Preventing break-ins and squatters at addressed off grid cabin property

[Idaho44]

Having been "privileged" to know about several 'off grid cabins' I would offer the following suggestions. Expando steel grid material for the windows and doors, they will allow light in but keep all out, except for the most determined intruders. A "No Trespassing" sign to keep some of the casual ones out and provide 'evidence' that it is not a public facility. You could also add a concealed 'game camera' for recording who or what investigates or accesses the site. Be aware that 'locks' can be filled with a substance to prevent you using a key for access! Also note that 'booby traps' are frowned upon and are considered illegal in many locales.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I will have to look in to those but phone service is terrible down there and the expense would be something I would have to overcome. Great idea though.

Yea, I hear you. If service is spotty, boosters, directional antennas etc. can markedly improve coverage.

 

[arakboss]

Looters don't know that.

Friend has a place in the middle of nowhere NV.

He used to get an occasional squatter.

He put up an old satellite dish and a few old security cameras. They had no power at his shack. But that's all that was needed to keep anymore folks from trying to use his place.

Great point, I could probably get a used system for cheap off craigslist and mount those things everywhere. I will put that on the list.

 

[Member 34319]

Also. Non lethal, signal type, booby traps might be enough to scare the bejesus out of them.

 

[flashpan]

Find some retired trustworthy gentlemen like myself. No substitute for a good caretaker on the property.

 

[westcoastal]

That crosses my mind every time I pull up after not being there for a while. That fear will increase once the neighbor couple moves away.

our cabin has a 1.25 mile dirt road into it, fortunately can see tire tracks heading to it. sort of a heads up if anyone has been up there.

 

[ACO]

When I was younger, I was out in some woods and stumbled upon a whole house up in pallets and Jack's. I kid you not, some crackhead had cut an access hole through the floor to get inside and fk the place up
I don't know what he used but it was a good 2'x4' hole with pallets stacked up for stairs.

I think the fact is nothing is impenetrable when time is of no concern.

I've been thinking about all these log cabin tiny houses for sale all over. Kind of thought about making one an outside vault. Ask them to make one with no windows, and then get steel doors. Solar lighting and some way to combat cold/mildew...

 

[Certaindeaf]

Also. Non lethal, signal type, booby traps might be enough to scare the bejesus out of them.

A Wile E Coyote style string and stick trigger connected to a Victrola and Ride of the Valkyries would produce poop.

 

[arakboss]

I thought about one of these systems but it's a little pricey: Cabin / Camp / Security System Kit. Uses no power when armed.

 

[edzz]

naw.... just provide a couple of shovels to bury the bodies, a garden rake to blend in the holes, and a lawn rake to police the brass....

Pre dig your holes, keep quick lye handy, use a brass catcher...

 

[Geardo]

That it will do...not sure how well the location will take it however...

I was thinking more along the lines of a quiet infiltration / Reconnaissance / flanking kinda of approach instead of a Blitzkrieg....
Ya know its the Ranger / LRRP / LRSD guy in me talking here...
Andy

Can't you still buy smoke/marker grenades?

 

[Andy54Hawken]

Can't you still buy smoke/marker grenades?

I don't know good question....
We used to unscrew the heads off of the smoke grenades and crumble up a bit of the heat tabs to give the smoke a little "sting" to the eyes...
Please note that I am not saying to do this....just that we used to do this....
Andy

 

[Spitpatch]

Step 1: rescue puma cub
Step 2: raise puma
Step 3: let loose puma on property
Step 4: don't forget to bring it treats to maintain the relationship.

Step 5: Never run out of treats.

 

[Spitpatch]

Guy in Shotgun News (now firearms news) runs an ad selling a pepper-spray booby trap device. I would want the added feature of a hidden camera so that while I was repairing the damaged door they came in, I could watch a slapstick comedy show.

 

[Jonnyuma]

It's almost impossible to keep creeps away from an unmanned area of interest. Even tall fences, razor wire, and surveillance equipment won't stop a determined meth head or thief... it's why live security guards exist.

The best I could come up with, without HUGE expense and turning the place into a well-protected squatter-house, was similar to this:

He put up an old satellite dish and a few old security cameras. They had no power at his shack. But that's all that was needed...

Some firm signage, devoid of overt threats (for liability's sake) declaring surveillance, "Restricted Access", "Severe Penalties", etc, etc might move squatters on to greener pastures.
Dummy cameras, fake antenna array, darkly tinted windows... shrouding the place in dark, vaguely officious, mystery will hopefully move the less intrepid squatter along.

Always arrive armed and in daylight and never alone. Non-lethal (LTL) booby traps can help give you an idea of what's been going on after-the-fact.

Unfortunately, locks will only result in broken locks and windows.

None of the above, short of armed security patrols, will actually stop anybody. But, like most defensive posturing (personal and structural) the best case scenario is to move the perp on to an easier target.

 

[Member 34319]

These work pretty well. They are a bluff, but they don't know that.

 

[MannyGlocks]

Without living there or paying for constant armed patrolling - fuhgeddabouditt!

Now the trust worthy old care taker idea is a good-un, if he can be paid by living there rent free and not having to leave when you show up...

 

[LTRGUY261]

Look at the Ring brand battery powered lights, the batteries last a surprisingly long time imo.

 

[Burninpowder]

Put these up all over the place they take 12 gauge blank rounds and make quite the bang. They are also known to take regular 12 gauge rounds but wouldn't recommend.

 

[titsonritz]

These work pretty well. They are a bluff, but they don't know that.

View attachment 671631

As far as signs go something like this might be more effective...