Just had a hit by Burglers - Security

[Steve.r]

I just took a call from my asawa, our house just had an attempted burglary. :cwm23:

About an hour ago, two men climbed into our lot over the high fence and were skulking around. The dogs started barking and Charie's mum woke up. She went to the door and saw the men, and asked who they were and what they wanted. They said they were looking for the girl who lived there as they wanted to borrow money. She quickly shut the door, locked it and called Charie's Uncle, he only lives a few minutes away so was there quickly but by the time he got there the were gone into the night. This is the second instance I have experienced, last time a guy broke into our other house and took Charie's jewelery :cwm23::cwm23:
Luckily, everyone is ok. I am now scanning the net for security systems.

Bids the question..... for you guys living in Phils what measures have you gone to, to secure your home, or protect yourself and property.

Steve

[stevewool]

bloodly hell steve, thats twice mate , the best thing is you to be there full time other then that a big dog sorry to hear the news mate , just be thankfull they went with nothing

[raynaputi]

can you put spikes over the fences Steve? :Erm: we have that in our house in Laguna and lots of dogs too..we also have chimes/some metals that would cause loud sounds whenever someone would try to open gates and doors..

[Englishman2010]

Sorry to read about this Steve, at least this time nothing was taken and no one was hurt.

Like Steve W says, maybe a man there full time, a few very big dogs and a very large gun might be a good deterent.

[alanmf1]

Sorry to hear this Steve, And glad Charie is okish....

[grahamw48]

Dogs that BITE as well as bark....running loose.

Nothing else required.

Nobody EVER set foot on our property uninvited in 3 years. Even the water and electric meter man were too scared and had to shout for someone to put the dogs away.

I made my own 'dummy' security cams too for a few pesos.

[Steve.r]

Thanks guys,

We have 5 dogs, well an old bitch and her young puppy's so they will grow into our guards. There are spikes on the fence all the way around the lot and glass set into the top of the walls. Trouble is, if they want ot get into the lot, they will. The dog barked so that was good. The main house is very secure, bars on the windows, locked roller shutters on the front windows. I will be there soon to make some more improvements, beef up the door locks, buy security lighting with PIRs, have an alarm fitted. To be honest, there is nothing worth nicking in the yard, but it is just an invasion I dont want to have to worry about, specially if I am not there to protect it.

[raynaputi]

yeah like graham said, put up a dummy security camera..people here now know that security cameras can catch them..if u can't put up a real one, i think dummy cams would be able to scare them already :Erm:

[scott&ligaya]

First, get to know the chief of police or high ranking officer, invite him to lunch dinner, whatever,, makes sure his offifical car is parked in your yard, several times if possible. We are lucky that the Chief in Puerto is from my wifes town in Pangasinan and they went to same high school.. When we had tresspassers one night before the wall railing went up, our caretaker called us at a function we are attending. My wife called the KA AK local militia sort of volunteer police around the bartangay to go round and the Chief of PNP who was the event overheard and sent a jeep full of heavily armed PNP officers to go through our grounds. He then offered to provide shotgun to our caretaker whilst we got our liscence and offered me a spare colt 45 US army officer Automatic to tide us over until we completed our improvements works. :yikes::yikes::yikes:

We now have PIR and two dummy cameras at the gates and PIR at other corners of the building plus r
the wall/railings and barred/or shuttered doors. I hate the bars though and want to get those electric roll down outer shutters one by one as we can afford to bring them in

Since that event back in 2006 we have not had any issues. We also having three barking dogs, but they annoy the hell out of me ... just doing their job barking at anyone who passes by LOL

I think having a good relationship with our local neighbours and the barangay captain always helps as well.

[nigel]

Get some decent locks! I've only done this recently to my properties... should have done it ages ago really..:Erm:.

[anna_010607]

My boyfriend bought me a house in a so called "gated" subdivision with 24 hours security and all... Because im away a lot (for being here in the UK and other travels) my house is always left empty. It's been empty for 5 months since i left in November. My family only goes there in the weekend to check the place and do some dusting. Let's just call it luck for not being broken into in spite it being empty because just a week ago, i had a chat with my neighbour and she said they have been broken into and the burglars took a lot of valuables. The scary thing was, they were in the house - soundly sleeping! how did that happen? who knows...

