Home Security

[IanForbes]

First thing I would be doing is getting your security guards changed out....would bet money they were involved with the other break in somehow

I would guess that Soutpeel hit the nail on the head. One of the security guards was involved.

However, a LOT has to do with personal life style. People who flash money or gold often get targeted. This case "might" be an isolated incident, but I doubt it. My guess is the thugs had already targeted the woman as a victim.

I know a guy who captured two different B&E crooks on two separated incidents. He has a large, aggressive dog that will let people INTO the house, but won't let them back OUT, unless escorted by the owner. He's also had some funny incidents with friends wanting to leave his home unescorted. I know, I was one of them. I love dogs and get along with most of them, but there was no way that Sargent was letting me out of the house without a fight.

Whatever the case, I feel very sorry for the woman. Women usually take something like this more personal.

[jimmybkk]

Many years ago I worked in a business in the UK that involved large sums of cash on a daily basis. All offices had 2 safes - a free-standing safe that was semi-concealed and a floor safe that was well concealed - embedded in the concrete floor and beneath one of the carpet tile. Within the free-standing safe was a concealed compartment. We were instructed to keep X amount of cash in the body of the free-standing safe. X amount in the concealed compartment and everything else in the floor safe. If we were robbed the instruction was to give them everything on display in the free-standing safe. If they seemed to know that there should be more we were told to give them what was in the concealed compartment too. If they either had inside knowledge or were simply extremely persistent then we pointed them in the direction of the floor safe and they took the lot.

Unless they have inside knowledge, most robbers or burglars are opportunist and want to get in and out ASAP. Almost all deterrents work to a degree against the casual burglar/robber, but they also all have their flaws; A dog can be poisoned, an alarm can be disabled, a camera is thwarted by a balaclava. Personally I think damage limitation is the way forward, assuming your intruders have breached your external security measures.

If for whatever reason you really need to keep large amounts of cash at your home, have 2 safes, as mentioned above. Keep some cash on display in one. Keep some cash in a hidden compartment. Why not keep some fake gold in the hidden compartment? Even fake bank notes? Colour photocopies of the real thing cut to the right size and on a similar paper would probably suffice - I've not heard of many robbers who use those ultraviolet money detectors.

Unless you're dealing with one of the guys from Ocean's 11 the chances are that the person or people you're dealing with is gonna be high on something - a narcotic and/or just adrenaline. They've busted in to your place with the intention of leaving with a decent amount of cash/valuables and hopefully not getting caught in the process, so let them leave thinking that's exactly what they've done.

[Schooner]

I thought all the farang in Thailand were former special forces, CIA, Navy Seals, etc. Wouldn't the Thai's have to be crazy to invade our homes?

[surayu]

...have to be crazy to invade our homes?

I didn't see anyone claiming the contrary yet, do you?

Surely somebody with a sane mind will have better things to do during his spare time, like to lay about for example

[MrBrad]

If you don't already have a shelf of good books, you're missing one of the safest places to keep valuables from most Thais. I've never seen an average Thai open a serious book. Hollow one out, and stash your valuables there.

[alantheembalmer]

You need different security measures for when the property is unoccupied, and when you are at home.

I used to have a jewellery shop in the UK, and I installed a screamer box that emitted an ear piercing noise when the security was breached, and when the property was unoccupied. I can assure you that you could not remain in the shop with that going at 120db+

[Heng]

CCTV + DVR is the best concept heard so far. Same as our setup. Then all you need to do is be able to communicate to intruders (if it gets to that stage) that 1: all or most of your portable valuables are at the bank in safety deposit boxes and 2: everything is being recorded via CCTV off site (whether that is true or not probably doesn't matter... we just go with the locked away DVR in an inconspicuous closet), and they can still get away without committing a criminal act.... try Somkid's or Mike's houses down the street, all they have are a couple of dogs and no CCTV.

[jazzbo]

Interesting to read of all these para-military suggestions ... I would think for some here who travel out of country leaving the family alone you might hire your own security guard to sit at the front entrance while you are away.

Beyond that this is all an interesting reminder as to why I am happy to rent an apartment.

