Security Warning - Be on your Guard

[Joe Soap]

At 4.30 this morning there was a ring on the doorbell, followed by another. Thinking something serious had happened, I rushed to the front door, but didn’t open it, switched on the porch light and looked through the keyhole. I couldn’t see anyone. I called out and there was no response. (If it had been the Police I would have expected their officer to be standing in front of the door and announce himself.) I ran upstairs and onto the balcony and called out. Then my wife shouted. Eventually a man appeared and called up “sorry wrong house”. He backed off down the path and smartly left the property, got into his white saloon car and quickly drove away. I was unable to get the car’s registration number.

The man was about 30, tall and slim and was either a Turkish Cypriot or Turkish. I just wonder what would have happened had I opened the front door.

If it had been a genuine mistake I would have expected him to get in his car, which was not a taxi and make a phone call to determine the correct address. But he didn’t. He quickly drove the car away.

Now I don’t know if it was a genuine mistake on the caller’s behalf, but his actions lead me to believe there were other intentions.

I am sharing my experience on Kibkom so other people can be aware of the situation and take the necessary precautions.

Some people may say I am over-reacting, but there do seem to be a number of unanswered questions.

[gilly123]

so where was this ?? & have you notified the police.

[TB10pilot]

I think that you were quite correct in posting this. I work for an insurance company and things like this have happened before with burglary intent, especially when the intruder finds there is no one at home. Never open the door in the middle of the night to a stranger.

[Joe Soap]

Thank you Gilly. Yes I have notified the Lapta police. I provided a report and the police officer followed me home to see where the incident occurred (in Alsancak). I was astounded they took this so seriously. They mentioned the recent case of a woman who was going around, knocking on peoples' doors, asking for their assistance in a rouse to rob them. So we all have to be very careful. I was really pleased and amazed at the support the police gave me.

Thank you TB10pilot for your support and advice.

[Marions]

Thanks indeed for the warning. And thanks for showing us that the police DO care!

Hope you won't mind if I put this as a NIB in ibKom Times, so if there is any development let us know via here.

The thing is that someone living alone, maybe elderly and frail could have had a very nasty and frightening experience.e Just someone knocking on the door at that hour could bring on a heart attack, so thanks very much Joe Soap. Also knowing where you live, it would seem strange if it was a 'mistake'

[Joe Soap]

Hi Marion,

No problem with you giving it more publicity. I don't expect the Police to follow this up with me anymore unless there is another "try on".

Yes I do agree that someone elderly or frail could have a nasty and frightening experience. Even if you are not elderly and frail, it can still be a shock to the system.

Joe

[Marions]

Thanks Joe. Anything out of the ordinary is a shock to the system, and what annoys me is that nastypeople who try it on give no thought whatsoever to the recipients of their dastardly deeds!

Will share the story, just in case someone else is visited incorrectly in the middle of the night.

I think the answer is 'do NOT open the door under any circumstances!

HOpe it doesn't happen again.

[Owl Lady]

It is times like this, when you are on your own, that a dog is a good alarm and deterrent!!

[Ragged Robin]

If his intentions were bad, why would he show himself, and his car, and let you hear his voice, with the risk of being identified later, rather than just quietly disappearing and returning to his car after you had left the balcony?

But its better to be safe than sorry and I agree about the dogs (they also deter people calling at the door trying to sell things) but it might be a good idea also to have a judas hole (so you can see visitors without opening the door or looking through the key hole) and a safety chain fitted to the front door.

[Joe Soap]

Well Robin, the "caller" may have waited until I opened the front door and burst in, perhaps with knife etc., then demanding monies, stealing items, etc. That is not unknown if you read the local papers. Would you have opened the door to him?

We have a judas hole, but the visitor didn't co-operate by standing in front; he hid to one side. I thought that suspicious at 4.30 in the morning. Maybe you don't agree.

[KWAKERT4]

I fitted a spy=hole to my apartment door. It is "fisheyed". Anyone on the landing or stairs, up or down, are in view.

I think it cost about 5tl, the drill bit to fit it cost slightly more.

T

[Owl Lady]

I have one, but the joiner who fitted it, when the house was built must have been 6ft. I am 5ft !!!

[frontalman]

If the intruder had got on his toes and ran when he heard a voice it would have rather given the game away, don't you think? Criminals are not normally stupid, just crooked, take Oscar Pistorius for instance!

[Ragged Robin]

Anyone calling at 4.30 in the morning is obviously suspicious, but I still think it was stupid when he realised the house was occupied to risk later identification if he was a criminal.

JS I dont open the door at any time if I dont know who is the other side, but then I can see through the windows (which, being an old house have iron fretwork - with the screws soldered on advice of Insurers' - just in case a criminal happens to be reading this thread!). And I also have a safety chain fixed to the front door - which lets you talk without opening the door, or even standing where a knife could reach you!

I didnt say you should not take precautions, just suggested (partly for the sake of others who might be frightened) some that might be easier (and safer) than standing on a balcony: particularly for those who dont have that luxury!

In the UK the Police will advise you on security: I am sure there are Websites that give similar advice.

[Hilltop]

If the intruder had got on his toes and ran when he heard a voice it would have rather given the game away, don't you think? Criminals are not normally stupid, just crooked, take Oscar Pistorius for instance!

He hasn't got any toes!!

[Bonnie]

Hilltop.
Off topic I know, sorry, When I clicked on your post I dashed off to grab the insect spray!!! Feel a complete idiot now!!!

[Keithcaley]

Even more off topic (and rather off-colour' as well, I'm afraid)...

Roses are Red,
Violets are Glorious,
Just don't annoy
Oscar Pistorius

Ah'll jest git me coat, Ah think...

[Groucho]

Hilltop.
Off topic I know, sorry, When I clicked on your post I dashed off to grab the insect spray!!! Feel a complete idiot now!!!

Leave the complete idiots alone! You know it's an offence

[Owl Lady]

Don't worry Bonnie, I tried to kill it, before I read your post!!!

[Hilltop]

I'm not a complete idiot, bits of me are missing!

[sophie]

When Hilltop very first came on the Forum, I actually gave the insect (not Hilltop) a hefty whack. Then I thought " it must have got in the back somewhere, it could completely muck up the monitor if we're not careful " Then the penny dropped. There are times in ones life when you are very, very grateful there is no-one around so see you making a complete twit of yourself!!

[flowerfairy]

hahahahaha, the same goes for me Sophie,

[Owl Lady]

Hilltop I love it. How did you do it?

[Hilltop]

It's a simple Gif.

[sophie]

Its an Avatar, pure and simple.

[Marions]

Hilltop, how do we get one, except I want a butterfly. How do I do it, please, pretty please.

[Hilltop]

It really is not that clever. Just pick a Gif that you like and then set it as your avatar.

[Owl Lady]

Wish you would speak English for the computer nerds! Don't know what a Gif or avatar is!!!

[Hilltop]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Gif

[BLUE BUTTERFLY]

hahahahaha, the same goes for me Sophie,

Me too.