Securing an SDS200

[N4SRN]

Are there any off-the-shelf solutions to physically securing a SDS200? We have one at a member-access facility and a new guy posted all about how he could easily steal it by blocking cameras and propping the rear exit open to re-enter after he badged out.

Now that 100+ people know how easy it would be, it’s time to lock it down to a surface. Members like this, we don’t need…

 

[AK9R]

Physical security of an electronic device really isn't a Uniden Technical problem.

If you are concerned about someone stealing a radio, mount in a steel cabinet and lock the cabinet.

 

[N4SRN]

Physical security of an electronic device really isn't a Uniden Technical problem.

If you are concerned about someone stealing a radio, mount in a steel cabinet and lock the cabinet.

Thanks for moving to a proper forum.

The radio is in a Makerspace club Ham shack, so there’s lots of others using the facility. Much of our equipment is bolted down or power-locked, but the nature of such Makerspaces is controlled use vs locked doors/cabinets.

I’m really looking for a solution that leaves the radio visible (and audible) but deters easy theft. We could fashion something but I figured there might be off-the-shelf solutions.

 

[dave3825]

If someone wants something bad enough they will get it. Steel cable similar to laptop antitheft can be cut and pretty much any type of tamperproof hardware can be bypassed. Stick airtags in and hope he does not have iOS.

Or better yet, get rid of the loser. Bye bye.

Seriously, lock it down where people don’t have access and run @ProScan on a pc. Keep it in a locked closet or of premises.

 

[tweiss3]

Bolt it into a rack?

 

[n1chu]

“Members like this we don’t need…”

Oh yes you do! Anything of value will grow legs and walk. My hat is off to the person who brought the means of a theft to your attention. I’m sure others were thinking about it also, just didn’t bother to mention it. I admire your trust in people but at the same time, shame on you for not admitting there are those who wouldn’t think twice about “relocating” your scanner. Nothing is sacred… people steal statutes from churches and poor boxes are pilfered.

My local volunteer fire department needed to lock up a scanner in the firehouse. Not so much out of fear it would disappear but to keep people from messing with the programming. As it turned out, a member of a mutual aid fire company two towns away got arrested after they found two storage bins full of fire equipment from various depts, ours included! You’ve got to lock it up if you expect it to be there the next time you visit the place. Otherwise it’s just a matter of when, not if.

 

[Whiskey3JMC]

What about something like this? (although out of stock at scannermaster)

 

[W9WSS]

Maybe someone from "the Board" needs to sit down with this imminent thief and have a heart-to-heart with this person making the threat and inform them (at least in Illinois) it is a felony to enter any property to commit a felony or theft therein. It's called "Burglary," and in DuPage County shoplifters are charged with this offense if the value of stolen property is over a certain amount in $$$$'s. SDS-200 scanners are not equivalent in value to a blouse, pair of slacks, or stick of gum.

For that person to make that statement they need to be spoken to and possibly given "a stern warning."

 

[dave3825]

What about one of these?

Problem with that, even it was welded to a steel desk is your still relying on the 2 thumb screws that hold the radio in. And the problem with most tamperproof screws or bolts is that the key/bit can be bought almost anywhere. Many years ago Bell Atlantic started using tamper proof torx screws on payphones and anyone could drill the small hole in a T25 effortlessly.

 

[N4SRN]

Bolt it into a rack?

I’m looking for some bottomless wire cage unit that will cover the unit, can take hinges on the back and a lockable hasp on the front. I figured those would be easy to find but the closest I come to is wire cage exit sign covers that’s too small or other wire cages that are way too big. But I’ll keep looking.

It’s a Makerspace, so almost any security “could” be defeated with the portable carbide blade chop saw.

Sadly, people walk off with stuff all the time - nail guns, drills, wrenches, etc. They’re small enough to drop in a bag. We’re open 24/7 and all volunteers so we rely on cameras and RFID-fob access control to add that element of doubt in the minds of the dishonest.

As an aside, we’re near several clubs downtown, and discovered one young female joined and split the $75/mo membership with several friends, who came in late for their “pre-party: member parking, dress for clubbing, do their hair/makeup, consume munchies/drinks, etc. Since they left evidence of smoking pot, we terminated her based on our no smoking policy. We can’t afford a lawsuit - it seems everyone’s Daddy is a lawyer these days.

 

[rf_patriot200]

Just sit your SDS200 on a grenade and set the lever. If they Reeeeeally want it ...

 

[buddrousa]

@N4SRN
#1 As stated above move the SDS200 to a locked secure room out of site out of mind and remote view and listen to it with PROSCAN.
#2 Your security cameras if they are wireless wifi then you have no security. Hard wired with the Recorder locked up out of mind and out of site.
#3 As stated above remove the member unless they are only pointing out security weakness.
#4 Install Pick Guards over the door strikes.
#5 Extreme case Simply Safe Do It Yourself Monitored Alarm.

 

[kh2]

outside the box idea - have the scanner offsite and use Proscan to send the audio to a laptop that comes and goes with you? or if you have Broadcastify covering your area listen through that?

It's impossible to out think peoples stupidity and durability when it comes to theft and destruction

 

[jbix1958]

That would be my suggestion also - Proscan on a monitor mounted on the wall with an external speaker with it, SDS200 and laptop running the Proscan locked in a cabinet.