Jump to content

NLCbanner2024.jpg.2478be509670e60c2d6efd04834b8b47.jpg

Telescope / Mount anti-theft measures

jonathan

By jonathan
in The Astro Lounge

Recommended Posts

jonathan

jonathan

Posted
Posted

Apologies if this has been covered already, I have a suspicion that it has but I couldn't find the thread when I searched.

Just wondering what other people do - UV security marking? Name / unique ID stamped into the metal (is there a serial number on an NEQ6)? Padlock and security tether if left outside during new moon phase?

Are there any easy options for securing a mount similar to how one might secure a bike to a lamp post? I'm guessing it would be similar to trying to secure a home computer to the desk some how.

I'm not too worried about the OTA as I wouldn't leave that outside, but some form of unobtrusive security marking on that would probably be worth while.

Does a photograph and receipt usually suffice for the purposes of household insurance?

Thank you for your advice!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Replies 43
  • Created
  • Last Reply
malc-c

malc-c

Posted
Posted

The problem is you weaken any security measures if you state on a public forum what those measures are...

Most precautions have been covered, but good measures include UV marking - good locks - security lights, CCTV cameras, alarms, and (in my case) a 4 yr old German Shepherd :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
pete_l

pete_l

Posted
Posted

I would suggest buying a very expensive lawn mower or barbecue and leaving that near the telescope/mount.

It's extremely unlikely that any self-respecting tea-leaf would know a telescope from a plant-pot holder and would therefore steal the easily recognised garden implements, in preference. :)

One thing I've occasionally considered is a PIR triggered voice recording. Something along the lines of "You shouldn't be here" played just once when somebody unlocks my gate and walks into my garden. Hopefully that would be enough to spook any baddies and deter them from robbing me - and try next door instead :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Bulkins

Bulkins

Posted
Posted

I bought a Sentribox XLOCK 515 van box - the type of metal tool box that you often see in the back of pick-up trucks. All my stuff fits in it, it is crow-bar resistant, can be bolted to the floor of my garden shed and also fits in the back of my 4x4 across the folded down rear seats. When in the car I can padlock a chain through the box handle and the rear door handle. It takes two to lift it when empty and when fully loaded two would struggle to shift it.

I haven't figured out 'in the field' security yet but reckon it would just be a case of tightly wrapping a plastic coated security cable around the mount and tripod to prevent them being separated then loop a second cable through the first and chain it to whatever is handy (?) - in my case probably the swing bar of the rear mounted spare tyre.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
pete_l

pete_l

Posted
Posted
Hehe, I bet your neighbours would love you! :)

Heh, it's the man-eating-tiger and the running shoes story :)

Unless you're being specifically targeted, all a casual thief would look for is the property that appears easiest to target, or (for advanced thievery) the least likely to be caught in.

So far as my neighbours go, they recently bought an 8-foot high trellis, gatepost and a garden gate, which is dutifully locked with a honkin' big padlock to the post. I haven't the heart to point out that a baddie would ignore the gate and go striaght through the thin wood of the trellis, as if it was tissue paper.

So far as securing a scope is concerned, I'd also be worried about the amount of damage done to it before said baddies decided it was too much effort to carry it (or its remains) away. I have a sneaking suspicion that yer average burglar would only regard your prized telescope/mount as having scrap value, anyway :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
jonathan

jonathan

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I have a sneaking suspicion that yer average burglar would only regard your prized telescope/mount as having scrap value, anyway :)

Hmm, so my bright orange Celestron might be stolen for it's implied copper content, not good.

Just wish the manufacturers added a loop so that even a basic security cable could be added without modification, there must be plenty of people who have very expensive kit sitting in a flimsy wooden observatory in their back garden, a single padlock (however heavy it is) isn't going to deter a determined thief.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ivor Scope

Ivor Scope

Posted
Posted

It might be as well to apply some reverse psychology; if any tea leafs have to make an effort to get near your mount in the first place, simply leave a waterproof sign hanging from it saying something like 'now you are on film, and I am security marked' etc etc. If they are determined to get that close your last chance is to change their mindset....

Good luck

Link to comment
Share on other sites
singlespeedman

singlespeedman

Posted
Posted

I have always found that, no matter what precautions you take, if a thief wants it they will get it. I take the approach that nothing is foolproof but put lots of small measures in place on my garage (lots of very expensive fishing kit in there) that are not hard to beat but do take time. The longer it takes a thief to steal something the less likely they are to take it as the chance of being caught in the act goes up. I also have a webcam linked to the house that takes a photo and uploads it to a private bit of the inter web I have so when they do eventually turn me over I will make sure the little beggars can be identified and get sent down for it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
garethmob

garethmob

Posted
Posted

i laughed the other day a mates dad just bought a warehouse with a upstairs, put the alarm hidden so no one could find the manual overide... and just to be on the safe side incased it in a farady cage...and run 3 phase through it (the alarm is usually a keyfob)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
garethmob

garethmob

Posted
Posted

i no what u mean (example like having a baseball bat or a hammer on nails behind the door) if their there for wepons its against the law... but if they were" at hand" and u used it in self defence it does seem to hold up in court

the way he did the alarm though, just looks like bad wireing....

Link to comment
Share on other sites
sbooder

sbooder

Posted
Posted
The problem is you weaken any security measures if you state on a public forum what those measures are...

Most precautions have been covered, but good measures include UV marking - good locks - security lights, CCTV cameras, alarms, and (in my case) a 4 yr old German Shepherd :)

Security Lights...are you sure you are an astronomer?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.