Good Questions: Cheap, DIY Outdoor Security Options?

Julian from Winters, CA writes:

Hey Unplggd,

I've had a few hooligans TP (aka the classic toilet paper prank) my house a few nights in a row now and it has become quite a nuisance having to wake up every morning with pieces of paper all over my roof and front yard tree. I was wondering if you knew of a good and cheap means of deterring these vandals, or at least give them a reason to re-think before doing it again?

Thanks so much guys, -Julian

Above, we have a fake security camera from Urban Outfitters which - while won't give you the benefit of capturing your hooligans on camera - will give them a reason to think twice after seeing that you've "installed" a new means of security to watch over your front porch.

Or, you could take it into your own hands and create an owl with a hidden camera (like Peter has cleverly done in tutorials featured here in the past) to capture your culprits in action and hand the footage over to the authorities.