS cracking tool in Reaver Pro https://media.blackhat.com/us-13/US-13-Heffner-Exploiting-Network-Surveillan... Cheers AndrewM

Anthony Hogan wrote:

The cheap WiFi camera I got from Aldi, when you open it up, has a WiFi daughterboard with a notebook antenna style connector that I could pop off and presumably connect a better antenna to. With a better antenna on both ends, perhaps it'd make it. Can your mobile phone see your home WiFi from where your car is?

Good point I will check; but Trent's about them stealing the camera also has legs !

You'd then need to have some sort of recording setup on your end... oh and keep an eye on battery drain..

That said, you could always get a blue flashing LED fitted to the dash and put a few generic security stickers on the car :) ... hope idiots go for lower hanging fruit :)

Yes ; I notice Jaycar has fake CCTV cameras....I suppose they're worth a try ; the parking area already has a camera but it is just to monitor traffic through the back door of the flats; still that does suggest it wasn't worth stealing; regards Rohan McLeod