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Locking your home while living here

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3376

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 09:57

I had estate agents just open the door unnanounced with the landlords spare key while I was asleep too (in london) I'm surprised that happens here too. Oh yikes! I was surprised the agent didn't simply observe the obvious. Quite a noticeable difference between an occupied apartment vs. a furnished apartment. Even a "hello, anyone home?" I was more embarrassed for him than anything, he looked like a total moron doing that.

685

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EW GURU

Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 09:48

I had estate agents just open the door unnanounced with the landlords spare key while I was asleep too (in london) I'm surprised that happens here too.

3376

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 09:08

I feel very safe in my building, but I would forget to lock my door sometimes, especially if I was nipping in and out all day. However--ever since an estate agent and a client of his walked in my home while I was napping one afternoon--learned my lesson on that one! It was quite awkward and I scared the daylights out of them. Honestly though, not the fastest foxes in the forest, considering he was supposed to be showing a vacant apartment and it was clearly quite lived in....Anyway, I always lock my door even with DH and I are both home.

Doubting Thomas

2298

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EW EXPERT

Latest post on 25 July 2015 - 01:05

Wherever we live, none of us would ever leave the house without locking it, whether it be to pop to the shop or go to work for the day..

685

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 24 July 2015 - 14:51

I always ensure that all doors and windows are closed and locked before going out and before going to bed. However, during the day I leave the doors open, it annoys my husband as family members often walk right in without ringing the bell. That being said I have a very busy house with lots of visitors. If I was alone I would keep the door locked all day.

4423

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EW MASTER

Latest post on 24 July 2015 - 09:14

Currently having a debate about whether you should or shouldn't lock your door while living here in "safe" Dubai... They don't lock theirs, I do. It's the normal reaction to lock your home right? Or is my friend right to feel *as* safe? Their argument is that they have a secure building with security etc etc Edited: I also mean lock your door if you're going to work or shopping or going out! Just wanted to say - if you friend has house insurance, she won't be covered if she lives her front door unlocked!

4423

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 23 July 2015 - 16:31

We don't lock our door when home, but once visitors of another tenant walked - accidentally getting the flat number wrong! Hasn't stopped us! At night time and when we are out, for sure! Growing up in Africa makes you be extra vigilant! I wouldn't trust security to stop someone entering the building who shouldn't be there - what are they really going to do, most of them aren't trained to do anything. There are really no more than a welcome person to answer queries and direct people accordingly!

230

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 21:22

Always lock. Better safe than sorry. I live in Emaar building, with security, access cards etc., however, on couple occassions somebody tried to to open the door.. No ringing the doorbell just trying the door handle. Once a cleaner got a wrong floor and tried to unlock the door at 6am

Tashabegood58495

108

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 18:53

Always lock the door and keep my key in the lock. I heard someone trying the door handle when I first arrived in Dubai and its stuck with ever since. Only now do I relax a bit and remove the key slightly around 7ish of a night so my hubby can let himself in. But for three years he had to knock. In the UK the door is double bolted at night and the alarm set. Opportunists will strike at any time. Felt violated at a break in attempt thankfully our lead line windows were such good quality they couldn't get in and the Xmas present Yale alarm my Mum bought was a deterrent.

Anonymous (not verified)

0

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EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 17:48

I do think Dubai being safer than most places in the world makes people, including myself, complacent. I do however lock my door! As a pp said it takes one opportunist or drunk person. I have to admit I am really bad with leaving my bag unattended, which might be ok here but not in Holland! There they even manage to rob you while you're holding your bag. So yes, tie your camel first!

125

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 17:12

In Abu Dhabi I locked it most of the time, but didn't really care if I was too lazy. At night I've always locked it while I'm asleep though. I can't sleep if I'm thinking about the chance of waking to find someone hovering over me!! In Dubai I've locked it ever since my land lord walked right in while I was cooking!