[grahamw48]

I would add, that my security measures mentioned above were just for the 'yard'.

The house itself was like a fortress, with steel-lined doors, top quality locks from the UK, etc.
I also made up some steel bars to drop across the inside of the back and front doors into fabricated brackets bolted right through the door frames, plus movement detectors.

The lives of my family were worth the effort and we could sleep soundly at night.
(I also had lots of aviaries full of valuable birds).

The worst that happened was when the head of the household occasionally came home drunk and without his door key and had to scale his own battlements. :rolleyes:

[Steve.r]

Thanks for the tips guys, I have already been looking at dummy cameras Graham, I may take a couple over with me. Can they be bought locally in a mall?
The dogs will run loose, but the puppys are only still very small, but the bitch does bark at most people. Charie's uncle used to be brgy captain, he has guns, but the tip on inviting the local police chief over for dinner I think is worth it, keep him sweet .. a beer or two every now and again should certainly help.

I was thinking about making something to fire blank cartridges, to give the effect of firing a gun overhead.. any ideas?:Erm:

[Steve.r]

You have some good ideas Graham, I think I will do similar. The house as such is quite secure. The windows on the sides are very small, and metal framed (small panes of glass) which I dont think anyone could squeeze through. The front of the house has roller shutters that are locked, the gate is locked with a padlock, but like you say, keep your loved ones safe inside, anything outside is replaceable (mostly)
Here are a few pics, you can see the roller shutters, small windows. The green colour was before I we painted it. lol
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg188/Discusboy123/DSC03633-1.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg188/Discusboy123/DSC02753-1.jpg
http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg188/Discusboy123/DSC02754-1.jpg

[scott&ligaya]

the idea of letting the locals know there is a gun on the property was advised to us by one of the police guys, he told our caretaker to make a show of "occasionally patrolling the grounds with his shotgun slung over his shoulder and just letting it off now and again just for effect.

being a good neigbour helps as you immediate neighbours may well recognise strangers in the vicinity

[anna_010607]

Nice place steve but i'm just wondering, did someone stole the grass on your front yard?? hehehe kidding:icon_lol: ... just want to brighten things up, hope i succeeded, if not - sorry!

[Steve.r]

Nice place steve but i'm just wondering, did someone stole the grass on your front yard??!

Yes, each blade of grass stolen :bigcry::omg: We have plans to turn the yard a bit greener soon, I want a pond too :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Steve.r]

the idea of letting the locals know there is a gun on the property was advised to us by one of the police guys, he told our caretaker to make a show of "occasionally patrolling the grounds with his shotgun slung over his shoulder and just letting it off now and again just for effect.

being a good neigbour helps as you immediate neighbours may well recognise strangers in the vicinity

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

The shutters are a good idea, but of course of no use when you're in the house...unless you want to suffocate.

I would recommend that you check how those 'traditional' grills on the windows are attached on the inside. On most I've seen you could knock them through with the heel of your boot. :NoNo:

A door or window/grill is only as strong as its attachment points. That's why I put bolts right through (coach heads on the outside) the frames, or wall if need be, plus hinge bolts. All are obtainable at good hardware stores in the Phils.

Don't forget the roof, as most people do.
Look for weak points there too....couple of tiles removed, or tin sheet lifted and they're in ? :Erm:

These measures may sound extreme, but I'm a big believer in doing a job properly, and the cost is really quite low if you have a few simple tools, but hopefully you can then sleep peacefully and keep out all except those armed with grenades. :icon_lol:

Ps. Personally I have little to do with local cops or officials, as you can finish up owing them 'favours'...and that can be worse than being burgled. :rolleyes:

Don't ever have a firearm on your property either, unless it's owned by and licensed to your wife...if that's a good idea. :Erm:

[Steve.r]

The shutters are a good idea, but of course of no use when you're in the house...unless you want to suffocate.

