First off, just wanted to say how useful this site has been - I registerd the other week but had been a browser since we decided to book a Villa in Carvoeiro - got loads of tips and advice - and booked the car hire.

So, the thread title ... well, a group of us stayed in a Villa in Carvoeiro in 1997 and had the unfortunate experience to have the Villa robbed whilst we were out - place we ate at the following night seemed to blame the taxi drivers - we'd got the taxis to pick us up at the Villa and take us to Albufeira for the evening. The restaurant owner said that was a big mistake as it would be known that we would be away for a while. They took quite a lot of things and had a good sort through everyones stuff. No sign of breakin.

Anyway, 4 of us that were there in 97 have just returned on Sunday from a stay in another Villa with our children (9, 7, 6 and 2 yr old) , this time up in the Sesmarias area and would you believe it, we were robbed again ! This time we were all in the Villa asleep and I was woken by the bedroom door opening and a torch being shone in. Took me a while to think whether it was one of the people I was staying with but on checking, no one else was up - few minutes looking around and eventually found that both my friends and my wallets had been emptied of cash. Got the police up who were really good but again, no sign of break in. All the shutters were down, doors locked, windows locked. The Police assumed the person had a key ! We didn't lose that much cash - about 300 euros but as you can imagine, it put us on edge for the next three evenings and I don't think the adults had much sleep. Luckily the kids slept through it (one woke up to see the police but we made some story about it being security just making sure things were ok)

Other than this incident, we had a great time, weather was perfect, went to loads of places and, speaking for myself, I'd come back tomorrow ... might take some convincing to get the other half to do the same, at least for a while.

Easy solution for key 'break-ins' when you're in the valla: Fix bolts on all external doors. That way, keys won't allow access unless the bolt is forced - and that would make quite a noise. On occasions when I have been in accommodation without bolted doors I have used chairs and pans that fall over and cause a clatter. At least I am then alerted and, armed with my usual stout piece of wood that is always by the bedside, I am ready to confront anyone in protecting my family and my goods.

At least it hasn't put you off coming back - and that's the main thing. Don't let the barstewards win.

I might add - Do not rely upon chains. They are usually poorly fixed with small screws and can be easily forced, else cut with bolt cutters.

awful. and to happen twice.

probably numerous ways to get your hands on a key, through a cleaner/caretaker who may not be employed any longer by the owner. previous renter getting a key cut, handyman in doing odd jobs, or just someone who knows their locks etc. food for thought though. maybe all owners who rent should have a safe bolted to a wall in a bedroom with a variable locking combination.

Glad you didn't let it spoil you holiday.

The safe bolted to the wall not a good idea! did you read a recent post where it was forced off the wall. They get all your stuff in one go then!!
Good warning to people to use the alarm if its fitted in your accommodation as that'll alert you to intruders when you are in the villa and if its attached to a firm outside you should get help from them too.

Villa had a safe and we had the passports and cash in there - just the cash in the wallets that we didn't lock up. We thought things were quite secure - electric shutters, electric drive gates ... bolts on the external doors would have been a useful addition for when you're asleep in the Villa.

Locking and leaving the keys in your front and kitchen doors stops anyone with a key from getting in from the outside.
As we have found out to our own cost.
Agree bolts are also a good idea.

Also ckeck that your patio doors are locked, you will be surprised how many times we find that guests have just closed them, not locked them.

Simple things but can make a difference as thieves want to be in and out as quickly and quietly as possible.

Locks only keep honest people out. If they want to get in they will find a way, make it difficult for them, or as Michael said, NOISY !!

Wireless (battery-operated) alarm systems can be purchased for under £100 and can provide security via infra-red sensors and contact-sensors (on doors and windows). It doesn't have to be sophisticated to be a deterrent, and at night when you're asleep, its siren would wake the dead if anyone set it off.

Steady on Michael, you'll have Safety Joe giving out more than enough advice on the results of badly installed electrical devices and public safety.

pete-flint wrote:Steady on Michael, you'll have Safety Joe giving out more than enough advice on the results of badly installed electrical devices and public safety.

It's OK, it uses batteries.

It's OK, it uses batteries. [/quote]

I know a few jokes along that line.

I am the Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator for my street, and as such I get regular (daily, in fact!) emails from the police telling me about crime in my Ward. I got this just a moment ago:

At some point between Saturday the twenty third and Monday the twenty fifth of July, some security lights were stolen from a property on XXXXXXXX Road.

Michael Crane wrote:I am the Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator for my street, and as such I get regular (daily, in fact!) emails from the police telling me about crime in my Ward. I got this just a moment ago:

At some point between Saturday the twenty third and Monday the twenty fifth of July, some security lights were stolen from a property on XXXXXXXX Road.

Unfortunately - that probably means they will be back and try to break in before replacements can be fitted - expect another email.

Re: Chamelion

Unread postby EMM » Wed Jul 27, 2011 5:42 pm
Thank You Jaylay,
We have never seen a hedgehog, to be honest did not even know they were in the Algarve.
Our neigbour had a terrapin in their pool.
We do not mind the cat so long as he stays out of the house and keeps any vermin away.

EMM


Security problem sorted.