[Forethat]

You need different security measures for when the property is unoccupied, and when you are at home.

I used to have a jewellery shop in the UK, and I installed a screamer box that emitted an ear piercing noise when the security was breached, and when the property was unoccupied. I can assure you that you could not remain in the shop with that going at 120db+

I've had two busy days learning about security and alarms. One of the things I learned was that in Europe, most of the sound alarms are regulated so that they will not cause harm to the thief (I'm not joking here, this is dead serious).. However, it wasn't particularly difficult to find distributors who are prepared to sell 170db sirens...

However, first of all a big thanks to all of you who contributed with ideas and experiences - great stuff! Some of the advice I thought were so good I implemented them directly or as a modified version (I am waiting to get some of the stuff installed in the next couple of days)

Here's what I did:

Halogen lights with motion detectors all around the house. All sides are covered by at least 2 spots.

Both safes have been removed and I have created a secret hiding place (I cant tell you where this is for obvious reasons.

The door to the master bedroom was replaced earlier today by a security door.

The windows in the master bedroom are getting bars installed tomorrow.

An assault alarm button is installed in three places in the house. This is nothing but a button that starts a motor siren which has been installed hidden under the roof.

The entire house will get an alarm system installed, but that is not happening until next week.

The entire house will get a CCTV system with a VCR unit in two weeks.

By far the best investment was to turn the master bedroom into a safe room and install the assault alarm motor siren. This way, the missus and kids will always be safe when they sleep and if (Buddah forbid) someone decides to have a go at our house the entire neighbourhood will know the same second the siren goes off....but hopefully, the siren will remain unused.

Thanks all.

[farang000999]

CCTV + DVR is the best concept heard so far. Same as our setup. Then all you need to do is be able to communicate to intruders (if it gets to that stage) that 1: all or most of your portable valuables are at the bank in safety deposit boxes and 2: everything is being recorded via CCTV off site (whether that is true or not probably doesn't matter... we just go with the locked away DVR in an inconspicuous closet), and they can still get away without committing a criminal act.... try Somkid's or Mike's houses down the street, all they have are a couple of dogs and no CCTV.

how many times have people tried to break in?

[bigneilo]

Have some spare cash in safe 10,000 or so and the rest stashed, if they make you open the safe they might walk away with that thinking they have your lot.

[IanForbes]

If you don't already have a shelf of good books, you're missing one of the safest places to keep valuables from most Thais. I've never seen an average Thai open a serious book. Hollow one out, and stash your valuables there.

But don't do like I did. I hid the keys to my motorbike in a book in my library. Then, after 5 months in Thailand I forgot where I had put them. I didn't find the keys until 2 years later when they fell out of the book when re-arranging my library.

[roamer]

How to avoid burglery?

Knock down the 2 meter wall, remove the motion sensors and lights, send the rottwielers on a long holiday, swap the Fortuna for a Vigo.

Stop advertising "The money is in here - come and get it!"

Simon

Got it in one. Alternatively hire a couple of ex-Gurkha's.

[roamer]

You need different security measures for when the property is unoccupied, and when you are at home.

I used to have a jewellery shop in the UK, and I installed a screamer box that emitted an ear piercing noise when the security was breached, and when the property was unoccupied. I can assure you that you could not remain in the shop with that going at 120db+

I've had two busy days learning about security and alarms. One of the things I learned was that in Europe, most of the sound alarms are regulated so that they will not cause harm to the thief (I'm not joking here, this is dead serious).. However, it wasn't particularly difficult to find distributors who are prepared to sell 170db sirens...

However, first of all a big thanks to all of you who contributed with ideas and experiences - great stuff! Some of the advice I thought were so good I implemented them directly or as a modified version (I am waiting to get some of the stuff installed in the next couple of days)

Here's what I did:

Halogen lights with motion detectors all around the house. All sides are covered by at least 2 spots.

Both safes have been removed and I have created a secret hiding place (I cant tell you where this is for obvious reasons.

The door to the master bedroom was replaced earlier today by a security door.

The windows in the master bedroom are getting bars installed tomorrow.

An assault alarm button is installed in three places in the house. This is nothing but a button that starts a motor siren which has been installed hidden under the roof.