114

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 16:02

I do, because my 14 year old neighbor keeps harassing us at every opportunity he gets and my worst fear is for him to have found his way in and harm myself or my children. Jeez Coffeebean, this sounds a bit intense!!? Harassing in what sense!? To the rest of you ladies - thank you for helping me prove my point to my friend :angel::biggrin: I still find it bizarre not having a house alarm in our apartment here, never mind not locking things - it was always a natural thing for my family to do when leaving the house or going to sleep! It's been an ongoing issue for a few years now (been neighbors for six years now). He goes out the minute we take our children out for their bike rides and follows us everywhere we go. The maid is more petrified of him than we are and doesn't do anything to stop him when he harasses us. Throwing stones at us, throwing pokey metal objects into our front yard, throwing garbage into our front yard, I could go on. Recently I was out with my daughter and upon hearing us he came out and stood very close talking loudly 'at' us. When he noticed we were ignoring him he kicked my daughter on her leg. That was the last straw and I chased him into his house only to find the maid standing by looking indifferent. He ran back upstairs and hid inside. All I did was speak sternly saying if he ever raised a finger at myself or my children I will call the police. I am assuming he told his parents what I said because they stopped saying hello ever since. Needless to say, we are moving once our lease finishes next year. Having said that, deep down I feel he is not mentally stable. All we hear most nights is fighting and breaking of objects. Disturbing really.

300

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 15:06

I always lock my door, especially after reading this: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/courts/police-net-gangs-over-dh15m-theft-spree

420

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:48

I do, because my 14 year old neighbor keeps harassing us at every opportunity he gets and my worst fear is for him to have found his way in and harm myself or my children. Jeez Coffeebean, this sounds a bit intense!!? Harassing in what sense!? To the rest of you ladies - thank you for helping me prove my point to my friend :angel::biggrin: I still find it bizarre not having a house alarm in our apartment here, never mind not locking things - it was always a natural thing for my family to do when leaving the house or going to sleep!

409

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:42

I Always lock the door and always lock the car. Why wouldn't you? Locks are there for our safety and security so use them! Dubai is relatively safe but i am sure there opportunist thefts or security issues that go un-reported.

469

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:37

I've always locked my doors here whether in or out, both at home and in the car, force of habit from living in the UK. I understand people's complacency to do it here, however, you should be aware, that if you were unfortunate that something did happen, your insurance would not cover you if there was no forced entry.

3220

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:25

I have lived here for 17 years. I have locked my home when Im home or leaving for 17 years. Numerous times people tried to open my door. Most probably by accident but at the end of the day I know I am safe and I know no one will take my valuables. It also keeps me on my toes for when I go on holidays or if I ever decide to go back to my home country I wont have to adapt as I have my routine and I am conscious of my surroundings.. I also lock my car. Always.

767

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:07

Of course you have to lock, there isn't any place that is 100 % safe, as someone else said you never know if there is an opportunist around.

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:06

No matter where I live I always lock my doors, even when I'm inside. It's the opportunists you've got to be watchful for!! Exactly.. This is my argument!! And even if there's security, there's no stopping another neighbour or their visitors having a sneak peak I can appreciate people feel more safe here perhaps, but come on! Suppose it's similar to the whole leaving the phone on the table at brunch or on an evening out, thinking it will still be there when you get back ha Did you read in the newspaper where that lady came home and some guy was asleep in her bed! Allegedly security had a copy of her key. She called the Police and they were there when she took the picture No didn't see that, will find the link!? Gosh, that would be one of my worst nightmares. How the heck would you react :\: Here you go http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/dubai-police-on-selfie-of-woman-with-thief-2015-05-27-1.592018 Thank you! Haha I like this "Newspapers said the woman took a selfie picture with the man sleeping on her bed and published it on her Facebook page after his arrest." Surely now the guy sleeping could sue her for taking his picture without consent :quite::biggrin: The Police were there and I believe aware of what she did :biggrin:

674

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 14:05

I don't care if it's considered safe here or not, I feel my personal safety comes first and it only takes ONE time for something awful to happen so why take that risk. I really am terrified at night, I know my kids father "forgets" to lock the door, despite the key being in it... Just to mess with me, I'm sure, and if a burglary should occur, I'm sure he'd just sleep through it. However, I have no habit of locking my car, and doubt I ever will. I don't want my kids getting stuck or something like that, messing with the locks. I've locked my keys in the car more than once. Theft is something different, if no one is in the car and it's unlocked I can deal with a theft (even if it is due to my own perceived stupidity/carelessness) better than if something happened to a person. Definitely lock your door when you're not inside! Why not, it takes two seconds or less

114

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:58

I do, because my 14 year old neighbor keeps harassing us at every opportunity he gets and my worst fear is for him to have found his way in and harm myself or my children.

