We purchased a home in a well regarded north coast gated community about 6 months ago and paid what we thought was a premium because of the appearance of good security. Three days ago, this perception was shattered by 4 men welding guns and machetes who invaded our home. These people were brazen and apparently well informed. We had just purchased a portable safe last week and that was the first thing they went for.
But first, let me back up and explain how bold these people were. It was about 4pm when we heard a knock at the door. Four guys were there and asked (in good English) if we knew where someone lived who had called them about a construction job. Two of the men had large tool boxes so there didn't seem like anything was out of place. There's always some construction going on in the area. However, once the door was unlocked, they busted in and demanded we open our safe. The machetes came out of the tool boxes and the other two men withdrew pistols from underneath their clothes. It was a scary scene and all I could think was to give these guys what they wanted. I took them to the bedroom closet where the floor safe was and immediately a gun was put in my face. They told me to open it. However, there was a problem. A big problem. It wouldn't open. In my mind, I thought this was it. Death in paradise. But three of the men proceeded to pick the thing up and just carry it away back though the front door. The remaining guy snatched a few thousand pesos laying on the table and that was it.
We were angry and felt violated. But a day later, felt lucky to be alive and come through the experience unharmed. In fact, we laughed later upon reflecting that they stole an empty safe. Besides not opening under pressure, the damn thing wouldn't open after we got it home and our plan was to take it back to the hardware store the next day. Fate!
Our phone isn't working so after the incident I went to a neighbors house to call the police. These folks are long time residents and suggested that by doing so I might be adding to my problems. In fact, they stated the police could be in on it. Given that it was unlikely I'd recover our cash anyway and didn't want the safe back, I decided to "let sleeping dogs lay."
Who 'dunnit?' Was the maid in on it, the gardner, the sales person at the hardware store? I don't know but for sure we'll never keep anything of value in the house again.
Has anyone on the board had a similar experience? Where do most people keep their important documents, jewelry and such? I asked our bank (Banco Reservas) for a safe deposit box but they didn't have any available. Any suggestions?
But first, let me back up and explain how bold these people were. It was about 4pm when we heard a knock at the door. Four guys were there and asked (in good English) if we knew where someone lived who had called them about a construction job. Two of the men had large tool boxes so there didn't seem like anything was out of place. There's always some construction going on in the area. However, once the door was unlocked, they busted in and demanded we open our safe. The machetes came out of the tool boxes and the other two men withdrew pistols from underneath their clothes. It was a scary scene and all I could think was to give these guys what they wanted. I took them to the bedroom closet where the floor safe was and immediately a gun was put in my face. They told me to open it. However, there was a problem. A big problem. It wouldn't open. In my mind, I thought this was it. Death in paradise. But three of the men proceeded to pick the thing up and just carry it away back though the front door. The remaining guy snatched a few thousand pesos laying on the table and that was it.
We were angry and felt violated. But a day later, felt lucky to be alive and come through the experience unharmed. In fact, we laughed later upon reflecting that they stole an empty safe. Besides not opening under pressure, the damn thing wouldn't open after we got it home and our plan was to take it back to the hardware store the next day. Fate!
Our phone isn't working so after the incident I went to a neighbors house to call the police. These folks are long time residents and suggested that by doing so I might be adding to my problems. In fact, they stated the police could be in on it. Given that it was unlikely I'd recover our cash anyway and didn't want the safe back, I decided to "let sleeping dogs lay."
Who 'dunnit?' Was the maid in on it, the gardner, the sales person at the hardware store? I don't know but for sure we'll never keep anything of value in the house again.
Has anyone on the board had a similar experience? Where do most people keep their important documents, jewelry and such? I asked our bank (Banco Reservas) for a safe deposit box but they didn't have any available. Any suggestions?