The entire house will get an alarm system installed, but that is not happening until next week.

The entire house will get a CCTV system with a VCR unit in two weeks.

By far the best investment was to turn the master bedroom into a safe room and install the assault alarm motor siren. This way, the missus and kids will always be safe when they sleep and if (Buddah forbid) someone decides to have a go at our house the entire neighbourhood will know the same second the siren goes off....but hopefully, the siren will remain unused.

Thanks all.

And this is life in the Land of smiles ?

[23423981]

If you don't already have a shelf of good books, you're missing one of the safest places to keep valuables from most Thais. I've never seen an average Thai open a serious book. Hollow one out, and stash your valuables there.

Now the secret is out, and your otherwise excellent advice just became public and useless.

Still it's an excellent idea.

[23423981]

If you don't already have a shelf of good books, you're missing one of the safest places to keep valuables from most Thais. I've never seen an average Thai open a serious book. Hollow one out, and stash your valuables there.

Now the secret is out, and your otherwise excellent advice just became public and useless.

Still it's an excellent idea.

[Heng]

CCTV + DVR is the best concept heard so far. Same as our setup. Then all you need to do is be able to communicate to intruders (if it gets to that stage) that 1: all or most of your portable valuables are at the bank in safety deposit boxes and 2: everything is being recorded via CCTV off site (whether that is true or not probably doesn't matter... we just go with the locked away DVR in an inconspicuous closet), and they can still get away without committing a criminal act.... try Somkid's or Mike's houses down the street, all they have are a couple of dogs and no CCTV.

how many times have people tried to break in?

Never, just precautionary... it's also surprisingly entertaining for people watching and employee supervision. Like wearing one's seatbelt, not carrying debt, etc.

Edited April 15, 2011 by Heng

[geriatrickid]

Really sorry to hear about your experiences. Unfortunately, this happens in every country in the world. You've gotten some good recommendations. The only thing I would add is to have bars put on the windows and doors. That way, nobody can just walk in. And for sure keep them locked after dark.

Best of luck in getting this sorted out....

One of the saddest cases I saw was a family that has died in a house fire. They had put bars on all the lower floor windows and the fire and smoke was such that they could not exit through the doors. Always install bars that allow for an exit option. Don't build a prison for yourself that prevents escape in an emergency.

I shoot beer bottles in the river next to my house on a routine basis.

Word gets around.

That you are leaving broken glass all over the place? What do you do with all the broken glass? Do you just dump it in the river and leave the sharp shards to injure the next occupants of the land? Nice responsible behaviour there.

[meatboy]

roamer got it in one ex-gurkhas,the last time i was at the british emb.bkk.who was guarding it gurkhas.

[Loz]

Maybe more practical advice would be to not let your wife borrow more money than she can pay back in a timely fashion. That includes gambling debts.

Don't give any shady types a reason to come find your humble abode...

[Forethat]

Maybe more practical advice would be to not let your wife borrow more money than she can pay back in a timely fashion. That includes gambling debts.

Don't give any shady types a reason to come find your humble abode...

If that was supposed to be a joke I wasn't particularly impressed. Your post stinks of bad taste if you ask me.

To the rest of posters who managed to discuss this serious matter in an adult fashion - thanks again!

[Forethat]

One of the saddest cases I saw was a family that has died in a house fire. They had put bars on all the lower floor windows and the fire and smoke was such that they could not exit through the doors. Always install bars that allow for an exit option. Don't build a prison for yourself that prevents escape in an emergency.

Excellent comment - this one will take some thinking.

[keestha]

I think my security system is pretty good, but I am open for suggestions to improve it,so that my life here can become even more easygoing and laid back than it already is. So hereunder I will describe my home safety system, in the hope to get tips to make it even more full proof.

My first line of defense is a 3 meter high wall around the outer perimeter of my property. At the corners, there are towers manned by well trained and armed marksmen. All of them are army trained snipers. At night they use night time visors, but anyway if there is an attempt to breach the wall, sensors will detect the motion, and everything will be flooded in light.

