Best way to secure your cooker or other outside valuables from being stolen

[scottranda]

I’m probably going to pull the trigger on a fire pit in a month or two. I’m looking to get a fire pit from S&S which looks like some high quality wood-burning pits. I’m concerned about theft if I left it outside. It’s not like I live in a crime riddled neighborhood, but sometimes things disappear b/c we get comfortable living in a low crime area, and we don’t do enough to deter petty theft crimes. I could put it in the garage, but I don’t think I’ll have enough room for long term storage.

How would you recommend me securing it? Sure, I could get security cameras. But are there any lower cost options out there? Maybe a device that if someone tried to take it (and there was enough vibration or GPS detection it moved), it would sound a high decibel alarm enough to scare them off? Maybe a trip wire of some sorts embedded in the ground whereby if it moves, it trips the alarm? Any products out there? Anyone paranoid like me about theft of smokers or other valuable items?

In the future, I’m thinking about an offset smoker... how would you secure/protect that? If I get a big enough one, stealing 900 pounds may be challenging enough to deter the theft!

Also, if you have any other fire pit recommendations besides S&S, let me know! Wood burning ONLY!

[EdF]

Dogs, get three or four of them. They'll let you know if there's an issue, and serve as a natural deterrent with their woofin'. And they'll love you for taking them home. Rescues of course.

They just wanna' be your dog!

[scottranda]

I love their black spots on their eyes. Standing their next to each other, looks like there’s a mirror between ‘em!

[JGo37]

Fess up, you're holding meat. Lots.

(my last 4, rescues. The last 3, Boxers. Who would give up a Boxer?)

[EdF]

JGo37 - yeah, I had just sliced up a dry-aged loin, and they were anticipating pieces of the "pellicle".

[JGo37]

Watch my truck, will you?



My D-ring Hitch has been stolen twice, IN THE CITY. Never in the country. For Pete's sake, what do they use it for?

[jfmorris]

Probably selling it as scrap metal...

[RonB]

I remember seeing a security device that could be hung on a door when staying in a hotel. It would sound the alarm if jiggled.

Here ya go:

https://smile.amazon.com/Vigilant-Home-Handle-Vibration-Burglar/dp/B01NB165OR

[JGo37]

They make 120Db's for laptops too. That would work. What we all need is more stuff that runs on batteries...

[scottranda]

I really appreciate your comment/link!!! Might be something I go with!

[RonB]

scottranda - there are several different ones, so you might find one that better suits your needs.

[JGo37]

If you really feel that you'll feel better securing your fire pit and smoker, a stake and chain or foundation bolt and chain will deter spur-of-the-moment theft. It just won't be worth dealing with. Dig a post hole and cement that d-ring in.

If someone really really really wants it, you can't stop them.

And I've asked this question before, honestly: "Do we have video?" "Yes, do you want to see someone stealing your truck?"

[scottranda]

I was considering building a concrete platform for the offset (whenever I get it). Interesting idea. I could move the fire pit back and forth from the secured cement location with a D Ring, and where I’d use it for parties (in the middle of the yard). GREAT idea!

[JGo37]

Thanks. I'm going to put in a post hole cemented anchor in a few spots in the yard now that I wrote it up here and thought about it more. Low enough to mow over - should actually be really easy, and the quick set stuff makes it usable that night. I can put a self-standing porch swing out in the yard.

[Troutman]

Claymores....

[EdF]

Shades of "Rob Roy"!

[Mr. Bones]

EdF I gots me one o them Claymores, which I'll freely, publicly fess to...

[JGo37]

Claymores, got a dern city ordnance against those. (couldn't help it..)

[Polarbear777]

Just get the largest Komodo kamado. At ~1500lbs and no good attachment points, They would have to be awfully determined.

https://komodokamado.com/pages/42-serious-big-bad

:-)

[scottranda]

Yeah, the offset smoker I’d be less concerned about even though it’d cost more. But the KK would be an expensive fire pit

[ribeyeguy]

Dogs, get three or four of them. They'll let you know if there's an issue, and serve as a natural deterrent with their woofin'. And they'll love you for taking them home. Rescues of course.

Agree 100%. A good sized dog that loves to bark makes your home pretty much theft proof. If our dog hears or sees anything outside that he's not used to he goes bananas, barks like crazy. Even with him barking indoors it can be heard from 2 doors down, no thief is going to stick around with that kind of ruckus going on. As far as someone breaking in, there's literally no chance. The second that they heard him going ape sh** they'd take off.

Forget security cams, alarms, etc., get yourself a big barking dog. You'll have both home protection and a new best buddy.

[Mr. Bones]

Now I let him take cheeseburgers away from kids at the park.

Even though I can cognicise that that's a complete, an total yarn, or fabrication, it's still Dang Dang Funny, I don't care who ya are, brother!

