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The ability to monitor outside activity from behind locked doors, or while away, is a decided safety advantage. Unfortunately, criminals have developed tactics to defeat the modestly priced devices. A new twist surfaced in Rocky River, OH, in October 2024.
Law enforcement was notified after a mailman noticed multiple homes on his route had their video doorbells covered with blue tape. None of the residents reported anything suspicious beforehand, hinting that the culprit may have been a seemingly routine visitor.
Cameras were cleaned, patrols stepped up and incidents didn’t increase. Homes that left their cameras blind were readily identified targets. There are other ways to disable a lone camera and its motion-detection capability. Mother Nature can even be the culprit when a storm takes down power—along with Wi-Fi routers—and criminals prowl the dark. Thankfully there’s an inexpensive solution.
Trail cams have been a favorite among hunters for decades, and Moultrie has been a leader in the realm since 1998. In 2007, the company introduced the industry’s first cellular-capable unit. Instead of multiple trips afield to change memory cards, it launched a revolution of images and video streaming to screens miles away.
Battery powered and designed for discreet placement, they blend into landscaping and easily escape detection. The company even introduced its Edge Solar camera in July, eliminating the power source concerns.
“Cellular security gives an elevated level of peace of mind,” said Alex Sherbinow, Moultrie’s senior director of marketing. “Without having to rely on unstable Wi-Fi connections or power ensures you’re always connected to your property …”
The company’s Edge 2 Cellular Security Camera is designed specifically for home security. Sherbinow noted “… add on Moultrie AI to give specific notifications based on human traffic and you have the ability to get instant notifications of potential trespassers.”
Muddy Outdoor has also noted the trend. “More homeowners are turning towards cellular trail cameras to monitor their properties and homes,” said Chris Dunkin, wireless division manager at GSM Outdoors. “Muddy infrared cellular cameras connect to the best network in your area and operate off the Command Pro App. Plans are as low as $4 per month and there are a variety of different models of cameras and accessories to best suit the needs of any consumer.”
There’s also the matter of privacy concerns, but the final word on the dangers of a Wi-Fi-exclusive video system was delivered back in 2020, when criminals hacked into a dozen doorbell cameras across the nation. They then made dire sounding 911 calls from spoofed phone numbers, and livestreamed law enforcement’s armed response.
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18 Comments
The introduction of the Edge Solar camera by Moultrie in July is a game-changer, as it eliminates the concern of power outages and ensures continuous monitoring of your property.
The fact that criminals hacked into a dozen doorbell cameras across the nation in 2020 and made dire sounding 911 calls from spoofed phone numbers is a chilling reminder of the dangers of Wi-Fi-exclusive video systems.
The fact that these cellular trail cameras can be used in conjunction with other security measures, such as motion-sensitive outdoor lights, to create a comprehensive security system, is a major selling point for me.
I’ve had issues with my Wi-Fi connection in the past, and the thought of my security camera being disabled due to a power outage or internet downtime is unsettling, which is why I’m interested in exploring cellular options.
I’ve been considering investing in a security camera system for my home, and this article has definitely given me some food for thought, especially the importance of having a cellular connection.
The fact that law enforcement was able to step up patrols and prevent further incidents in Rocky River, OH, after the discovery of the covered video doorbells, shows the importance of community involvement in preventing crime.
The price point of $4 per month for Muddy Outdoor’s cellular trail cameras is relatively affordable, especially considering the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is being monitored.
I’m intrigued by the idea of using trail cams like Moultrie’s Edge Solar camera for home security, especially since they’re designed for discreet placement and can escape detection.
Yes, and the fact that they’re battery-powered and don’t rely on Wi-Fi connections makes them a great option for areas with unstable internet.
The variety of models and accessories offered by Muddy Outdoor, such as the Command Pro App, makes it seem like a viable option for homeowners looking to monitor their properties.
I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of these external security cameras in preventing crime, especially if the culprit is someone who is familiar with the property and its surroundings.
But even if it doesn’t prevent crime, having a record of the incident can be crucial in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrator.
I’m curious to know more about the Moultrie AI feature that gives specific notifications based on human traffic and allows for instant notifications of potential trespassers.
From what I understand, it uses machine learning algorithms to detect and alert you to any suspicious activity, giving you an added layer of security.
The quote from Alex Sherbinow, Moultrie’s senior director of marketing, about cellular security giving an elevated level of peace of mind, really resonated with me, especially in light of the rising crime rates in my area.
I’m concerned about the potential for false notifications with these cellular trail cameras, especially if they’re triggered by animals or other non-threatening entities.
That’s a valid concern, but many of these cameras have adjustable sensitivity settings and can be programmed to ignore certain types of motion.
The incident in Rocky River, OH, where mailmen noticed multiple homes with their video doorbells covered with blue tape, highlights the importance of having a secure and reliable external security camera system.