Right behind the outer wall, there is a 5 meter wide canal with crocodiles, quite a few of which are over 3 meters long. My wife, who is Thai, had to go through great lengths to finally acquire a permit to keep crocodiles as "pets". The bridge across the canal can only be lowered when we push a button inside the house.

Around the house, there is second 3 meter high wall, of course also fitted our with barbed wire. Around the wall, machine gun armed guards are patrolling with dogs 24 hours a day. The dogs are Napoletanos. They were not so easy to find, I ended up importing them from Pakistan, and it was in no way easy to import them legally.

If anybody would manage to find his way to our bedroom door, he would walk straight into the jaws of death. The steel door can only be opened through iris recognition technology, and if somebody tries to open the door in any other way, a highly poisonous gas is released automatically.

I am always open for suggestions to top up our security system even more, and I hope readers will come up with a few useful ideas.

Edited April 15, 2011 by keestha

[Heng]

Maybe more practical advice would be to not let your wife borrow more money than she can pay back in a timely fashion. That includes gambling debts.

Don't give any shady types a reason to come find your humble abode...

If that was supposed to be a joke I wasn't particularly impressed. Your post stinks of bad taste if you ask me.

Taste aside, it's extremely common among let's say a particular demographic (no need to state the obvious) to overspend and take out loans out as soon as they finally own a piece of property or an automobile outright (often for the first times in their lives) or two with said items as collateral at above market rate interest in a downward spiral of debt. It's almost like an innate instinct to return their financial status to the one (and in many cases worse off than) they were born into. You can't change your class status by simply increasing your assets, one also needs to change one's mindset and way of life.

[23423981]

Let me tell you the cheapest home protection device available.

Buy plastic zip-lock bags, place the valuables (money, jewelries) in the bags, dig a hole in the backyard, and bury them.

Make sure even your trusting partner does not see you what you are burying there.

If you worry about the plastic bag breaks open, over-sized PVC pipe with tight caps will do the trick also.

[surayu]

Buy plastic zip-lock bags, place the valuables (money, jewelries) in the bags, dig a hole in the backyard, and bury them.

Make sure even your trusting partner does not see you what you are burying there.

Okay, but what if.................

[Darrel]

My first line of defense is a 3 meter high wall around the outer perimeter of my property. At the corners, there are towers manned by well trained and armed marksmen. All of them are army trained snipers. At night they use night time visors.......

Ah, thanks. That explains where all these ex-SAS, CIA and Special Forces guys in the bars here get their beer money, and what they do when they aren't drinking. I've often wondered.

[Beetlejuice]

Maybe more practical advice would be to not let your wife borrow more money than she can pay back in a timely fashion. That includes gambling debts.

Don't give any shady types a reason to come find your humble abode...

If that was supposed to be a joke I wasn't particularly impressed. Your post stinks of bad taste if you ask me.

Taste aside, it's extremely common among let's say a particular demographic (no need to state the obvious) to overspend and take out loans out as soon as they finally own a piece of property or an automobile outright (often for the first times in their lives) or two with said items as collateral at above market rate interest in a downward spiral of debt. It's almost like an innate instinct to return their financial status to the one (and in many cases worse off than) they were born into. You can't change your class status by simply increasing your assets, one also needs to change one's mindset and way of life.

You people crack me up.

Our Forethat is asking for some good comments regarding home security, he doesn’t appear to be in need of financial and marriage counselling or assumptions about his wife’s spending habits.

So you lot who are concerned about Forethat`s marital and financial problems, get a life because no one is interested.

[Soutpeel]

One of the saddest cases I saw was a family that has died in a house fire. They had put bars on all the lower floor windows and the fire and smoke was such that they could not exit through the doors. Always install bars that allow for an exit option. Don't build a prison for yourself that prevents escape in an emergency.

Excellent comment - this one will take some thinking.

Very valid comment, know of mutilple cases of this this happening, the robbers couldnt get in, but the people living in the house couldnt get out in time either

[23423981]

Buy plastic zip-lock bags, place the valuables (money, jewelries) in the bags, dig a hole in the backyard, and bury them.

Make sure even your trusting partner does not see you what you are burying there.

Okay, but what if.................

If you worry about your dogs digging up the ground, put a planter on top of the hole.