I started a similar thread last month Grizz: http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/index.php?threads/firewood-security.5133/
At first we were convinced it was construction workers that were camping in town, and it was small hits at that time. But they are all gone now and he hadn't any issues for over a month, then a big chunk missing.
I really like Brians idea Ive been considering something like that myself especially since my wood is at the back of the property. I can see it through the scope though if you know what I mean
For sure it is a real shame one has to be concerned about thieves stealing wood. Geeze.... As for the dead end roads and being by yourselves, I'm all for it! I can pee off my front porch and the neighbors will never know. That is the way we like it. Our road is just a tad over 1/4 mile and there are only 2 of us on the road.
Back to the trail cam idea. If anyone wants to use one, get one of the no flash. There is no visible light to let anyone know their pictures are being taken. Works good to mount one UP in a tree where it can't be reached unless using a ladder or some such thing.
If the camera can't be reached, a flash might deter them from stealing anything in the first place. But then again, predicting the behavior of criminals is never an exact science.
That's got to be the utmost test of privacy/seclusion!...Being able to pee off the deck! If I did that at the cottage, the only thing I would pee off is 99 and the neighbors!
We had a similar problem recently with people stealing produce from the stand we have by the road. I put a camera about 16' up a tree so we will at least get a picture of a person if they steal anything again. One thought about the no flash cameras is most of them still have a light that is visible at night just not a flash. They use an LED and can be seen if you look at the camera. One is a small light that notes motion, this one you can cover. And the others are for the camera to get the needed light for the picture. There is recently "black out" cameras available with no visible light but they are expensive.
Don't have one. I just thought it was a great idea for secure firewood storage. I'm thinking about buying a metal carport and using chain link fencing to create something similar for firewood storage.
The carport idea is a good one. Im considering it myself. My entire property is fenced in. Shortest fence is 6' and it is for the front yard. Then we have 8' fencing deviding the front and back and 6' wood fencing in the back. Property is secured by 4 APBTs and 2 Jack Russells. No one comes down our driveway. Even my parents and MIL call from their cars when they pull up if the dogs are out front.
After reading some of the posts of thieves, I guess I should count my blessings. My stacks are close to the alley and could be easily carried away without ever being in sight of me...that is, if they started on the back side of the stack. Sometimes it pays to have an OWB-the chunks are always as big as I can get em!
They (no flash or what you call black out) are not necessarily expensive. We have 2 that we bought last year for under $100. A new one this year is a much better camera though and it cost $150. It came with an 8 GB card and a 2 year warranty. Also a 90 day return if not satisfied. So far it is a great camera.
what about a battery/120vac siren wired in a normally closed contact - it could be easily hidden under the wood , pick a piece off the top and open the circuit you wake up the neighborhood. I could help you with a cheap setup of wiring/contact options even remote "silent" alarm to the house, your brother needs to nail these thieves.
Expanding on the above idea: A car horn from a junkyard, find a NC relay - most will show a diagram on the side, or get one from an autoparts store in the "HELP" section - they usually have them for $5 Battery from a junkyard - may not cold crank a car starter but will have enough juice to honk a horn. Get some fine stranded wire from a harness at the junk yard - scrap yard may have some separated in the copper pile. 12V positive to the relay coil run negative to first piece of wood, staple wire to bottom of split, strip back enough to twist the piece - probably do a parallel twist as it pull apart easy and staple next piece of wire to split adjacent in stack connect other end to negative post. Jumper 12V+ to one side of NC contact other side of contact to horn+ and return ground from horn to negative on relay/battery The relay,horn and battery could be placed at the end/hidden in the stack and the stapled wires towards the end most likely to be picked from first. If you wanted to get fancy get the flasher relay from under the dash at the junkyard as well, wire it in series with the horn
