I dont know if the crime rate in Singapore has gone up but recently there has been quite a lot of press about break-ins. In fact, my Brother-in-laws home (which is barely a few meters from my home) got broken into 3 weeks ago.
The burglars originally tried to break into his neighbours house (by sawing on their window grills!!), but their neighbours daughter heard some noises, and turned the lights on. (Not sure what happened to their noisy barking dogs that morning ...probably drugged by the robbers, I guess). That was about 3.30am. They must have "chabot" when the lights came on, and climbed into B-i-ls place. Unfortunately, B-i-l's home is empty, as they now live in Oz. The robbers broke into a few cupboards, and got away with some jewelry. They did not take all, tho', we dont know why. There were still some jewels left in the same drawers that they stole from. We think it could be because my mil who wakes at 4.30am each morning could have gotten up, and turned on her lights, which may have frightened the robbers away, considering the proximity of our homes.
The policemen investigating informed us that there were quite a number of break-ins in the area. The robbers seem terribly gung-ho to me. They dont seem to do it on the quiet anymore (sawing of grills at 3am?), they dont care if there are people in the house (as the case of the recent pasir ris robbery),and they are sometimes even armed!!
As a result, I am paranoid about safety. I no longer leave my bedroom door unlocked when we sleep. The kids no longer sleep in their own room. They have now migrated to my bedroom, and are all on mattresses on my bedroom floor!! Not sure how long this is going to go on for, but the kids are enjoying it!!
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Landed properties are more vulnerable to burglary compared to condos which have round-the-clock security. Short of shifting to a condo, a few suggested ways to counter the robbers are:
1. Do not keep valuables and too much cash at home. Deposit them in a bank;
2. Install a reliable burglar alarm system which will alert the security firm automatically if activated;
3. Install CCTV system.
Sigh...
It's really scary when such incidents happen. Perhaps install an alarm on your grills? So..."tai-tam!"
The feeling of being invaded is a very very scary and terrible feeling. I've been thru it many times already...
take care!
The thought of robbers/burglars always gives me a sick feeling in my stomach.
When someone tried to break into our house after having attempted the neighbour's, the noise woke me up and soon after, our neighbour and his son was chasing the burglar with their short guns. I was sick the next day (really, really sick). I was 13 then.
So, I know how you feel and it is a mother's instinct to have her children around her.
Hi Victor
U are right. We do not keep much cash or valuables at home ... but the burglars do not know that right? What if they attempt to break in. Just the thot scares me. We are in the process of installing an alarm. CCTVs quite expensive, isnt it?
Hi Judy and Mott
yes, it is a scary experience. Was burglared before when I was living in Perth. The feeling is terrible, like your privacy is invaded, and then u cant sleep for a few nites wondering, whether they will strike again. Fortunately we werent home when it happened.
Most companies that install alarms also have CCTV systems. You should ask them about it.
DIY CCTV systems are also quite affordable nowadays. Sim Lim Square got quite a lot of shops selling them. (But do be careful, ya - ironically, some of these shops are operated by people who behave worse than the thugs you're trying to protect yourself against, haha.)
The purpose of a conspicuously installed CCTV system, like an alarm, is also to deter criminal-minded people.
Hi Victor
DIY? U gotta be joking. LOL,Hubby and I are not very good at such things.Cant even get my modem to work sometimes....talk about installing a CCTV!!
Yeah...Alarm System is a good idea..
Anyway, my dad used to say that MUST keep some valuables for the burglars to take...in case they get geram and frustrated and take it out on the family if they don't manage to steal anything...
Nomadic mom
U have a point. I have heard of such instances too. So better keep some things just in case....choy!touch wood!
SAHM - You still have Option A mah, i.e. get the alarm company to install CCTV for you lor.
Hi Victor
Yes must get quote 1st. The deterrent is the price.
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