Villa theft

[shanagarry]

I suspect the burglars target properties that leave those 'old' windows unprotected - they are so easy to break.

I got the builder to source ours - having first got prices from all the usual 'suspects', including a UK company who had done some work for us there - we saved €4,180 by getting the builder to buy the ones we preferred

[pickwick]

Hi All

Macassa suggests leaving a key in the lock on the inside. DO NOT DO IT, THIS IS NOT A GOOD IDEA. In many situations a burglar can simply push a double sheet of newspaper under the door then push the key out of the lock onto the paper with a sturdy wire then pull out the paper and key from under the door and hey presto he has a key to your house!!!!!!

This cannot be done in all cases (no gap under door etc) but in many situations it works perfectly well.

Pickwick

[maccasa]

Hi pickwick - which is it easier to do if you have a key to a door - open it when there is no key in or when there is another in the lock? - especially if the inner key has been turned around to partially lock it.

[EMM]

If you do leave a key in the lock on the inside attach it to a large key ring that is TOO big to slide under the door.

Modern doors have draught seals that virtually eliminate the gap anyway.

[HampshireRich]

Of course if these types want to get in then they will find a way. However, is there any eveidence that the installation of a good double glazing system with modern locks will help deter the smash and grab / opportunistic mob? Has anyone had decent DG installed and still been hit?

Thinking of replacing the the 20 year plus single thinly glazed units with DG.. any views or suggestions ?

JB

One tip when selecting double-glazing is ensure the beading is inside the window - where the seals or beading are external they can be removed and then the window just falls out!

[pickwick]

Hi

Why bother to leave the key in?? Just fit bolts and avoid the risk of the key being used to get in or turned in the lock to open the door??

Pickwick

[martin.cork]

At last a bit of common sense.
From past experience I would strongly recommend an alarm system.

[Goatee]

Wishing I hadn't read this now. The villa we're going to is in Monte Servo but it's only about 4/5 yrs old so it has electric shutters on all windows except one (fire regs I believe) and an alarm. I suppose vigilance is keyword. The electric gates also give a sense of security too as no one can just wander in off the street.

In the previous 3 visits I've only ever seen one bit of bother in the village which "Big Will" sorted out tout suite. I'd say the feeling of a trouble free town is what makes CVO so special.

[jonboy]

Vigilance is key when leaving your property and also during the daytime too – I gather these people do the rounds to identify target properties before returning later on. They clearly focus on occupied properties in the hope there is cash, jewellery and other saleable items on show, so you should avoid leaving washing on lines and anything that gives them a clear indication of occupation.

JB

[shanagarry]

Goatee

There is every chance you will not encounter anything unpleasant. In 25 years as a property tourist we only encountered one incident and that was our fault as we did not close the shutters on one window when we went into town and left stuff on 'show'. That was 17 years ago and having learned the lesson - never made the same mistake again.

When I rented my property I would stress the need for vigilance in the handbook and as a 'bit-of'fun' (with serious undertones) would urge clients to appoint a Security Officer (for reward) for 2-3 days to ensure all precautions were taken to avoid any chance of exposure. There would be spot-checks by the party leader each night and the 'winner' would be the person with a 'clean' record at the end of their 'tour of duty'. The reward would be something like a bottle of Champagne or something appropriate for a younger person. In the 9 years we rented, we never had an incident.

Security is no joke and proactive vigilance is the key

[Goatee]

Goatee

There is every chance you will not encounter anything unpleasant. In 25 years as a property tourist we only encountered one incident and that was our fault as we did not close the shutters on one window when we went into town and left stuff on 'show'. That was 17 years ago and having learned the lesson - never made the same mistake again.

When I rented my property I would stress the need for vigilance in the handbook and as a 'bit-of'fun' (with serious undertones) would urge clients to appoint a Security Officer (for reward) for 2-3 days to ensure all precautions were taken to avoid any chance of exposure. There would be spot-checks by the party leader each night and the 'winner' would be the person with a 'clean' record at the end of their 'tour of duty'. The reward would be something like a bottle of Champagne or something appropriate for a younger person. In the 9 years we rented, we never had an incident.

Security is no joke and proactive vigilance is the key

Yer right S,

TBH we tend to over do the vigilance just because the owner is a close friend. I've never even heard of this kind of theft out there so I was surprised to see this thread. I'm forever up on the roof terrace checking out who's passing anyway as I'm too restless (and nosey!!) to sit and bake in the sun for too long. As my partner would say "Is that you away for a neb again?" hahahaha!

[jonboy]

Hope your trip was an enjoyable and hassle free one Goatee. I heard this week that 2 properties were broken into on Monte Servo and if what I hear is correct both for the second time and both with good alarm systems and security. I know the GNR have too few people to deal with the ever increasing number of breakins ( they do draft in extra resources during the summer ) but more and more local people are expresssing fears of being broken into and personal injury. GNR simply have to find more resource and more importantly the punishment given to the few they do catch beefed up to deter them. I have not heard of any recent success stories where they have nicked these teams and brought about a prosecution ?



JB

[sandancer]

We're due in CVO on 13th June for our 1st time on the recommendation of friends and most of the things I've read have confirmed just why they like it so much. I've also found this site very informative about accommodation, motorway tolls, bars and restaurants etc. I know this is an old topic but we've booked a villa in Monte Servo and I wondered whether things had calmed down since the last posting. As it was 2010 Im hoping that's a good indicator.

[Michael Crane]

. . . and I wondered whether things had calmed down since the last posting. As it was 2010 Im hoping that's a good indicator.

Assume not, That way you'll be better protected. Just be sensible and remember my first comment about bolts. Anyone breaking in at night will not be bashing the doors or windows in, risking waking you.

[Drury75]

Hi, just wanted to let you know that we've just returned from a week in Carvoeiro staying in Villa Eira which was the first villa mentioned in this thread back in 2010. I was very worried and did sleep with one eye open on the first night but........we could not fault the area and I did relax and felt very safe, yes it's quiet and not a residential area but our villa had gates, security lights, window shutters and alarms so it would of been very noisy to break in ! I always made sure the doors and windows were locked at night and the alarm was always on if we went out. It really is a wonderful place and we can't wait to return. Enjoy your holiday