Security and intrusions in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez

As natives of the region, this topic came to us, primarily due to the fears of our travelers and the occurrence of incidents among some of our clients.

Let's be clear: the Gulf of Saint-Tropez is not a region where insecurity reigns, but spectacular thefts often make the headlines. The recent burglary at the home of German influencers is a perfect illustration of this.

Our travelers are very sensitive to this issue. They need to feel safe in the property they rent for their vacation. They are demanding in this regard and often make complaints about it.

And often, there's a disconnect with the owners, who aren't very concerned about this... and for whom it doesn't bother them (often rightly so) to leave a gate open or even the gate at the bottom of the garden.

Whether the risk exists or not, if you're considering renting out your home, you must take this concern into account and, at a minimum, ensure that all doors and gates can be locked.

None of our travelers have experienced any thefts since the agency opened five years ago. However, we have occasionally heard of break-ins in neighboring residences, and one of our clients has been visited several times.

According to the police, the majority of these crimes occur during the day. For example, while everyone is at the pool, thieves enter through a room that's been left open, looking for valuables. Their target is simple: foreign tourists who may have cash and jewelry. They're no longer interested in electronic devices; they could be tracked.

Some groups operate more at night. They target out-of-the-way houses that offer multiple exits and a quick escape route. Often, houses offer a clear view of the property from the outside, its exits, and the presence of the owners.

We have implemented various levels of security for our clients, and here is a non-exhaustive list.

Assessment

You know your house, and it's important to identify its flaws and weaknesses and implement corrective measures.

Change the locks

It's very common for us to have to change locks. After years of not locking a door, or just after becoming the owner, keys get lost. For large houses, this also allows for reducing the number of keys and making daily life easier.

Landscaping

A hedge or wall that obscures the view and makes access difficult. We particularly like the double hedge concept. Thieves, after passing through one barrier, find themselves faced with a second. How can you know what other security systems exist? How can you find a way out if you can't see anything from the outside?

Shutters and gates

An effective and deterrent solution. As long as you close them...

Smart camera and video surveillance

They reassure, deter, allow you to alert the authorities, and provide evidence after the fact. Two points to be aware of:

• Airbnb does not accept indoor cameras, and you must always warn guests about those located outside.

• Discovering that your home has been visited and seeing the intruders in action can have significant psychological effects and reinforce the feeling of insecurity.

You should also make sure you hear notifications at all times.

Alarm system

This remains a favorite solution for guests and tenants. It is not always very restrictive to set up. The installation cost varies depending on the provider.

We tested three systems:

• Orange Security, which we quickly replaced because it was not a good deterrent and its solutions were not very personalized (even though the offerings are apparently expanding).

• Verisure, which has its flaws but offers a wide range of solutions.

• Installation via a security company of an independent system (expensive, customized, but beware of obsolescence).

Security Company

Some of our clients opt for a security service that comes out every night, for example. Very effective but very expensive.

Warning

We'll conclude with a simple but mandatory measure: Beware! Every spring, we see charlatans offering to come in and give quotes for cleaning facades or roofs. At best, you'll have someone come and spray your facade with cheap bleach; at worst, you'll give them the opportunity to do some reconnaissance.

In conclusion, the question of home security, whether legitimate or not, must be addressed. To ensure the well-being of your tenants, or simply your own.

Mojave is available to assist you with this matter.