420

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:41

No matter where I live I always lock my doors, even when I'm inside. It's the opportunists you've got to be watchful for!! Exactly.. This is my argument!! And even if there's security, there's no stopping another neighbour or their visitors having a sneak peak I can appreciate people feel more safe here perhaps, but come on! Suppose it's similar to the whole leaving the phone on the table at brunch or on an evening out, thinking it will still be there when you get back ha Did you read in the newspaper where that lady came home and some guy was asleep in her bed! Allegedly security had a copy of her key. She called the Police and they were there when she took the picture No didn't see that, will find the link!? Gosh, that would be one of my worst nightmares. How the heck would you react :\: Here you go http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/dubai-police-on-selfie-of-woman-with-thief-2015-05-27-1.592018 Thank you! Haha I like this "Newspapers said the woman took a selfie picture with the man sleeping on her bed and published it on her Facebook page after his arrest." Surely now the guy sleeping could sue her for taking his picture without consent :quite::biggrin:

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:25

No matter where I live I always lock my doors, even when I'm inside. It's the opportunists you've got to be watchful for!! Exactly.. This is my argument!! And even if there's security, there's no stopping another neighbour or their visitors having a sneak peak I can appreciate people feel more safe here perhaps, but come on! Suppose it's similar to the whole leaving the phone on the table at brunch or on an evening out, thinking it will still be there when you get back ha Did you read in the newspaper where that lady came home and some guy was asleep in her bed! Allegedly security had a copy of her key. She called the Police and they were there when she took the picture No didn't see that, will find the link!? Gosh, that would be one of my worst nightmares. How the heck would you react :\: Here you go http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/dubai-police-on-selfie-of-woman-with-thief-2015-05-27-1.592018

420

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:23

No matter where I live I always lock my doors, even when I'm inside. It's the opportunists you've got to be watchful for!! Exactly.. This is my argument!! And even if there's security, there's no stopping another neighbour or their visitors having a sneak peak I can appreciate people feel more safe here perhaps, but come on! Suppose it's similar to the whole leaving the phone on the table at brunch or on an evening out, thinking it will still be there when you get back ha Did you read in the newspaper where that lady came home and some guy was asleep in her bed! Allegedly security had a copy of her key. She called the Police and they were there when she took the picture No didn't see that, will find the link!? Gosh, that would be one of my worst nightmares. How the heck would you react :\:

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:19

No matter where I live I always lock my doors, even when I'm inside. It's the opportunists you've got to be watchful for!! Exactly.. This is my argument!! And even if there's security, there's no stopping another neighbour or their visitors having a sneak peak I can appreciate people feel more safe here perhaps, but come on! Suppose it's similar to the whole leaving the phone on the table at brunch or on an evening out, thinking it will still be there when you get back ha Did you read in the newspaper where that lady came home and some guy was asleep in her bed! Allegedly security had a copy of her key. She called the Police and they were there when she took the picture

420

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:18

I lock my door when I'm alone, if hubby or the maid are at home with me I don't :D We usually make sure it's locked before going to bed. But we've been living in the same apt for 12 yrs Yeah I do too when I'm alone. Growing up in the UK, it's a habit now!

420

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:17

No matter where I live I always lock my doors, even when I'm inside. It's the opportunists you've got to be watchful for!! Exactly.. This is my argument!! And even if there's security, there's no stopping another neighbour or their visitors having a sneak peak I can appreciate people feel more safe here perhaps, but come on! Suppose it's similar to the whole leaving the phone on the table at brunch or on an evening out, thinking it will still be there when you get back ha

904

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EW GURU

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 13:16

I lock my door when I'm alone, if hubby or the maid are at home with me I don't :D We usually make sure it's locked before going to bed. But we've been living in the same apt for 12 yrs

4393

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EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 12:53

No matter where I live I always lock my doors, even when I'm inside. It's the opportunists you've got to be watchful for!!

8965

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 22 July 2015 - 12:52

Currently having a debate about whether you should or shouldn't lock your door while living here in "safe" Dubai... They don't lock theirs, I do. It's the normal reaction to lock your home right? Or is my friend right to feel *as* safe? Their argument is that they have a secure building with security etc etc I would still lock my door. My neighbor had a very drunk lady stroll into her apartment not once but twice ( She had the wrong building)

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