Burglaries

This From Mario in AlCaucin trying to help with the situation of the burglaries. Please read and respond to Mario direct at; [email protected]

Recently, there have been a lot of burglaries in our area. Despite the efforts of the Guardia Civil and the Local Police, the number of burglaries is unacceptable. It is quite obvious that we cannot have a Guardia Civil or Police Officer in front of every door. On the other hand, we cannot just sit back and do nothing.

After discussing this matter with several people, we propose basically two things:

Organizing a neighbour watch.

This would consist of several volunteers who would organize the surveillance of their area.

This would consist of several volunteers who would organize the surveillance of their area.

The installation of alarm systems.

A lot of our detached houses are often unoccupied, increasing the possibility of a robbery. However, there have also been robberies in houses that were left alone for only a few houses, making almost all of us possible targets of these thieves.

There are basically 2 systems available:

1. Independent Alarm Systems without connection to a Central Station. They consist of a base unit connected with (wireless) sensors that control the access to our houses. An SMS is sent to several mobile phones if an alarm is detected. These systems are initially more expensive but do not have monthly charges.

2. Alarm Systems installed by specialized Security Companies: the system is basically the same unit but is further connected to a Central Station through a telephone line. If something suspicious is detected, a person in the Central Station will call and ask for the password. They will send a patrol if necessary. However, our village is quite far away from their Station and it will take time before you got personal assistance. They might also call the Police.

The installation is cheaper, but you will have to pay a monthly charge (+/- 30€), making this option more expensive. You benefit from a maintenance contract for the service of the equipment.

There are no systems that will guarantee you 100% safety. The installation of an alarm system is mainly preventative in that it acts as a deterrent. The cost is small compared to the damage the thieves can cause, not to mention the emotional distress that can be caused by a burglary.

My idea is to evaluate the interest that you might have in these systems, in order to get better quotes for their purchase. Therefore, I need you to answer the following questions:

Would you volunteer as a neighbourhood watcher? In which area of Alcaucín do you live? (Other surrounding villages could take the same action.)

Would you be interested in an alarm system and, if so, which system seems most appropriate to you?

a) The system without monthly charges. The price depends upon the number of sensors you want to be installed and starts somewhere around 250€ and will depend mainly on the amount of sensor your need.

Or b) the system installed and controlled by a security company. Installation fees are varying from 0 to 100€. Furthermore, you have to pay a monthly fee of 30€.

Your answer is not binding but I need this information to get accurate quotes. Please forward this mail to your neighbours and friends so that we can obtain a better deal. I will wait for answers until the 15th of January and then continue with the people who are interested in protecting their properties.

Mario.
[email protected]