[JGo37]

Actually, a three year old toddler with an absent parent charged him, and I screamed then held my breath. It's a good thing that tike had a cheeseburger. Gone. My wife had been taking him to White Castle. When he saw the wrapper I think he stopped seeing the kid completely. I didn't know at the time if he'd be kid friendly at all, or if I had a problem.

A good yarn is based in reality.

[cftarnas]

My in-laws had a big barking dog (Rottweiler). Their house got broken into, ransacked, alarm going off, dog going off. When the police arrived they wouldn’t go past the back gate to look around the house because of the big barking dog.

[Mr. Bones]

Might wanna git yerself one o these:
Kinda 'pricey', but Dependable'...

[ComfortablyNumb]

I'll stick with my dogs, thanks. At least they only want my steak and leave my Guinness alone!

[Spinaker]

I love this picture!

[CaptainMike]

LRRP. My neighbor, 35 yrs retired CHP and USMC Vietnam Veteran. Badassed MF and best neighbor, friend, all around good dude you could know. We chat occasionally about his time in country (not necessarily VN) and sometimes his stories give me the chills. Merica!

[scottranda]

Guys guys guys... it’s only a matter of time my 2 year old asks for a DOG!

[Mr. Bones]

better start determinin what kind ya want...
Jus sayin.

[CaptainMike]

Heelers/Australian Cattle Dogs are loving, funny, family loving and fearless, ferocious protectors. I have had them as family members my entire life and will die with one at my side.

[scottranda]

I do have a gun for self protection, but you can’t shoot someone in your yard (at least legally)!

[JGo37]

Illegal? I should stop doing this? I haven't had a trespasser complain...

[MBMorgan]

Wish I still had a .45 ... but alas my Redhawk simply doesn’t make any intimidating noises ... huge holes, tho’ 😎 ...

[CaptainMike]

MBMorgan love those Redhawks, but can't shoot them in .44mag any more, just hurts my hand too much. I have a Raging Bull that I can still use to pump those slugs downrange.

[customtrim]

Guinea hens on the outside dogs on the inside. The Amazon camera works pretty well downside to them is motion detection only works around 20 feet after that you have to be watching it. They do have mics on them to where you can help at them. I have 5 cameras and not one on the grills, and none watching the inside. 4 are exterior wireless and I can watch all of them on my phone at work. The guineas will be just as deterent but if you want to get higher end equipment for outside then 100 or so for a camera is a small price. Kind of like you want a good reverse sear ribeye but don't want to buy a grill to do it on

[scottranda]

Yeah, I may go camera route, but I want something that will deter criminals, and me not watching the camera/video. Maybe a wicked FLOOD LIGHT in conjunction with a high decibel alarm.

[Mr. Bones]

Guinea hens will absolutely raise some double toothpicks, oops, sry, I meant Cain...

[JGo37]

Videos are useless. Honestly. Put in a 10' x 6' running water pond and get a goose.

[Troutman]

I do have a gun for self protection, but you can’t shoot someone in your yard (at least legally)!

Oh here in Texas you can, ABSOFRIGGINLUTTLY !!!

[scottranda]

Really? Not in NC! But as soon as you put one finger nail through a window, all bets are off.

[Troutman]

Yep, come on down !! You step one foot on someone’s property with impunity and them and Mr. Glock become best friends

[Mr. Bones]

Here's how we roll:
BOOM!!!!!
BOOM BOOM!!!!!
"HALT!!!!!"
I have previously mentioned, reckon I wasn't allowed to survive 2+ tours of combat, to git killed by a meth head, or similar.

[Attjack]

Which pit are you looking to get. Looks like they make nice fire pits.

[Troutman]

That is a fine looking piece !!!

[Mr. Bones]

Sweet Lookin Firepit, brother!

[RonB]

scottranda - If there is one you don't like, or like less than the rest, tell your wife you love that one. If your wife is like mine, that's the best way to insure she doesn't pick one you don't like.

[CaptainMike]

Dang, tough one. We live in the country on a fenced lot with a locking gate. The gate is 150 yds from the house, slight downhill, sun travels left to right, prevailing winds are NW at 3-4 mph, limited vegetation and fairly clear area of approach. Get past the Heeler and all bets are off. Duly posted.

[CaptainMike]

Mr. Bones the Sig556 is plenty for that range/target and I am quite good with it. Ask anyone. The larger predators that cruise through here tipping over the garbage cans get a total pass. In fact, we rather enjoy them and it only takes a few minutes to pick up after 'em.

[Mr. Bones]

Roger dat re: large garbage can tippin predators, Capn!
I ain't never wanted to hurt me no critters in my live long days....
I bear me no such reluctance when confronted with criminal humans.
Mebbe bad wirin, or summat, on my part, ya reckon?
I miss em, (black bears), from livin in Mizzurrah

[CaptainMike]

Mr. Bones yer wirin is jus fine.