I would recommend that you check how those 'traditional' grills on the windows are attached on the inside. On most I've seen you could knock them through with the heel of your boot. :NoNo:

A door or window/grill is only as strong as its attachment points. That's why I put bolts right through (coach heads on the outside) the frames, or wall if need be, plus hinge bolts. All are obtainable at good hardware stores in the Phils.

Don't forget the roof, as most people do.
Look for weak points there too....couple of tiles removed, or tin sheet lifted and they're in ? :Erm:

These measures may sound extreme, but I'm a big believer in doing a job properly, and the cost is really quite low if you have a few simple tools, but hopefully you can then sleep peacefully and keep out all except those armed with grenades. :icon_lol:

Ps. Personally I have little to do with local cops or officials, as you can finish up owing them 'favours'...and that can be worse than being burgled. :rolleyes:

Don't ever have a firearm on your property either, unless it's owned by and licensed to your wife...if that's a good idea. :Erm:

My tools are all on their way over as we speak, I think I have some work cut out over my stay :doh

[alanp]

steve go to your local gun shop or country supply store they should sell alarm mines they use a blank 12 bore cartridge, or get a electirc fence unit you can get a mains fed one or a 12 volt one with solar panet to keep it charged I have used them b4 you can hear the pikeys scream for miles around when they touch the wires haha.

[gWaPito]

the idea of letting the locals know there is a gun on the property was advised to us by one of the police guys, he told our caretaker to make a show of "occasionally patrolling the grounds with his shotgun slung over his shoulder and just letting it off now and again just for effect.

being a good neigbour helps as you immediate neighbours may well recognise strangers in the vicinity

I have to agree, its the same where Jane is from. Its a gun in every household if you value your world.

According to her, only houses without firearms get broken into.

If they know there's no man in the house there's an even greater chance of being turned over.

[Sim11UK]

How about some geese????? they can make good guards. :Cuckoo:

[grahamw48]

I know that happens with the locals, but we have to be careful because it is illegal for foreigners to possess firearms, and none of us want to be locked up in a Phils jail or even just give someone an excuse for extortion. :NoNo:

A lot of the guns the locals have are actually home made and are likely to blow up in their faces if used more than once. :yikes:

A BB gun is ok though, and you can get some very realistic-looking pistol types, good enough to stick in yer holster.
Just hope your opponent doesn't have a .357 Magnum. :icon_lol:

(One of which I DID used to own in THIS country when it was legal - for shooting club).

[malditako]

censore spotlight maybe of help around the house and a wire shock at the top of the fence :)

[keithAngel]

Steve the obvious weak spot on your pics is your aircon unit which I guess could be forced back into the house quite easily?

Rehabilitated native dogs are great home security as Filipinos have a morbid fear of rabies:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Steve.r]

I'll beef up the aircon :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Maybe I can feed the dogs some alka seltzer :Rasp:

[Doc Alan]

Steve, this is not something where I can offer advice, but it doesn't stop me sympathising. You have touched on an important topic and already have received good advice :xxgrinning--00xx3:
Whether in UK or Philippines we have all to be aware of security. How many times have I heard from friends in this country where they have had, or know of, a robbery, then tighten up security after the event :doh

[Steve.r]

Yes, we always do things 'post' the event. Charie's house was burgled a while ago and her jewelery taken, but our house is 30 miles away. At least with the advice from everyone I have more ideas on how to avoid this happening again ... or at least to greatly reduce the risk, we can never say 100% as if someone 'wants' to get in, they will find a way.:xxaction-smiley-047

Lets hope this thread helps others too :)

[stevie c]

steve sorry to hear about the attempted burglary there is nothing more i can add to what has already been suggested its good you will be out in the phils very soon so you can make improvements quickly :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[scott&ligaya]

you can get "cages" to fit round your air con units, they do a good job. My wife shoots at the poilce gun club with two of her pals :yikes::yikes::yikes: and as we have small business there she can if she wants get a liscence to carry. To be honest I do not want that and she sees no reason to and I do find it sad that even having a jolibee or visiting the drug store or 7 11 means having the door opened by an armed guard!!! Still it is very poor country and we are fortunate to have a nice property and lifestyle that might need protecting.

