Observatory Security?

[glend]

What do you do about securing your observatory? I'd like to be able to leave my equipment setup in the obs all the time (note that I am retired so usually at home during the day). Trying to work out how 'extreme' I need to be about locking it up, alarm system, sensor lights, etc? It's in my backyard, cannot be seen from the street or my gate, the gate is usually locked, I have installed a nightlatch type lockset on the door, and I have a sensor light positioned to watch the Obs door; my area is pretty safe and I don't recall any local yard theft (note I do not live in a city or major metro suburb area).

[coldlegs]

Glen
I would add a padlock just to make things too difficult for any idiot to get in.
Cheers
Stephen

[h0ughy]

i used an alligator hasp lock with a marine grade lock for the weather (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/attachment_browse.php?a=70698), and then there is also camera surveillance - aldi have a 4 camera system for $200 this week I think. I have 3 of these for the whole house - works a treat. so down the paranoid hole you go - its nice and dark in here.

[GTB_an_Owl]

any IR camera (dummy or not) is a great deterent Glen

mount over/near the entry door
any decent crim will look for the tell tale red leds and give it a wide berth at nite
during the day is another matter - so make the camera prominant
and of course the more heavy duty the door and lock is the better
one or more security lights on possible approach paths

geoff

[glend]

Tnanks Geoff and David. I will have a look at the Aldi camera system on Saturday but they always seem to be cleaned out of the interesting gear by the time I get in there.
A couple of dummy cameras might be more cost effective for me as long as they have a led on them.:thanx:

[rally]

What about a simple door operated alarm - at least the noise may deter them from going any further.

[SadisticSarz]

get a dog that hates thieves, burglars, intruders and idiots that come on your property

[glend]

I have a door alarm now, and a padock on a security hasp, plus the original key latch. I do have a dog but he's old and sleeps inside, and is oblivious once he goes to sleep. I also have a security light with the sensor aimed at the observatory door. The back yard is only accessible through the house or 2m high locked driveway gates. I think that covers it.