The ability to monitor outside activity from behind locked doors, or while away, is a decided safety advantage. Unfortunately, criminals have developed tactics to defeat the modestly priced devices. A new twist surfaced in Rocky River, OH, in October 2024.
Law enforcement was notified after a mailman noticed multiple homes on his route had their video doorbells covered with blue tape. None of the residents reported anything suspicious beforehand, hinting that the culprit may have been a seemingly routine visitor.
Cameras were cleaned, patrols stepped up and incidents didn’t increase. Homes that left their cameras blind were readily identified targets. There are other ways to disable a lone camera and its motion-detection capability. Mother Nature can even be the culprit when a storm takes down power—along with Wi-Fi routers—and criminals prowl the dark. Thankfully there’s an inexpensive solution.
Trail cams have been a favorite among hunters for decades, and Moultrie has been a leader in the realm since 1998. In 2007, the company introduced the industry’s first cellular-capable unit. Instead of multiple trips afield to change memory cards, it launched a revolution of images and video streaming to screens miles away.
Battery powered and designed for discreet placement, they blend into landscaping and easily escape detection. The company even introduced its Edge Solar camera in July, eliminating the power source concerns.
“Cellular security gives an elevated level of peace of mind,” said Alex Sherbinow, Moultrie’s senior director of marketing. “Without having to rely on unstable Wi-Fi connections or power ensures you’re always connected to your property …”
The company’s Edge 2 Cellular Security Camera is designed specifically for home security. Sherbinow noted “… add on Moultrie AI to give specific notifications based on human traffic and you have the ability to get instant notifications of potential trespassers.”
Muddy Outdoor has also noted the trend. “More homeowners are turning towards cellular trail cameras to monitor their properties and homes,” said Chris Dunkin, wireless division manager at GSM Outdoors. “Muddy infrared cellular cameras connect to the best network in your area and operate off the Command Pro App. Plans are as low as $4 per month and there are a variety of different models of cameras and accessories to best suit the needs of any consumer.”
There’s also the matter of privacy concerns, but the final word on the dangers of a Wi-Fi-exclusive video system was delivered back in 2020, when criminals hacked into a dozen doorbell cameras across the nation. They then made dire sounding 911 calls from spoofed phone numbers, and livestreamed law enforcement’s armed response.