I think in the main this is a problem with most neighbourhoods. Ours is the same - we see them all nearly everyday up and down the street. We tend to say Hi and thats about it.

Can you recommend any Linux based software for this purpose. Has to be linux as that is the only machine I have on 100% of time and containing video cards.

Also assuming I install an external camera, can I feed the signal in parallel to both my computer and to a modulator box installed in the house TV feed in order to pick up the camera feed on a spare TV channel, sort of handy to see who is at the door etc..

I already have a digital camera with wide angle lense that I would simply need to install into an external housing for this purpose. so I guess cost would be minimal

[quote=
While we moan. I treated my wife to a new car few months ago. She loves it, polishes it every week and is really proud of it. She phoned me at lunch time. Someone hit the car at M&S car park and left. Not too much damage but enough to notice. So she really upset as they left without leaving any details what so ever. Why do people do that? I am seriously considering the option of contacting the security at the car park and asking for the CCTV footage, if there is any. (but I doubt it they will let me do that?).[/quote]

Dave, happened to my g/f's car a few weeks back, they must provide you with access to the tapes if you ask, (I found them to be less than helpfull until I threatend to get police) If they dont just call the cops as leaving the scene is a crime and they'll get the video. :plod:
Hope this helps

Sorry, linux ain't my thing. But a networked windoze machine could be had for cheap. You would need a housing for a webcam anyway.

Think you can get wireless cams?

This kind of crap behaviour gets my goat too and there is something you can do about it.
Contact their head office and ask for the Data Protection Registrar or the Information Release Officer (they have various names so keep at it if its not one of those) and ask how long they keep the carpark tapes.
You send them £10 and because your car is on the video they have to release it to you. technicaly they should aslo go thru it and edit out the faces of other peeps and the reg numbers of other cars but i'm sure if you explained what you need it for they would either leave that in or they would discuss some way of making that info available to you.
Thats presuming they do all that in the first place tho.

hth.

scum, just a spleen venting post!
 

I know someone who does web based cameras, motion sensitive etc and Linux compatible, if your interested.

www.camea.co.uk

Tim - you have a pm

Thanks for the mail and URL messie.

At present I am installing a test of zoneminder as :

1) it is free
2) it looks very comprehensive
3) supports my current hardware (video boards/cameras etc)
4) looks to take input from external ip cameras as well

Tim wrote:

There lies the basic problem really. Neighbourhood Watch is never going to work in that environment I am afraid. To function it has to involve like minded and co-operative households.

I understand everyone wanting to live their own lives but if the problem requires attention then the general mind set of the community has to change. Not easy I know when dealing with a more mature group of people. :? (Tim not included! :P )

Why not all club together and put up a dummy camera and maybe a sign in a prominent place which would be seen when entering your estate?

The sign could have wording along the lines of:

"All persons and vehicles entering this area are filmed by security cameras?"

Might help? :?