Home Security - recent burglaries in Karsiyaka

andyandsand


Joined: 14/04/2008
Posts: 22

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 00:48

Reading some blogs and quite disturbed that burglaries are becoming a regular thing - a few have happened in the Karsiyaka region where my villa is - does anyone know of a company/persons who supply and fit plastic coated metal gates/grills - these are very popular in Spain but I have not noticed any over in TRNC yet (but then again I have not really looked because I didn't think I would need them!) - I am looking at patio door locks as an alternative but am quite nervous about fitting these incase the glass shatters ( not confident that a 24hour board up service would be in operation locally!) Can anyone help I am sure we are all thinking the same thing?

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 01:03

I am not thinking the same thing andyandsand.



There has been a few "incidents" but does it warrant boarding up and full on security ?

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 01:11

Turtle - depends if you are living there or renting to tenants. We decided when we were still in UK that security of our tenants was paramount.

Oddly enough, we didn't have a breakin until we were living there!

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 02:17

Turtle,



I am happy for you that you are feeling confident about the 'few incidents' and hope that it won't happen 'to you' Inshallah. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. just don't be too complacent.

We have had 2 break-ins last year and 4 more in the area, the last one where they ripped the safe from the wall.



It certainly does warrent full on security AND boarding up.

canyavuz


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 363

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 02:48

andyandsand,



Additional locks would help to slow the process of the theives getting into your property, but if they eventuallly do gain entry, how will you know who it was?



As you have propably guessed, my advicee is Cctv. I have a wireless cctv system on my property. That way, in the unlikely event of a burgalry, it will all be recorded onto a massive 500GB recording box, and passed onto the police, who are very good with catching thieves believe it or not. Whereas a lock could nnot give you video proof......makes sense doesn't it?



You can buy a recording box for about £200, and a good camera for about £80 (wireless).



This island is very small. Almost every theif gets caught. The poolman which i used to use used to rob the homes of the pools that he used to maintain.

But because so many people knew him, he got caught, and locked up.

Teresa


Joined: 21/11/2007
Posts: 1018

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 07:17

It is a very sad world when people have to resort to stealing from a mosque and yesterday the collection box was stolen from Karsiyaka mosque.

skybluesam


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 447

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 07:49

Andy, give me a call and I will put you in touch with a lad that fits patio and window locks, really effective and cheap!

Nick 0533 8622815

lambousa-sec


Joined: 01/04/2009
Posts: 19

Message Posted:
04/04/2009 08:03

We are a new company with over 20 years experience in the security industry, we install wirefree intruder systems which use the GSM network to signal upto 8 mobile phones of a break in. We also provide other security services.

We have a display at the lambousa saturday market or contact by either phone or email.



0533 845 4809



Lambousa-security@hotmail.com



Hope this is of help to you.

beejay


Joined: 21/03/2008
Posts: 68

Message Posted:
05/04/2009 11:07

canyavuz,

We have just had our pool pump stolen.

and now look to make our property more secure.

How good is the wireless Cctv system you advise and where can you

get this from? We live in the Karsiyaka area.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
05/04/2009 11:30

I would suggest that an alarm which could deter burglars would be the way to go. Videoing them might well identify them (or it might not) but it wouldn't necessarily get your possessions returned to you. Insurance can compensate but sentimental items might never be seen again. I'd rather they didn't burgle my house in the first place.

canyavuz


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 363

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 02:03

msg 9, beejay,

sorry to here about that. I bought the equiptment from the UK (dont know of anybody in Girne offering such a service).

I bought a very good quality wireless camera (not cheap chinese stuff), with an extremely good night vision feature (no light needed, and can view things from more than 20 meters away). I bought the camera (1 camera) for £89.99, from MAPLINS.

A little expensive, but worth it.

The DVR (the recorder box) with the 500GB hard drive cost me £190. This box can record up to 4 cameras at once, and has sensor motion trigger. This box can alsso be connected to the internet, so you can view your property online, from anywhere worldwide.

All together, cost me £280. A little expensive, but is worth it. Peace of mind and all that!

Unfortunately, it was not from the TRNC, and the idea of bringing everything over from the UK may have put you off!



Or maybe try a dummy camera? £20 can buy you a very good looking dummy camera......good repellent for thieves.

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 08:16

we also have cctv and brought ours in the uk also.

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 08:34

My standard advice is: -

Alarm Box (Real or Dummy)

PIR Security lights (considerately angled re. neighbours windows!)

- and I have to say that there's nothing wrong with the idea of a camera - Real or Dummy

Extra Patio Window locks might slow them down, although they won't STOP them, they'll just cause more damage on the way in.

And the Ultimate Deterrent? A bloody big outside DOG, with a really good BARK - ideally belonging to your next door neighbour, so you don't even have to feed the brute!

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 09:20

anyone interested in a dalamation?

i agree with keith a big dog is the best deterrant.

canyavuz


Joined: 22/02/2009
Posts: 363

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 11:48

firestarter,



a very random input into the discussion, and made me laugh too!



And yes, a dog may bee the best deterrant. Just make sure it aint a frieendly trncc street dog.........

A rotwieller, something loud..../

Thinker


Joined: 11/11/2008
Posts: 169

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 12:58

I am in total agreement with the BIG BARKING DOG!! They drive us mad at night but would deter any burglar attempting to access your (their) territory.



A friend was burgled in Karsiyaka last week, very sad. Accessed the villa via the patio doors, which although they were locked, are apparently easily lifted off the hinge and opened. You can contact your builder to put in "stops" at the top of the patio doors to prevent this from happening. Why these are not fitted in the first place, I have no idea....

louthlass


Joined: 09/11/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 13:06

Dog warnings on the gates, large dog biscuit sacks by the bin, and large dog turds by the gate!!!

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
06/04/2009 19:47

Terry,

Talk about 'scene setting'!

Did you ever think of a career in interior design?

On second thoughts, perhaps not...

Keith.