security

[steve the bike]

Hi we have just returned from Calis and one evening we were both sitting in the living room with only this room lit with both of us reading,when we heard a faint noise then a small pebble was thrown that hit our window.
I rushed outside but could not see anyone.
The only conclusion that we could think of was that when people go out in the evening most will leave a light on to make it look like somone is home,if i had not gone outside its possible that that we may have been the victim of a burglary,as this is good way to find out if anyone was home

[Scunner]

I think your conclusion is correct Steve. Thanks for the warning - very useful to owners and renters.

[Libra]

It might be useful to buy one or more timers and plug in some lamps or even a radio. The lights switching automatically on and off and also the radio could simulate someone is in the house.

I did this in Istanbul when we went on vacation.

[stoop]

It's a trick that's been used for years. We got done on Boxing Day about 22 years ago. We left lights on downstairs but someone threw a brick through the back window (before the days of upvc dg in our house). He obviously waited to see if anyone appeared from the house or next door then just climbed in and nicked whatever he could carry. Fortunately he was disturbed and ran off with just jewelery and watches (sentimental value mostly). What disturbed him? Me checking if my new answerphone was working. I rang it from the mother-in-laws and left myself a message. The police thought the sound of my voice scared him and he ran out of the front door before he finished his 'job'.

It was a 'trademark' robbery by someone who had recently got out of nick and he was caught a few weeks later 'on the job'. Toerag

oh - and the dog slept through it all! Useless mutt!

[Baznshir]

We left Calis on the 20th october and the nught before, the same thing happened to us. I heard a bang, went out onto the veranda and saw a car just driving off. The pebble hit and cracked a tile just below the window and if it had hit the window, it would have smashed it because it was a large pebble. The fact that the pebble was clean and dry gave me a hint as to what was happening and now that i have read your posting, it just confirms it. Our light was on, the blinds were down and the metal doors were wide open. they probably were hoping that we had gone out and forgotten about them. We are on the Migr's road and in future, we will be doubly vigilant.

[scouser2]

They also use coloured lasers.They shine the laser through the window to see if anyone comes to the window to see what is happening.They tried this on our block a few nights ago.