Hi!

If it were you, which actions will you take to prevent this agony?

Well, there are a couple of possibilities. Here are some that come to mind:

1. If the scratches cost $1K apiece to fix, and you plan on having the
scratches fixed, then I'd think you could justify the expense of purchasing
a video recorder--digital/hard drive based or time-lapse--and a camera that
can work in low light...one that might have an IR 'light booster'. Put the
camera on a building near the car or even mount it to a post.

2. Get a motion sensor that turns on a set of lights. Granted this is basic,
but in some cases, it can help. Some vandals or thieves don't like the
thought of working in a well illuminated area. You can get ones that look
like regular porch lights or included with a set of flood lights.

3. Get a camera that will take pictures at night and hide where you won't be
seen. When the culprits come along, take a picture. (There is some danger
with this approach...)

4. There do exist still cameras that have motion sensors on them. Usually
they are sold for photographing wildlife. You might be able to put one of
these in your car. I've never seen a motion activated video camera, however.

5. There are companies who sell fake security cameras as well...and this
might also work as a deterrent, assuming the vandals could see it.

6. You might call the police and see if they can patrol your neighborhood
more often. Sometimes this does work.

William