It is a fact that, during the holiday season and especially the summer period, a lot of people go on holidays for a long period of time, with whole neighborhoods practically being empty, so there is no “protection” of your property from the observing eyes of the neighbors. For this reason we wish to submit to you a few tips how to protect your property since at this point of time, thefts are on a constant increase.

• Place an alarm system (approximately €1000 + €250 p.a. maintenance) which is to be connected with the local police station. Inform your local police station that you are away.

• Place shutters at least at ground level of your property (cost approximately €3.000). If not on all, for small windows place steel rails (cost approximately €500).

• Use laminated glass and security locks (added cost €1500).

• In case of more “sensitive” people use cameras, which will cover the main entrance points of the residence (another €1.000).

• Have garden light with automatic sensors (minor added cost).

• Use a door with a video phone (approximately €300).

• Invest in a safe which must be screwed to the floor, so that it is not taken away (approximately €1200).

• Lock the door and windows when you leave, even for a short period of time. Use a security door (add €500) and a safety lock

• Close the curtains and shutters fins, so that no one can see inside the house.

• Avoid to give out keys unless you know the person. Very dangerous to give out your key to occasional handymen.

• Do not leave the key outside or inside the locked door.

• Connect your telephone with your mobile and avoid using the answering machine saying “I am away”.

• Do not leave ladders and other equipment in the garden which might facilitate entry.

• Try and build up a good relationship with an on spot administrator asking him to keep an eye. A small gift (e.g. bottle of whisky) on your return will go a long way towards this end.

These and other are precautionary measures which one must consider especially during vacant periods – including winter time in holiday home areas. You cannot imagine what sort of things people usually steal. From an empty water bucket, to the entrance mat, a water hose and even dry-cloths net. This sort of thing, is especially noticeable at the Protaras area, where whole neighborhoods are “abandoned” during the winter season. In this area, we were told by three friends of ours, who have adjoining holiday homes, their experience during November last year. In the one house with a fully stocked fridge the thieves ate, but because no spirits, they broke into the second house where they “used” 3 bottles of good wine, but because the beds were not comfortable, they broke into the third house where they slept (and left the bedrooms TV on)!!. Nothing was actually stolen, but they must have been an “organized night out” – according to the police.