Burgled again - the straw that broke the Camel's back

[ANDY]

Like other members, so sorry to read about your situation.
I think you should send a letter to the British embassey /consulate explaining your intentions and that other may feel the same, also a copy of this Topic, maybe they will speak to the powers that be to step up security.

[cereza]

So sorry about this and I can fully understand your feelings. What's the point of living under a constant threat no matter where it is. It makes you realise why some Portuguese have dogs which bark all the time.
Good luck in whatever you decide.

[sam]

I am so sorry to hear about the break in and theft. I would echo all the above. This is a horrible experience, and I am sorry for your distress. Use these next few week of visitors to let things settle and see if you still want to move after that, you may well feel differently once the shock & anger dies down. We should not have to keep our doors locked night & day, but unfortunately we do, even in the UK. Good luck with what ever you decide.

[steve]

When I was burgled while asleep in the house I felt a huge sense of outrage and anger. I kept a loaded gun next to my bed and applied to the PJ in Portimao for a pistol permit. I would have cheerfully shot anyone I found burgling my property. However the anger does subside and a year on I continue to live happily in the house.The stolen stuff was replaced through insurance. I have beefed up security to eradicate the weakness the thieves exploited and I would not go upstairs without locking downstairs doors but I did the same in the UK living in an isolated hamlet. The alarm covering downstairs goes on now every night when I go to bed.

You have posted many times in the past advocating a considered and thorough approach to problems and you really need to bring the same approach to your current situation rather than invoke a knee jerk reaction. If you live in a tourist area in any country opportunist crime is an everyday feature of life and you need to weigh up the benefits of living here against the disadvantages of the measures you have to take to reduce the risk of crime affecting you. Unfortunately for many people the fear of crime assumes an enormity far greater than the likehood of suffering it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Michael Crane]

This is such a shame, after all you've gone through to move out there.

As a holidaymaker I am aware of the dangers and it can be a bit wearing - but it's just for a couple of weeks. I don't think I could take it fulltime.

When you leave to come back, have a safe journey and try to take back the happier memories not the ones brought on by scumbags.

[joeysoap]

Shanagarry (obviously from Cork ) sorry to hear of your burglary. your anger probably compounded by the fact that you were at home and in the shower when these scumbags broke in. We were broken into once here in Ireland and the Gardai said we were lucky!!! (they only broke in and stole and and did not p**s or s**t around the house as is apparenty common. I too would urge a week or two of reflecting and maybe then making a decision.

seperately for what its worth, there is a roof terrace on our appartment and quite often we go up there to relax, read books etc without locking the gate on the external staircase but on two seperate occasions my wife was approached by a person on the steps asking for a donation for a drink rehab unit in Lagoa. We have no doubt that the person was genuine (he had ID) but after the 2nd visit we always lock the gate now before going up to the terrace, access was just too easy, especially when you are off guard.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[widge]

When I was burgled while asleep in the house I felt a huge sense of outrage and anger. I kept a loaded gun next to my bed and applied to the PJ in Portimao for a pistol permit. I would have cheerfully shot anyone I found burgling my property. However the anger does subside and a year on I continue to live happily in the house.The stolen stuff was replaced through insurance. I have beefed up security to eradicate the weakness the thieves exploited and I would not go upstairs without locking downstairs doors but I did the same in the UK living in an isolated hamlet. The alarm covering downstairs goes on now every night when I go to bed.

You have posted many times in the past advocating a considered and thorough approach to problems and you really need to bring the same approach to your current situation rather than invoke a knee jerk reaction. If you live in a tourist area in any country opportunist crime is an everyday feature of life and you need to weigh up the benefits of living here against the disadvantages of the measures you have to take to reduce the risk of crime affecting you. Unfortunately for many people the fear of crime assumes an enormity far greater than the likehood of suffering it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Apart from the bit about owning a gun & shooting people these are wise words Shanagarry and worthy of lengthy consideration!

[shanagarry]

Martin

I would have subscribed to the 'opportunist' theory had it not been for the other stuff they left alone, the speed at which they got to the room with the equipment,the absence of any damage and the knife found had been in the cutlery drawer in the kitchen as well as unlocking another door to give themselves an alternative should they be disturbed. That is not the mindset of an opportunist thief.

I have been racking my brain to try and piece together the tradesmen we have had here in recent months who would have seen the layout of our home-office. I have some ideas - but proving it is the challenge.

[shanagarry]

I think you should send a letter to the British embassey /consulate explaining your intentions and that other may feel the same, also a copy of this Topic, maybe they will speak to the powers that be to step up security.

On this occasion the fault is mine - nobody else. When I rang my wife to tell her - she was astonished as she knows I never leave the property without doing a complete security check. I had read of burglaries taking place while the occupants were in the property but imagined it could never happen to me. The GNR came as quick as they could but the burglars were in and out so quick there was nothing for the GNR to pick over - apart from the knife.

A salutary lesson with an insurance claim for approx £2,500

[traveler]

So sorry to hear this. Did they catch the previous burglers? Could it be the same culprits?

[shanagarry]

Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse - I went to look for my diary and wallet tonight - gone. Does anyone know what they have in their wallet - in detail?

Panic - trying to speak to Barclays Stolen Credit Card division to get my credit and debit cards stopped is a heart-stopping experience. Nobody speaks clear English and after being handed around to 7 different people - 4 hours later I managed to get 5 cards stopped. Because I 'failed' to give comprehensive answers to the security questions - they claim they cannot send me new cards in the post - I have to go to a branch in the UK. That's tomorrow's chore.

My Totta experience wasn't much easier - but I was helped by the GNR Officer who was courteous and attentive and helped me through that bureaucratic process. In addition he was much more thorough than the guys last night and has asked me to speak to him after I have spoken to the bank in the morning. I need to find out if the Totta card has been used and where - after which they will check any CCTV in and around the point of usage.

I have to get a replacement Driving Licence - but that 'appears' to be reasonably straightforward. I just hope I don't have to go to the UK next week and need a hire car.

Watch this space

[Gary/Gaynor]

Dear Shanagarry

Sorry to hear about your burglary. I have a service with my Dutch bank whereby I register all my bank cards passport numbers etc with them and if my wallet happens to get lost or stolen (it did happen on a drunken night in a Munich beer hall ) I just phone them and they basically do all the donkey work. Costs a little but I think its worth while. Chin up old bean

Gary

[tricky]

What an awful thing to happen to you. my best wishes

[Lesley Jean]

So sorry to hear all this you must be devastated and I can understand your anger. I do hope you can sort all this out without too much more stress.

[Michael Crane]

For future reference and peace of mind.