Back to the original query, you can buy a video-motion activator that is
inserted into the video line between the camera and the monitor. It
simply looks for changes in the video scene, and closes a switch when it
detects one. The switch, of course, is what cues the VCR or whatever.

I have one of these lying around somewhere. The size and position of
the "active frame" is adjustable on-screen, so you eliminate false trips
from someone who walks by on the sidewalk but doesn't approach your car,
for example. And as I recall, the sensitivity (the amount of motion
required in order to trip the switch) is also adjustable.

Seems to me I bought 2 B&W vidicon-based cameras, a monitor, a 4-camera
switcher, and this motion detector, for $250 several years ago. These
days, with solid-state cameras, the whole thing would be less. Since
all you need is the video-motion-detector, it ought to be way cheap.

Bill
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jumpster Jiver wrote:

William R. Walsh wrote:

Hi!


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



In addition to the other suggestions, please be careful - if this person
is willing to damage your property for whatever reason (personal
differences, revenge, anger, etc.), the may also try to turn it into a
physical altercation if you try to reason with him/her.
When you do catch the person, your best bet might be to confrony them in
a public place and hand them a copy of the tape, then offer to drop the
matter if your damages are fully paid for. You might want a friend to
record the full conversation to prove that you did not threaten the
person with violence, or try to blackmail thtem for more money.
Then if the refuse to pay you and not let it happen again, or accuse you
of any of the previously listed crimes, go directly to the police with
your evidence of the car scratching crimes.

Also seek the advice of an attorney, because following my advice and
video recording a conversation without the other party's knowledge may
be a crime.

But videotaping your own property to catch a vandal is NOT a crime and
can only do you good. Repainting a car is very expensive and if it
costs that much it may be considered a more serious crime, which may
warrant jail time, fines, and restitution to you for your expenses. Good
luck.