[Steve.r]

steve sorry to hear about the attempted burglary there is nothing more i can add to what has already been suggested its good you will be out in the phils very soon so you can make improvements quickly :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Cheers Steve :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Arthur Little]

I just took a call from my asawa, our house just had an attempted burglary. :cwm23:

:omg: ... not a pleasant experience! :nono-1-1: Several years ago, a former girlfriend of mine had her flat in Dundee burgled one Sunday evening when she was at my house. Seems there'd been a spate of break-ins in the area.

In YOUR case, :rolleyes: it's fortunate Charie's mom had the presence of mind to act decisively by calling the uncle living nearby ... and nothing was taken. And, most importantly, no one was hurt physically.

But still ... it's a nasty shock :cwm24: to learn your property - and privacy - has been "violated"! I've just been reading that it has happened before. There's nothing I can add to what has already been mentioned about security measures, Steve. Suffice to say, I know you'll be doing everything in your power to prevent a recurrence. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Steve.r]

Steve. Suffice to say, I know you'll be doing everything in your power to prevent a recurrence. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Absolutely :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[joebloggs]

:angry:

i'm thinking of getting something like this to use in the uk..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WIRELESS-4-SPY-CAMERA-USB-RECEIVER-CCTV-LAPTOP-PC-MINI-/250787140895?pt=UK_CCTV&hash=item3a6414151f

[stevewool]

if you could wait awhile steve i would be prepared to undertake secuirity of your home , would only eat little but would clean the pond and water the new grass daily and emma could clean too, have to wait only a few years mate :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[sparky]

we have just had delivered some wireless network nightvision cameras for my caravan park- they were about £80 each

might give you peace of mind while your away being able to log on from anywhere in the world and see your home night or day

[Steve.r]

we have just had delivered some wireless network nightvision cameras for my caravan park- they were about £80 each

might give you peace of mind while your away being able to log on from anywhere in the world and see your home night or day

Yeah, been looking at that sort of thing today Sparky, but it would mean leaving a laptop connected all the time right ?

[sparky]

Yeah, been looking at that sort of thing today Sparky, but it would mean leaving a laptop connected all the time right ?


as long as you keep an interent connection then you wont need a laptop connected i think- will read the box tomorrow and confirm tho

[subseastu]

Thats bad news steve sorry to hear about it. a bloke I worked with who lives in Manila built a house with a wall round it. On top of this he got an electrified fence installed that has something like 20000 volts running through it!! Be careful though, he had a tree that grew against it and when it rained the tree became live apparently!!! bad news when his dog went for a wee up it!!!

[Steve.r]

bad news when his dog went for a wee up it!!! :icon_lol::icon_lol:

I have also been looking at high powered electric fence units, not 2000v but enough to give you a good jolt. I have had plenty of those from years on farms, might be worth it as a deterent :omg:

[Englishman2010]

as long as you keep an interent connection then you wont need a laptop connected i think- will read the box tomorrow and confirm tho

That's OK in the UK where internet connections are fairly stable, but in the Phil's it's going to get d/c every 5 mins or not have enough bandwith to transmit the images

[joebloggs]

That's OK in the UK where internet connections are fairly stable, but in the Phil's it's going to get d/c every 5 mins or not have enough bandwith to transmit the images

many of the usb wireless units will send a pic when triggered to an email account, so pretty handy if you've got a mobile :D

[Terpe]

Steve, I too was really sorry to hear what happened.
It's upsetting and feels like an personal invasion.
On the positive side, this thread is really most informative for many.

Graham, you got it spot on, especially regarding the strength and security of the security devices.:D (attachments)

Always look for weaknesses. Be really hard on yourselves an think how you would get in (knowing what you know). These people know very well all the simple little ways you may never think of. That's their life, maybe they do it everyday.

I would also strongly support what Graham mentioned about firearms. Think very carefully about that. If your are determined to have firearms in the house, make sure the legality is rock solid.
Better still do some research on what happens when a foreigner and a firearm are in the same place as a threat, a wounding or worse.

A lot of really good security stuff is now very reasonably priced in UK, and is much easier to install than it used to be.

