Santa Elena, Ecuador, Home Invasion

Anyone living in or visiting beach homes in the Santa Elena region need to be extra vigilant when it comes to home security.

Last saturday in Ballenita, Santa Elena, a beach residence was stormed by armed assailants. They stormed the front door and came over the walls of the residence where most of the guests were poolside. The owner of the home was hit in the head by one of the assailants when he resisted. The event took about fifteen minutes and cellphones, wallets, purses, and even shoes were stolen.

On February 5, 2011, there was another home invasion at Punta Cuatro, of a family visiting the area. The assailants were also armed and the robbery took about fifteen minutes.

Police told Eluniverso.com most of the thefts of homes are in the Bellinita and Punto Blanca areas. In January and February of 2011 there have been 112 crime complaints up about 5% according to authorities.

You will notice in the newspaper article that the victims only provide first names or no names at all. Criminal act with such impunity that the victims fear reprisal. It is imperative if you are renting or looking at purchasing property in beach areas that you make sure the residence is as secure as possible. Make sure doors have heavy duty hinges and there are bars on the windows. While dogs may appear to be good security, they often will be poisoned or distracted by other means. Read Article
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