Where is you're computer desk? I'd move it close to a front window where the van can be seen, then get a GOOD webcam (logitech makes a nice one that works very well). There are plenty of free trial recording softwares available. Set it all up so it can record the van overnight, get some touch up paint and make it look nice,.. Then catch the bugger in the act.

 

Unfortunately my apartment faces away from the parking lot (we're in the back)... otherwise I would have already had my webcam centered on it. I like the ideas of the touch-up paint and using a camera.. it only sounds like I'd have to be in the van to get em'

 

I use to work for a security company were I live until a car wreck at work has made me partiality disabled. I had designed and install all types of video security and alarm systems. One customer was having problems same as yours. I put in a pinhole camera in his truck and wired it up to his fuse box so that it was always on. Then put in a wireless system to transport the video up to his room. The reciever was set outside his window and then connected to his TV set. There are more details, however, the system worked great. He caught the guy and he was charged. Then the owner through the court proceedings got him to pay for the repair and cost of the video system.

You can contact a local Security company and they can set this up for you so that it only records on motion when in the distance of the reciever. You can still drive your van where ever you want to go and when out of distance, the recording system will turn off. When back in distance, it will record until motion is not detected.

Cost should run about $275.00 rental per 30 days with a charge of $120.00 for install and take down. If you add more than one camera. the charge should increase about $75.00 per added camera. At least that is what we charged.

Check and see which security company your bank uses for their video systems or which the hospitals use. Also start looking at the window stickers in local stores. This will help you weed out the truck slammers that don't really have a clus as to what they are doing.

If you find one and have any questions about what they are doing, you can E-mail me and ask. I have been designing and installing system's for over eight years. But the company that I worked for requires a person to be able to use their arms. What a stupid rule.

Tom

 

Tom,
Many thanks for the info! I was unaware that you could rent a system. Paying $275 or thereabouts to rent such a system sounds like a good way to go to capture the person doing the damage.

I have an update on my van. I had a 'meeting' with a very agressive driver last night. I was merging into a lane at a light where I had plenty of space. The driver of the other vehicle behind me in the other lane notices this and puts his petal to the floor and tries to force me back into the other lane. I see that he's not going to let me in and I back off, although by now I have no place to go with parked cars quickly coming up. I figure it's better to hit him than to hit a parked car.. so we sideswiped. Looks like the keying is now the least of my damages. Jerk.

Since the cops didn't see the accident, they couldn't lock him up.. grr. Luckily my wife and I were ok.