[pungyai]

We have just arrived in HK and are considering renting a "village house" near Sai Kung.

It all looks safe and peacful but I note that a lot of houses have bars iside the windows.

Is this really necesary? Are break-ins a problem?

Any advice greatfully received

Thanks

[JJexpat]

Look forward to other's responses on this...have a friend considering Clearwater Bay. My understanding is that it depends to some degree on how isolated the place is. But, I know a couple who have a house (!) on the Peak and they have four BIG dogs because there have been a few instances of supposedly cross-border muggins in the neighbourhood. TO me, Hong Kong in general is the safest place I have ever experienced but there is always risk.

As for bars, look around. These are all over, and even on the 26th floor. I am told that in general, this is about a sense of security, and keeping kids from falling out. Steel bars over my door--and most flats I've seen unless really upscale with excellent security. There must be something I am missing about the security thing here...on the other hand...maybe this is all part of creating the overall safety.

Interested to hear what you learn--please post!

Cheers-
John

[tangy13]

totally agree with jjexpat...besides if you look around a bit you might just find one with a caretaker and most of the houses have security systems or burglar alarms....there are also some apartments or house complexes with security you can even check them out...so far touchwood its been ok no such problems besides everyone has dogs...u might consider keeping one spca has many you can adopt too on the whle u will luv living in saikung...all the best !