TigerMountain

My aunt's fridge freezer compartment was not freezing food as normal and the fridge itself was indicating a freezer fault on its thermostat display. I called Glen and after explaining the problem and answering his questions - he told me it was either the compressor or the fan with this particular make and model of fridge. He was completely upfront by stating that if the compressor was faulty - it was simply not economical to repair - based on the age of the fridge and we'd be better off buying a new fridge/freezer. He said he could come and check to confirm - but there would be a call-out fee of ?60. We took the gamble and agreed for him to come and check. Unfortunately - it turned out it was the compressor :-( at least we now know! Glen was friendly, honest and gave us some good tips about choosing a new fridge/freezer and also how to check it to ensure it's working properly after delivery. While we did not get the result we wanted - I would definitely call him again if we have any future problems and would recommend him to others too.

Really sorry to read about Ricktoomer. One more fairly inexpensive tip: Buy one or two "Beware of Dog" security signs/stickers. Preferably fairly large and with an image of a large, fearless and ferocious looking dog or dogs. Stick them at the front and back of your property where they will be clearly visible. It does not matter if your dog is the friendliest and cutest Chihuahua in the world - or you've got a cat, goldfish or hamster instead of a dog. Or like me - you don't actually own any pets at all. You are creating a simple illusion and again trying to deter a burglar from choosing to break into your property. Unless the burglar has been casing and watching your property for days beforehand - it's unlikely they will know that you don't actually have a big, ugly ferocious dog inside your home. For added effect: buy a large dog feeding bowl and big rubber bone - put them outside with some water in it. Somewhere visible and close to say your back/kitchen door. The birds, the squirrels and perhaps your neighbour's cat can have a free drink on you. Hope the police catch'em soon. In the meantime, "Keep'em peeled!" (showing my age with that one :-)

Hi all. Just wanted to contribute to this thread. There was another attempted burglary yesterday in East Dulwich. I have a relative that lives on Ashbourne Grove. The burglar tried to break open the front door, succeeded in breaking off the main lock - but was prevented from entering because of a secure top latch. However, he continued to try to jam his way in - but was disturbed by my relative who had heard him. The burglar then run off into the road and jumped into a car and sped off - assume someone was waiting for him in the car. This all happened around 5pm in the afternoon. The police were called. These low-lifes are determined and ruthless - preying on easy and vulnerable properties in the area. The police will tell you that the majority of break-ins are done by opportunists targeting properties that look empty and badly secured. You have to make it as hard as you can for them. Yes - if they want to really break-in to your property - they will. Now that the days are shorter and it gets dark so soon - you have to try to think like a burglar. Ask yourself - how would I break-in to my own home if I wanted to? Evaluate your home from the inside and out. Where and what are the weakest points? And what would deter or put you off? A burglar wants to be in and out quick. Spending time trying to force a lock and/or being exposed is bad for them. Here are some of my tips: 1. Check and double-check all your locks on your doors and windows. Replace any that are old or you think can't do the job. Find a reputable locksmith if you can't do it yourself. Yes I know I good lock is not cheap - but how much does your piece of mind and safety cost? Not to mention your personal possessions? 2. Leave lights on at night in the hall or landing - even when you are at home and have gone to bed. But especially when you go out in the evening and the house is empty. You can buy timer switches if you are going out or away for the weekend or longer. 3. Outside lighting is also a great deterrent. Both at the front and back of your property. Motion-sensitive flood-lights do not cost much these days and can easily be fitted. 4. Close your curtains in your front rooms in the evenings - it always amazes me the number of properties I sometimes walk past in the evenings and I can see straight into the front room and the nice large flat screen TV showing Eastenders or whatever. It's a naive and blatant advert to criminals! 5. If you have a driveway and you are going away on holiday this winter - why not ask a neighbour to use your drive every now again while you are away or even during the daytime if they are home and you are at work - especially if they have two or more cars. 6. Yep, if you can afford one - get an alarm and have CCTV fitted. Even a cheap dummy alarm box or camera is better than nothing. Again you want to sow a seed of doubt and hesitation into a burglar's or would-be burglar's mind. 7. If you buy any high-value electronic purchases - especially now that Xmas is coming - like a computer, laptop, Blu-Ray/DVD player, flat screen TV, etc - dispose of the packaging properly. Don't leave it outside your bins. Again you are advertising you've bought something nice and shiny and often easily portable. 8. If you have a laptop and/or a smart-phone - you can install free tracking software - so in the event of it being stolen you might have an opportunity to track it and help the police recover it. If you have an iPhone, use a PIN to lock it, set it to wipe the memory if it's entered incorrectly 10 times, make a note of it's IMIE code, type: *#06# on any mobile phone. Your carrier can then block the phone from being used in the UK. Yes there are (illegal) ways round this if you are "tech-savvy" but again you are making it hard for them. 9. Personally I would not keep a lot of cash in my home. That's why we have banks, debit and credit cards. Which can quickly and easily be cancelled and replaced. 10. Buy a security marker pen and mark all your easily portable electrical/electrical items with your house number and postcode. 11. When it comes to jewellery - if you have lots - don't keep it all in one box in the same room. Perhaps choose a few low-cost pieces you want to wear for a bit and put the rest away in a safety box in the loft or under a floorboard. I acknowledge it's not foolproof - but again you are making it harder and possibly longer for them to find. 12. Look out for your neighbour's property. And they will look out for yours. Especially if your neighbours are elderly and/or live by themselves. 13. On these forums and any others you may post too - be mindful of the information you post about yourself and your property and possessions - especially when seeking recommendations for work or home services. Never post your address in a open and public thread. There are other tips I could say - but I've probably bored or insulated most of you. Suffice to say there's no perfect solution - but I believe a spirit of neighbourly community and joint-vigilance is needed. Remember: you are part the overwhelming majority of decent, honest and law-abiding citizens. Don't let this small minority scare you. And lastly - don't have nightmares.