Help with security camera photos - Need enhancing: Our RV dealership in Rhode Island has been vandalized several times this year. After two thefts involving 30-40+ deep cycle batteries...

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

Our RV dealership in Rhode Island has been vandalized several times this year. After two thefts involving 30-40+ deep cycle batteries and Digital TV's from our and customers trailers and RV's they are now cutting the shore power cords off to recylce for the conductor metal inside. It is beginng to cost us a bunch of money never mind the customer complaints about vandalism of their units on out lot.

We have installed security cameras and have some vehicle images but not good enough to read the license plate. I have tried to enhance them, but cannot get them clear enough to read the plate number.

Anybody here want to take a crack at it ???

Rongnongno Loc: FL

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Our RV dealership in Rhode Island has been vandali... (show quote)

Post this in the 'post processing' section. Depending on the image presented you may have some 'luck'.

Turbo Loc: Raleigh, NC

you can't really enhance a grainy photo. ( Unlike they do on TV !! )

I believe you need a camera ( video or otherwise ) with better definition. ( Especially if it is dark )

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

GC likes NIKON wrote:

...
Anybody here want to take a crack at it ???

crop to the plate and send us the largest, clearest downloadable images you have.

jimni2001 Loc: Sierra Vista, Arizona, USA

You need to post the photos and check download. I am sure that a few of us would enjoy the challenge.

GC likes NIKON Loc: East Greenwich, Rhode Island

Per your suggestion, I have reposted this (with images) in the "Post Processing" section. Thank you for your help !!!f

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Turbo wrote:

you can't really enhance a grainy photo. ( Unlike they do on TV !! )

I believe you need a camera ( video or otherwise ) with better definition. ( Especially if it is dark )

Although some enhancing might be possible, you need better cameras. Yes, they will be expensive, but it sounds like you have an expensive problem. You can get cameras that follow the action. Get color cameras. Consult local security companies.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Our RV dealership in Rhode Island has been vandali... (show quote)

You might try this:

http://www.focusmagic.com/

http://www.oceansystems.com/forensic/forensic-Photoshop-Plugins/index.php

http://ampedsoftware.com/

http://www.reindeergraphics.com/advancedforensics.html

There are a number of applications that are used by law enforcement and the legal community to enhance both video and still images - just google "forensic image enhancement" and you will find these, as well as various techniques using Photoshop and contrast/tone masking etc to clarify low res, grainy or blurred images.

I would also suggest installing better lighting - which is a strong deterrent all by itself.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Our RV dealership in Rhode Island has been vandali... (show quote)

Can't help you with the images but better lighting and better cameras would help. Is there a particular spot where they enter your property? Better lighting there and a hidden camera would probably give you the plate number you need. Check with local police to see which is more effective, signs announcing cameras on the property or hidden cameras to record people and vehicles.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

LFingar wrote:

Can't help you with the images but better lighting and better cameras would help. Is there a particular spot where they enter your property? Better lighting there and a hidden camera would probably give you the plate number you need. Check with local police to see which is more effective, signs announcing cameras on the property or hidden cameras to record people and vehicles.

Yes, hidden cameras.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Per your suggestion, I have reposted this (with images) in the "Post Processing" section. Thank you for your help !!!f

I tried.
It was beyond my skill set.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

Time to hire a rent-a-cop.

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Our RV dealership in Rhode Island has been vandali... (show quote)

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

GC likes NIKON wrote:

Our RV dealership in Rhode Island has been vandali... (show quote)

The word of caution I'll offer is this. Any enhancement will render the media ineligible as evidence without a long, drawn out battle in a court. Since this will involve expert witnesses, the person doing any enhancement should be acquainted with legal and court procedures.
--Bob

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

jerryc41 wrote:

Although some enhancing might be possible, you need better cameras. Yes, they will be expensive, but it sounds like you have an expensive problem. You can get cameras that follow the action. Get color cameras. Consult local security companies.

Also, as long as your storage area is fenced in properly, you might consider hiring a guard dog company to release dogs inside the storage area during nights. You will have to post signs though about the dogs. At least you'll get a piece of the thieves for DNA analysis by police.

Also, better cameras would probably be beneficial as well as night vision cameras. How about electrifying the fence? Or hire someone to sit inside one of your mobile units for a week or so and arm them with a shotgun? But first notify your local law enforcement agency that you have instituted an armed guard to cease this continuous robbery.

Regarding the pixel improvement of any security footage, there are resolution and focus algorithms available but they are expensive and time consuming. They also require a lot of computer time as they try to resolve characters and text or faces.

Have you considered implementing infrared sensors that would trigger a silent alarm to the police? Response time is probably 10 minutes or so though.

I say shoot the bastards with birdshot.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

singleviking wrote:

...you might consider hiring a guard dog company to release dogs inside the storage area during nights. How about electrifying the fence? Or hire someone to sit inside one of your mobile units for a week or so and arm them with a shotgun?

I say shoot the bastards with birdshot.

Man, you don't go for halfway measures! :D