forums
new posts
donate
UER Store
events
location db
db map
search
members
faq
terms of service
privacy policy
register
login




1 2 3  
UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > Fake Security Cameras (Viewed 2353 times)
Hailo 


Location: Dallas
Gender: Female




Send Private Message | Send Email
Fake Security Cameras
< on 3/29/2013 4:14 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Hey guys, so I'm entirely new to this and I've come across a place on my own that seems cool except that it has pretty obviously placed security cameras. It doesn't seem anything like a place that would need constant surveillance so I'm assuming they're fake or turned off. Still, I figured I'd ask someone more experienced first. What's the best way of identifying fake cameras? And even if you are caught on tape what's the real risk, assuming I don't do something dumb like allow my license plates to be filmed?

Thanks!

My Urban Exploration Gallery (Fixed) (Again)
mhester 


Location: Hails from parts unknown
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email | Flickr
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 1 on 3/29/2013 5:34 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Hailo
Hey guys, so I'm entirely new to this and I've come across a place on my own that seems cool except that it has pretty obviously placed security cameras. It doesn't seem anything like a place that would need constant surveillance so I'm assuming they're fake or turned off. Still, I figured I'd ask someone more experienced first. What's the best way of identifying fake cameras? And even if you are caught on tape what's the real risk, assuming I don't do something dumb like allow my license plates to be filmed?

Thanks!


Never assume, if the cameras look old and beat up looking your prob.. safe. If they look more modern then they are most likely real, better safe then sorry just my opinion though.

Long time Urban explorer, who wants to push my love for the abandoned world into the art community.
TeePER 


Location: Burlington, Ontario
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 2 on 4/1/2013 2:08 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Sometimes it's hard to tell whether a camera is fake or not, but there are usually some obvious things to look for.



Fake cameras often have

1) No wiring, or wiring that goes into the mounting bracket.
2) Flashing or brightly colored LEDs
3) Plastic mounting brackets
4) Solar panels on top
5) One wire leading to them (90%+ of real consumer cameras have two)
6) Generic marking (i.e. CCD CAMERA)
7) Motion activation
8) Battery covers
9) Only one camera

Cameras are almost always real if they have:

1) A dim red glow around the lens
2) Marking from a known security brand that DOESN't make fake cameras. (google it!)

If you're not sure, see if you can sneak up behind one and take a good look at it. If they are real, you can either do it anyway, or look into things such as unfocused IR lasers.

As to getting caught on tape, many property owners will only ever look at the recordings if something is damaged, or there is a break in etc; so as long as you don't do anything stupid, they might never know you were there.


Hope this helps!

[edit] Always assume that it's real. [/edit]
[last edit 4/1/2013 2:10 AM by TeePER - edited 1 times]

Hailo 


Location: Dallas
Gender: Female




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 3 on 4/2/2013 2:29 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
That's just the information I needed, thanks a ton guys!

My Urban Exploration Gallery (Fixed) (Again)
SodoSyco 


Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 4 on 4/3/2013 7:16 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Fake cameras tend to have only one or two ways they move or move in the same pattern when the motion sensor goes off. I had a cheap one and it would scan horizontally then dip down, go back up and horizontally in the same position it was before it moved.

GLP. 


Location: Minneapolis, MN
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 5 on 7/9/2013 6:25 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Been wondering about this thanks!

We are professionals pretending to be amateurs.
Kojaks 


Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 6 on 7/11/2013 3:58 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by TeePER

5) One wire leading to them (90%+ of real consumer cameras have two)


Just make sure you realize this means wire, not a conduit. Conduits can house many wires in them...

Posted by TeePER

If you're not sure, see if you can sneak up behind one and take a good look at it. If they are real, you can either do it anyway, or look into things such as unfocused IR lasers.

As to getting caught on tape, many property owners will only ever look at the recordings if something is damaged, or there is a break in etc; so as long as you don't do anything stupid, they might never know you were there.


As said above. Even if a camera is 'actively' monitored, unless the site you're at is a high-profile site, you're not likely to be noticed unless you set off an alarm.
Security is typically contracted out and the guards watching the cameras have too many things to focus on at once. Even an attentive guard has a good chance of missing you if you aren't making yourself obvious on camera.

If you're going to a high-profile site, then you want to start really paying attention. Cameras (especially IR cameras) can be set to sound an alarm when someone steps into view, which will get the attention of a guard even if he wasn't paying any to the camera.
Mind you, if you're going to the kind of sites that would have this security, you have to see whether what you're doing is considered UE or robbery...

Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
dammband 


Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 7 on 7/12/2013 5:33 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Good info. Thanks for sharing.

EsseXploreR 


Location: New Jersey
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email | AbandonedNJ Photography
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 8 on 7/12/2013 8:58 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Kojaks

Mind you, if you're going to the kind of sites that would have this security, you have to see whether what you're doing is considered UE or robbery...


Seeing how robbery is physically removing property from someones direct possession, I don't see it being that.


https://www.flickr...62837453@N07/sets/

http://www.tfpnj.blogspot.com
Kojaks 


Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 9 on 7/13/2013 1:36 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by EsseXploreR


Seeing how robbery is physically removing property from someones direct possession, I don't see it being that.


I didn't say you were actually taking anything. The point was that when you are sneaking around a bank, I don't think the cops will care whether you're actually taking anything or not. It's not what you are actually doing at the site, it's how it's perceived by those going after you for it...

It's rare that you'll get an abandoned site that is going to put the effort into IR cameras or mantrap patterns.


Edit: Also, just to clarify, I always was saying that somewhat 'tongue in cheek'. I was slightly vague in my wording, but I was trying to imply active sites versus abandoned.
[last edit 7/13/2013 1:46 AM by Kojaks - edited 1 times]

Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
EsseXploreR 


Location: New Jersey
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email | AbandonedNJ Photography
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 10 on 7/13/2013 11:45 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Kojaks


I didn't say you were actually taking anything. The point was that when you are sneaking around a bank, I don't think the cops will care whether you're actually taking anything or not. It's not what you are actually doing at the site, it's how it's perceived by those going after you for it...


You implied it by using the term "robbery". Maybe you were thinking burglary? Which is trespassing with the intention to commit a felony. It still doesn't really apply, but its closer.

https://www.flickr...62837453@N07/sets/

http://www.tfpnj.blogspot.com
DJ Craig 

Moderator


Location: Johnson City, TN
Gender: Male


Break the Silence

Send Private Message | Send Email | AIM Message | Facebook
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 11 on 7/14/2013 12:34 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
In my experience, the more obvious a security camera is, and the bigger it is, the more likely it is to be fake. Still, no guarantee there. If it's active location, a good trick can be to "loiter" in view of the camera, and see if anyone comes out to shoo you away. Stand somewhere where you're unlikely to get in any trouble, but still likely to attract the attention of a security guard. I've used that trick before on a AT&T long line tower that was attached to an active AT&T facility.

Or, if you can reach the camera easily, put some tape over the lens, and come back a few days later and see if it's still there.

If you're talking about an abandonment, the easiest thing to find out is whether the location has electricity running to it. It'll usually be pretty obvious if it does, and if it doesn't, it's extremely unlikely the camera is running.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." -Dr. Suess
Kojaks 


Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 12 on 7/14/2013 1:23 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by EsseXploreR

You implied it by using the term "robbery". Maybe you were thinking burglary? Which is trespassing with the intention to commit a felony. It still doesn't really apply, but its closer.


Fair enough, and yes, burglary was more in line with what I was thinking of. What we do isn't either of those, as we don't go in to take stuff.

The point I was (apparently poorly) trying to make was that if you're going into an area with the type of security I had said, it's more likely a high-security active site (like a bank), in which case what you're doing there is irrelevant when you're found sneaking after-hours.

Posted by DJ Craig

If it's active location, a good trick can be to "loiter" in view of the camera, and see if anyone comes out to shoo you away. Stand somewhere where you're unlikely to get in any trouble, but still likely to attract the attention of a security guard. I've used that trick before on a AT&T long line tower that was attached to an active AT&T facility.


This can work really well on sites that aren't really remote.

Depending on whether you talk to the security or not, you can also try to get information from them by saying you 'had a bike stolen' near the camera and ask if they can check for you. Doesn't always work, but when it does their response can give you a lot of information about the camera.

Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
Mark 

Very Noble Donor


Location: South Carolina
Gender: Male


What is a lion, king of the savannah, when hes at the south pole?

Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 13 on 7/15/2013 6:10 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Is this a active site? If yes or partially active check out for alternative entry points. When I use to do live sights, I found that the cameras were for usual points of entry, and generally neglected in the little harder but still not to difficult entry points.

"If the threat level goes up its probably because of me." "I am looking for a girl who enjoys headbutting beltbuckles"
jeepdave 


Location: Anderson, SC
Gender: Male


It's also a gun.

Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 14 on 7/15/2013 7:27 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
One other thing. If you act like the camera isn't there and walk by it while looking at your phone you likely won't be noticed even if they are monitored. If you wave, nod, look, try to block your face with a hood etc you are noticed easier. Basically act like you belong and the chances of a monitor paying you attention goes down. Even in restricted access areas.

Ezekiel 25:17
StateProperty 


Location: Connecticut
Gender: Female




Send Private Message | Send Email | 
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 15 on 7/15/2013 11:14 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
My general rule for determining if the camera is real or not is the age/popularity of the location. Most locations that have holes in the floor and have been abandoned for 15+ years probably won't have security cameras, or even electricity.
And any location that a "well known" spot among explorers (especially amateurs) probably won't have cameras but it's a good idea to do some research and talk to others to get a sense of the security at the location.

If the camera is attached to a tree with no wiring going to it (or even near it), it's probably not real. And those "this building is monitored by video surveillance" signs can be bought super cheap (a pack of 50 is available on B&H's website for $18). I've seen places plastered with those with no cameras anywhere on the property.

corvettejoe 


Location: Central FL
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email | Abandoned Travels
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 16 on 7/17/2013 2:23 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
You all would love our offices. I put most of the cameras up, and most of the "what is usually not a real camera" is most of what mine are LOL

They are all of various ages, some look really old and beat up, most are analog, some are digital/HD/IP cameras. Many have no names, generic names, bright LEDs on them, etc.

... but ALL of them are plugged in via ethernet cable. There's no power wires, double video wires, nothing. Just a single thin ethernet cable running to every one. It provides power, video, audio (on some) to the camera with just a single easy to route cable. No need for power nearby.

Whenever I'm working on the cameras, people sometimes ask if that camera is real... you bet it is!

Also note that unless there is a dedicated security team somewhere (office building, etc) that many cameras are just recording in an event that something happens so they can go back and see what went on. Often times they aren't constantly monitored. But use your own judgement as to what type of building you're around. I don't watch mine all day, but once in a while log in to the servers to make sure they are all running properly and recording.

www.abandonedtravels.com
www.facebook.com/abandonedtravels
nspyder 


Location: The 4th Dimension
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 17 on 7/19/2013 7:25 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
What actually would happen if you were caught on camera? I mean if you were just sneaking around somewhere abandoned would they really go through the effort of using face-detection technology?

Vectored Approach 


Location: Morgan Hill, CA
Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 18 on 7/19/2013 10:38 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Probably not, if all you're doing is walking around. Now, if the place gets trashed/scrapped/tagged, and they're butthurt about it then yeah they may have some ability to submit your ugly mug as evidence for a LEO to check into.

Same goes for if they get tired of throwing people out of there. They may have pictures of you showing when you've been there. That may turn a simple situation where a guard simply shows you the door into being detained because they recognize you.

It really comes down to the situation, the site, and the owner/security.

Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy. -George Carlin (1937 - 2008)
Kojaks 


Gender: Male




Send Private Message | Send Email
Re: Fake Security Cameras
<Reply # 19 on 7/20/2013 12:32 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER Forum
 
Posted by Vectored Approach
Probably not, if all you're doing is walking around. Now, if the place gets trashed/scrapped/tagged, and they're butthurt about it then yeah they may have some ability to submit your ugly mug as evidence for a LEO to check into.

Same goes for if they get tired of throwing people out of there. They may have pictures of you showing when you've been there. That may turn a simple situation where a guard simply shows you the door into being detained because they recognize you.

It really comes down to the situation, the site, and the owner/security.


Vector has it pretty much spot on for a lot of companies.

The companies themselves -usually- don't have the face recognition software, at least not anything fancy. They'll just submit it to the local police who can do a run on it.

The security company is more likely to do exactly what he said and post your picture as a BOLO. If you aren't actually doing anything, that's usually noted, but if you are causing shit, it'll be added to your image and next time you encounter security they'll assume you're causing trouble because your 'file' says you do.

The level of response also depends on what site you're at. Even if you're right on camera, no one is going to bother doing much if you're checking out an empty shed, unless they are really bored. (A bored guard is bad. A lazy guard is your best friend.)

Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
UER Forum > Archived Rookie Forum > Fake Security Cameras (Viewed 2353 times)
1 2 3  



All content and images copyright © 2002-2024 UER.CA and respective creators. Graphical Design by Crossfire.
To contact webmaster, or click to email with problems or other questions about this site: UER CONTACT
View Terms of Service | View Privacy Policy | Server colocation provided by Beanfield
This page was generated for you in 125 milliseconds. Since June 23, 2002, a total of 736993421 pages have been generated.