BE WELL AWARE!

[DVBRO]

As the influx of visitors is about to begin and the economy is so poor, please beware of oportunists who will steal anything at a drop of a hat. We recently were robbed in our Villa by such an Oik. I was out out, at the time and this person, came in to the Villa, via an unlocked patio door, whilst my wife was in the shower, calmly went upstairs, went in to the Bedroom and stole her Passport, wallet and Jewellry from her handbag, without her seeing a thing. This is the fith recent such robbery we have heard about and appears to be of the same type. If these people see a door or window open, they will be in. I know it is difficult to keep everything locked up, but please don't think that this area is immune from such instances. I think that theft here is far more prolific than from where we all originate from. You have been warned!!!

[EMM]

Would you leave doors and windows open in the UK, I doubt it so why do it in CVO you are only inviting the opportunist thief who frequent holiday areas Knowing that we all become a bit too casual and relaxed when on holiday
The type of theft reported is also all too common in the UK once the weather warms up and we make it easy for the thief.

[widge]

Knowing that we all become a bit too casual and relaxed when on holiday

Surely that's the point of being on holiday. I get your point EMM but if you can't leave a door unlocked when you're in your own house it's not very relaxing!

A shame they can't make an example of one or two of them - maybe string them up on lamposts in the new square!!

[SJ & RE]

I will find it difficult to lock up , keep windows locked etc, as where we are nothing is locked. The house is not locked at night, as the door is wide open, as it is during the day, for the dog to go out for a wee etc. However, where we have locks on the garage, farm buildings etc, all fully locked and barred, those were and have been broken into twice, once where they stole the grass cutter whizzy thingy and garden machinery and more recently the quad bike, sheep crook and spraying equipment and locked back box with all the farm implements. Darn dog neither time barked or anything. However if a car goes along the road 500 yds away she barks like crazy.
So I am unsure if locking makes a difference, location may though change issues.
When we move back to Lyme, I shall have to be more prudent on safety, I know.
But, have the thefts in CVO area, predominantly on places like VDM, Monte CVO and other complexes. If they are, is there not another issue in play here. These places have a lot of staff, be it gardeners, cleaners etc, perhaps by looking closer to home in regards these people working on site, or believed to be workers on site, maybe it is more likely to be one of them. Opportunist maybe, but to be so easy at the thefts seem more to be staff wise.
However if it is not on one of these complexes where many of the thefts are taking place, and no staff in the area are utilized, then look at other ideas and options on who could have such direct access.
Dog walkers could be a real idea of keeping an eye on things as they are more likely to see things maybe not right in an area.

[HampshireRich]

I've only been informed of one break-in at Monte Carvoeiro, though I expect there has been more.

I would be amazed if there was staff involvement - the only ones with regular access are the maids and I trust them without hesitation. Same with the gardeners or waiters or anyone else there.

From what I've heard or read on this forum, it appears to be a well-organised "opportunist" ring ( if that's not a contradiction) - ie people - and not necessary local - who tour around looking for the "open door". They blend in, probably do not visit too often to be recognised and take no chances. Even the ones that get surprised seem to just smile and walk away - that suggests to me they do this regularly.

I suppose the best thing is, if you are out, lock up and always place your valuables in a safe - and if you haven't got one, hide them away.

[e-richard]

Annoyingly, I heard recently that the GNR actually know who these individuals/gangs are, but unless they can be caught in the act, the GNR seem powerless to do anything.

[jonboy]

E Richard -Exactly see my post on the Property under ADM topic on thefts. That particular gang or family live near QDP using a red van. They are gypsies and the fact is GNR are scared of them so law abiding hardworking folk suffer.

[DVBRO]

I was only trying EMM to make you all aware that things are not great here. I do not believe that everything is bolted and barred when you are having a shower!! I agree with the other posts and trust the locals and the cleaners etc. explicitly. I was only trying to advise you to be more cautious when on vacation. Yep we do have a Dog and she likes going in and out of the house, hence why the door was open, slightly. This unfortunately has been severely curtailed.