Just on an amusing note. A friend of ours has a room in his house which is completely steel -lined, including the door and ceiling. The window is glazed with bullet proof glass .. twice. It has to be seen to be believed. Whatever he keeps in there I have no idea, why he did it nobody knows....... but oddly everyone for miles around knows.

[Steve.r]

Thanks Terpe, yes lots of great info here. We did have a 45 on loan, but it has gone back to the owner now. We are seriously thinking about getting a licenced firearm very soon.

[northampton_gir]

:yikes: I no a friend who has put lights all round his property in phils also has put alectric cable on the fence to stop anyone climbe the fence :NoNo: this is not good at all I hope all goes well

[Steve.r]

:yikes: I no a friend who has put lights all round his property in phils also has put alectric cable on the fence to stop anyone climbe the fence :NoNo: this is not good at all I hope all goes well

Like anywhere in there world where there are great divides of wealth or oppertunity, there will be people who want what they think you have. (by the way, I am not rich at all, but being white, we stand out in the crowd) No different to here really. We just have to be aware, be streetwise and not put ourselves in situations where the worst thing happens. I know you Jess are more aware of this than most.
But, we discuss these things here and come up with ideas to help others. Like Graham suggested, think like they do, see the weaknesses and protect yourself. Protecting your property and family effectively, without causing too much harm to the perpetrator is not easy, a fine balance. But I am sure I can get it sorted next month. :)

[scott&ligaya]

I would totally agree on the liscensee, needs to be your partner and or you caretaker, best to stay away from any potential problem. Oh and you if wing a burglar exiting over your fence, get your caretaker to drag him back in and finish the job, no problem on your private property. :yikes::yikes::yikes: as told by the Chief of Police :yikes::yikes::yikes:

[northampton_gir]

get your caretaker to drag him back in and finish the job, no problem on your private property. :yikes::yikes::yikes: as told by the Chief of Police :yikes::yikes::yikes:

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[aposhark]

Hi Steve.r,

I don't live there but what about lights that go on if someone tries to get in?
Alarms?

I had a conversation with a UK cop (in the UK) who told me big dogs are the best things to prevent break-ins.

They make a big noise too, hope the neighbours wouldn't mind :yikes:

[Steve.r]

Hi Apo'

Yes, that will be the first thing I do, fit strong lights with PIR's The lot has a garage area with living area also, so that has to be covered. On the back of the house there is a boggy field, so access from there is very limited, but the front by the road has easiest access. We have metal rails all round, so hooking that up to an electric cattle fence unit will be easy. Dummy cameras are another option, the house next door has them also.
Any visable deterrant will help I an sure.

[stevewool]

you being there all the time will be the best:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Steve.r]

you being there all the time will be the best:xxgrinning--00xx3:

of course Steve... soon i wish

[jimeve]

I agree with the big dogs as a deterrent, Buy a couple of Doberman puppy's then have them properly trained. Be careful with firearms, as only Filipinos can use them legally. If a foreigner does happen to plug someone, make sure you clean your prints of the weapon and give it to a Filipino you can trust. this I have heard from the chief of police, so shhh.

[aposhark]

Hi again Steve.r

I know this is a little off-topic but I like the yellow/green colour scheme of your house.

My wife and I often look at the colours of houses when we travel on the Seres Liners and we like yours the best, it is bright :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jimeve]

A little tip, when painting over Galvanized metal, make sure you FIRST apply a coat of "CALCIUM PLUM BATE"... and other bare metal with red oxide primer. I noticed this on your gate Steve. The Finished paint is peeling, noticed this on all galvanized metal in the Philippines. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[grahamw48]

Littleuns can be scary too (the dog!:icon_lol:).

This one would kill anything that came within reach...cats, chickens, dogs, people, and a great ratter too. Good with the family though. :)
Rarely barked. Silent but deadly.

.
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/1795/philippines2001001.jpg

[northampton_gir]

you being there all the time will be the best:xxgrinning--00xx3:

If they are going to rob you they will do it if your there or not and shorley its best ur not there?

