Improving Security at MHV

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Our last discussion about security at MHV (Space Security) ended with @jambulance offering to write up instructions for resetting the security alarm - not sure if that got done? That discussion also highlighted that we need to make sure people know to contact the ACTPG using the number on the main sign if the alarm goes off, or for any other urgent security issue.

There are two other security issues that we need people to volunteer for at the moment.

The roller door towards Belconnen has been sprayed with graffiti again, even though the motion sensing flood light on that side of the building is working again. @Keith has again offered to come and paint over the graffiti next Tuesday. From our original review of security, one suggestion that we haven’t implemented is to have a radio or similar going in the downstairs garage, might that help? Who is willing to work on this?

MHV is also moving on the purchase of the laser cutter, and before that arrives we need to have an alarm system in the large garage downstairs. Suggested minimum option is to have reed switches on the doors and loud siren. We need someone to volunteer to lead up this project so it gets installed soon. Worth considering doing both garages if that doesn’t make it more difficult.

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I didn’t end up writing the instructions, no. I have told a few keyholders what to do though - so that’s something! :stuck_out_tongue:

The reed switches etc - is that something the little devices @eyal and @PaulG and others have been playing with could handle / would be good for?

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Depends who wants to do the setup, might be easiest to just use a commercial kit for first version, then hack that? Aldi had a special on security systems last weekend, might still have some available.

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Would it be worth getting a security patrol. How much does it cost. Is it effective?

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I’m hoping to meet with our new property manager from the ACT property group soon, I’ll ask her about how effective a security patrol might be. You might be able to call a security company to get an idea of the cost.

I was also wondering if we should be reporting the graffiti to the police?

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The one in the building where my company is is woefully negligent.
(Wilson’s)

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Reporting to police is a good idea, because they may then increase
the frequency of their drive-by patrolling.

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I’ve bought the Aldi security kit for $59. It has 4 reed switches, 2 motion sensors and a base station with loud alarm. All wireless connections. Not sure if the disarming will suit us though - it looks like it is two wireless fobs, so we’d have to work out where to have them for the key holder to use. I can return it and get a refund if we decide it isn’t suitable.

I’ll bring it tonight if someone wants to work out if it is usable.

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Did we make any headway with someone setting up an FM radio to make noise?

Might even be worth having LED lighting that comes on and off at random
intervals to see if that also acts as a deterrant

Though really given the ballsyness of some of these ppls I doubt all of
these measures would stop someone who was really determined (I’ve seen tags
that had been removed but still slightly visible on the support poles,
girth by water on Commonwealth Ave bridge)

I also +1 for reporting it to police, if anything they might recognise the
"tags" and follow up the offender (if known to police).

Another one, which may be a completely stupid idea, why not beat them to it
and “graffeti” it ourselves with art? or is that against our lease?

Or even better a wall that acts as a sacraficial anode?

Just my 3.25c (it’d be 5c were it not my short lunch break lol)