[SJ & RE]

That puts a totally different slant on matters if that is the case of the gypsies, and red vehicle. Where I mentioned close to home and referenced staff, I also meant as said those pertaining to be staff. Its easy to get a uniform or look like staff, if a lot of the thefts happened to be on complexes as they are easy targets. So its just as easy if it was a gypsy to get a uniform and blend in. Easy for them to leave without being noticed by all and sundry.
Another way to deal with it, which is unsavoury and unsatisfactory is, if known the criminals and whereabouts , take life in dangerously and pay for burly seamen or similiar to deal with the situation. If the GNR take a blind eye to these persons committing the crime, they will turn a blind eye in their removal.

[tricky]

We are more relaxed on holiday, because of course all holiday destinations are 'safe'
Rubbish!, we should act the same as we do in the UK, lock up and don't walk around town late at night on your own,
would you do that in England?

[starvedofsun]

As the influx of visitors is about to begin and the economy is so poor, please beware of oportunists who will steal anything at a drop of a hat. We recently were robbed in our Villa by such an Oik. I was out out, at the time and this person, came in to the Villa, via an unlocked patio door, whilst my wife was in the shower, calmly went upstairs, went in to the Bedroom and stole her Passport, wallet and Jewellry from her handbag, without her seeing a thing. This is the fith recent such robbery we have heard about and appears to be of the same type. If these people see a door or window open, they will be in. I know it is difficult to keep everything locked up, but please don't think that this area is immune from such instances. I think that theft here is far more prolific than from where we all originate from. You have been warned!!!

As the alleged thief went unnoticed by your wife how can you be sure it was theft?

[bruce]

As the influx of visitors is about to begin and the economy is so poor, please beware of oportunists who will steal anything at a drop of a hat. We recently were robbed in our Villa by such an Oik. I was out out, at the time and this person, came in to the Villa, via an unlocked patio door, whilst my wife was in the shower, calmly went upstairs, went in to the Bedroom and stole her Passport, wallet and Jewellry from her handbag, without her seeing a thing. This is the fith recent such robbery we have heard about and appears to be of the same type. If these people see a door or window open, they will be in. I know it is difficult to keep everything locked up, but please don't think that this area is immune from such instances. I think that theft here is far more prolific than from where we all originate from. You have been warned!!!

As the alleged thief went unnoticed by your wife how can you be sure it was theft?

So are you saying his wife made the story up and flogged the stuff?

[floyd]

It's all a matter of routine. We live on the edge of the village and consider ourselves to be vulnerable. Therefore through habit when I go to work I lock the door behind me as the wife is still in bed. When she goes up for a bath in the afternoon she locks the house. Once you get into this sort of routine it's no hardship, you just don't think about it. Like SBJ we got done over by the diddies. They cut through 2 barbed wire fences, a hedge and a post and rail fence and stole all the garden equipment including a big ride on mower which they pushed up hill through 3 fields. But they will need a JCB now as everything is stored in the workshop where the entrance door has two 5 lever morticed dead locks top and bottom, bars on the window with toughened glass.

Ever since the invention of the battery powered angle grinder you cannot rely on a padlock

[SJ & RE]

What about having a couple of evening meetings set up in a pub or somehere, scattered around the area , well press coveraged,media etc posters, notes sent to complexes etc and on this site for dates times locations and have an English speaking GNR representative and councillors, and companies that can give advice on security to owners, holiday makers and complex operators etc.
I have held many an event on home security for the community (ies) in which I live or have lived and all are well represented at any meetings I hold.
I know this is a very different prospect for CVO, but I am sure if someone with a bit of savvy sets it up and covers as many angles as possible, it will get the message out to people. Use the Resident paper as well to get the message out and contact all social groups etc.
It is a viable proposition for someone to organise if they have the foresight, vision and time.
Lets face it many of those living in bliss in CVO, could surely spend some time and brain power to help this venture and have some community spirit.It only takes one person to get things going and then you can get more on board. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

[bruce]

Very well said BSJ have you got your 'thinking cap' on today?