Villa Manager

widge · Post by **widge** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 12:48 pm

Dear Guest,

Is it really possible to install such a camera for £400 ? Do you know anybody who has done this and what their experience of using such a security measure has been like? It sounds ideal, being able to track when the gardener, pool man, maid etc. call.

shanagarry · Post by **shanagarry** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 2:48 pm

As I recall this topic was raised because some people were concerned that their villa management arrangements fell short of their expectations? In short their properties were being rented without their approval and knowledge - a genuine concern.

We have now moved into a totally different area - checking up on the people you have to trust - the maid, the gardener etc - the very people you depend on the ensure the fabric of your investment is maintained and secure.

If the villa management company are suspect and now the maid, the gardener and the pool man are - sell up - the paranoia will kill you. If you then exacerbate the stress by installing a camera and keep watch all day every day from this distance - what will happen when a face you don't recognise appears on the screen?

Please let me know....................................

BobT · Post by **BobT** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 3:41 pm

Perhaps you can unleash the dobermans (remotely by bluetooth of course), or maybe in a Bloefeldt syle, you make a panel in the floor disappear dropping the intruder into a deep channel that is connected to your pool, which when the villa is supposed to be unoccupied, is full of killer sharks.

You could automate the whole process by installing biometrics (iris scanning being the preferred option), and then the unwanted "guests" would be disposed of without having to alert you and spoil your evening.

widge · Post by **widge** » Sun Dec 12, 2004 7:59 pm

Interesting discussion, i concur with Shanagarry if you can't trust your managing agent better pack up altogether, in the meantime does the technology work?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 12:40 am

The Technology works........10 years ago I fitted a similar system in my UK home....Digital caera....with storage...but before blue tooth etc........simple camera with storage...and can access from anywhere in the world....via PC....its all old hat now....where have you guys been...Ireland ???..with Gerry....????.......jesus...still on prontaprint there

peterm · Post by **peterm** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 1:23 am

I posted this on chit-chat.

http://www.vnunet.com/news/1158294
http://www.nokia.com/nokia/0,,63911,00.html does infrared and motion detect, but isn't out yet.

I see no reason why this shouldn't work, it's just combining a mob with camera and a motion detector.

Gambrinus · Post by **Gambrinus** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 9:38 am

GSM-backed motion detectors with cameras, alarms, etc are available in PT (I have a brochure on file if anybody is interested), but I have to agree, that they will probably make you absolutely paraniod going off several times per day (not to mention the associated cost for sending visual information via internet).

On the other hand, it would probably put your villa manager off trying to conduct illegal rentals behind your back...

Gerry Cullen · Post by **Gerry Cullen** » Mon Dec 13, 2004 10:06 am

tell me ....does it really matter if your villa manager makes a few bob on the side that you don,t know about ..as i said to our guys if they have friends or family over and the place is not booked throw them into it but clean up after ..in fairness as long as the place more or less pays for it self and is well maintained i,m happy and i,m not awake all night worrying that the poor aul sharks are not being fed.

Spook · Post by **Spook** » Wed Jan 19, 2005 7:27 pm

Caught mine at it - fire stove had obviously been used since last visit and tell tale controls I had left around the place moved

He was sheepish when confronted

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 2:04 pm

Why dont a group of owners get together and take it in turns to visit the area all checking up on each others property? A mutual trust.

A friend of mine had an apartment in Praia da Luz and twice they turned up unexpectedly to find people in their who shouldnt have been. They just took it off the market all together.

Good luck

Gazza - · Post by **Gazza -** » Thu Jan 20, 2005 4:19 pm

Even if you take it off the rental market you still need a house manager who you can trust. Ours is great and known to many of you Cvo residents. I would be more than happy to recommend her.

Villa Manager

Confused

Villa Manager

Villa Manager