Just returned from a lovely weekly in Carvoeiro, only spoilt by a burglary on the second night. Our villa was entered in the middle of the night whilst we slept, presumably by someone with a key as all doors and windows were securely locked. The villa next door was also burgled on the same night, ironically both villas were owned by the same person. Only cash was taken thankfully.

Please be very careful ensuring your doors and windows are secure. Not sure if I can name the villa where I stayed to warn any new holidaymakers.

How horrible for you. However, if they had keys, then no matter how much you checked your doors and windows were locked, it won't make any difference. Personally, I would like to know where this place is - as it sounds like there may be problems in the future and at least people staying there can either leave out a few bits they don't mind being stolen or take the risk of hiding everything, and hope that they don't get woken up to be "asked" where their valuables are ... glad you are OK and hope it did not ruin your holiday

The villa in question was Villa Eira.

There have been a few breakins up on that Monte Servo area of late. GNR are now patrolling the area at night more frequently but not sure this is will do much good.


JB

Sorry about your nasty experience. Having been through robberies myself you have my sympathy, hope it did not spoil your holiday too much

Perhaps a bolt on the door(s) would keep them out.

I agree with Michael. Independent bolts on the front and back doors will stop those with keys.

Where is Monte Servo?

Thank you for all your responses and kind words.

Monte Servo is up the hill beyond the market and then turn left at the T junction . Alternativley, it can be accessed via the cobbled hill rising up from O Raphael Rest. Used to be a handful of villas but now 20 plus villas. There have been more than a few breakins up there over the past year but as I say there are now regular GNR patrols at night and owners / managers / maids are now much more vigilant of strangers in this very small estate during daytime. It appears these types stake out the properties during daylight returning later. Lots of CCTV installations in and around the villas too.

JB

I'd be concerned about them possessing keys, where do they get them?
Keypads are one answer to the problem, the tennant can key their own code in on arrival. I'm not happy about the standards of alarm companies in Cvo and the general area, they seem a little behind in the technology stakes, zoning seems a problem and it shouldnt be, I'd like to get it in my place so I'll look into it when I get over next, I'd like to activate areas in the house when we're in the pool, drastic I know, but in my opinion a necessity.

I agree with you Pato, drastic but it is unfortunately necessary.Zoning works well for us but it took the alarm company a little while to grasp what we wanted and implement it.

JB

I will be in town in two weeks to hold a beauty parade of Security Companies for our new property and would appreciate recommendations or warnings from others please.

At present we are with Charon (previously Prosecom) - who went through a phase of 'phantom' call-outs with the attendant invoices. I suspect that was a precursor to the sale process to inflate revenues. They know my views on this and have assured me it will not happen in the 'new' company.

Watch this space

AVO wrote:I agree with Michael. Independent bolts on the front and back doors will stop those with keys.

Mmm, but not when you're out at the beach!

Must admit, I would be more concerned at someone breaking in whilst I am in the house than when I am at the beach. Presumably a safe would assist in keeping valuables safe. Re being in the house when they broke in, quite a lot of doors will not open if there is a key on the inside - would leaving the key in the lock have prevented the breakin? Or is this only the case with very odl fashioned locks?