[Steve.r]

Be careful with firearms, as only Filipinos can use them legally. If a foreigner does happen to plug someone, make sure you clean your prints of the weapon and give it to a Filipino you can trust. this I have heard from the chief of police, so shhh. We will invite the Chief over for dinner and barangay captain, I know him already so will get the local low down on how they regard these issues :xxgrinning--00xx3:


Hi again Steve.r

I know this is a little off-topic but I like the yellow/green colour scheme of your house.

My wife and I often look at the colours of houses when we travel on the Seres Liners and we like yours the best, it is bright :xxgrinning--00xx3:

:icon_lol: You know Apo', the house wa that colour greeny/blue both inside and out and with the green roof :NoNo: Not much I could do about the roof, but it is now all painted with the white and yellow scheme now, makes it look clean a fresh. But you are right, there are so many different colour schemes, I love looking at some houses, they look really good.


A little tip, when painting over Galvanized metal, make sure you FIRST apply a coat of "CALCIUM PLUM BATE"... and other bare metal with red oxide primer. I noticed this on your gate Steve. The Finished paint is peeling, noticed this on all galvanized metal in the Philippines. :xxgrinning--00xx3: Thanks Jim, those photos were take last year before I bought the place. Mind you, the gate still looks like that but we are going to re-paint all the metalwork, not all is like that gate. We have black and silver metal paint, but red oxide primer on the galv should do the trick first :)


If they are going to rob you they will do it if your there or not and shorley its best ur not there? Hmm .... maybe, but I love my mahal and cannot bare being away from her. That is our home and castle, so defending her and my family comes first :heartshape1:

[bornatbirth]

i thought the reason for having a maid was so they could look after the house when your not there :Erm: just buy them a gun and shooting lessons :icon_lol:

[scott&ligaya]

our caretaker was a marine and is just glad he is not in Mindanao/Jolo anymore :)

[Terpe]

our caretaker was a marine and is just glad he is not in Mindanao/Jolo anymore :)

Why?
Which place?

[Steve.r]

i thought the reason for having a maid was so they could look after the house when your not there :Erm: just buy them a gun and shooting lessons :icon_lol:

It was the Mother-in-law BoB :NEW3:

[\\\\ToNy////]

hi steve, i used to get youths trying to break into my car atleast once ayear, but in the last 4 years ive had a cctv camera up with the infrared leds glowing, havnt had any problems since(touch wood)
and i also have a driveway alert thing, it wakes me if someone walks up the drive (blody cats:doh:))

[Steve.r]

hi steve, i used to get youths trying to break into my car atleast once ayear, but in the last 4 years ive had a cctv camera up with the infrared leds glowing, havnt had any problems since(touch wood)
and i also have a driveway alert thing, it wakes me if someone walks up the drive (blody cats:doh:))
Hi Tony, yes cctv certainly is a deterrant.

Funny, I just sold my Fireblade this afternoon, and the guy who bought it got talking about various things and i told him we had an attemted burglary. He said that he had a brand new system still in the box that he paid over £300 quid for. It has a huge hard drive and 4 cameras that wirelessly transmit to the control box. So, as part of the deal, i get the system too. Winning :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[alanmf1]

Result..:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Steve.r]

Result..:xxgrinning--00xx3: yep :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Sim11UK]

our caretaker was a marine and is just glad he is not in Mindanao/Jolo anymore :)

Bit of a sweeping statement about Mindanao? Probably you didn't mean it too literally & meant Jolo, but a large part of it is no more dangerous, than anywhere else in the Philippines.

[Tawi2]

I found Jolo quite relaxing:) regarding burglars in Pinas get a dog,wouldnt have a gun in the house unless I knew how to use it,and I dont mean a shottie breaking a few clays or a bit of pigeon decoying in blighty,most Pinoys are wary of large dogs:)

[scott&ligaya]

you are correct ofcourse Simon, just repeating something my caretaker told the missus , apologies to all our members from Mindanao.

[\\\\ToNy////]

thats great, a hard drive system is best, my vhs player is noisy and not the best quality hehe, same as my camra, not that good at seeing at night but is better than nothing, ill try to upgrade when i can and get an hard drive recorder that takes snap shots every 1 second to preserve the memory, or even movement detection is better