Security and villa rental

[LizzieLongdrops]

Hi, I'm new to the forum, but have been using your great site to learn about Tobago before my trip. It's wonderfully informative, thank you.
My question is one that's started to niggle, so I thought I'd join the forum and get some first hand advice. I trust I'm a sensible and sensitive visitor. I don't feel worried about the security issues discussed, re personal safety, but am a bit disconcerted about the constant mention of security guards around villas and don't want to be naive about the potential risks. So, my question is, does it matter if I rent a villa that does not mention any special protection measures or is this a good sign?
I want to rent a property in the North west, because it is more remote. There is no mention of security measures in the one i'm interested in. Is this a reflection of being in a safe area, or should I be concerned? I'm travelling in late July, which I gather is out of the main tourist season.
lizzielongdrops

[Paul Tallet]

Hi LizzieLongDrops

I am replying to this because I am attracted to your interesting name

But you are very welcome ...

Other than that I can only say that, logically, villas tend to require additional security because they are often set in their own grounds and are set apart from other properties.

As a consequence, unlike resorts, it is sometimes more difficult to convey your alarm if in a crisis, whatever it may be.

Regards

[LizzieLongdrops]

Thanks Paul, that makes sense. I think we will be near enough to other places to be heard, if we shout, but hopefully we won't have to
It's also a matter of perspective, I think. Looking at so many properties where the issue of security is flagged up gets you becoming a little paranoid.
Have been looking at snorkelling sites so am feeling decidedly more shilled out.
lizzielongdrops

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Lizzie

Welcome aboard!

There is no single easy answer to the points you raise. One would need to know the exact location of a property, plus it's architectural style and other factors, before offering any opinion on whether security would be advisable. Clearly, as anywhere in the world, some locations/buildings are more at risk than others.

Rental villas are trying to attract business. An increasingly large percentage of their potential customers live in secure compounds in or around large cities and expect security guards and the like as a matter of course. This is particularly the case if the property wants to attract Trinidadian holidaymakers. The domestic market contributes far more to the Tobagonian tourism market than the overseas market. Trinidad is a violent crime-ridden country and high security of homes is mandatory. So, when looking for a holiday home, Trinis naturally expect all these facilities as standard. It isn't necessarily a question of necessity.

[Andy K]

Lizzy,

I agree to Steve' statement to some extend (i live in Trinidad
I personally would want to see burglar proofing bars behind windows and doors, and possibly
an alarm system to avoid unwanted visitors during my absence and at night.
Security guards sometimes contribute to the problem and i would rather do without them at a
private villa, unless as a vehicular patrol for the area.

Have a safe trip,

Andy

[LizzieLongdrops]

Hmm, not sure how reassured I feel about this now. I'm not at all used to the idea of gated communities, so the idea of living under such expectations is a hard one to get my head round. I am taking a bit of a 'fingers crossed' approach to some extent, I think, because it's all so unknown. I have chosen a place recommended from this site, and there are no reviews of security issues, so let's hope that continues to be the case. Thanks for your feedback.
lizzielongdrops
(ps for shilled, read chilled!)

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Lizzie

I think you possibly misunderstand. Gated communities are the exception, not the rule, on Tobago. The vast majority of rental property (apartments and/or houses/villas) are NOT on gated communities.

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Lizzie

We stay in houses and villas whenever we visit - never on a complex.

A few of our previous accomodations have included night security guards, but it's not something that is a 'must have' as far as we are concerned. If the place has a security patrol / guard, then so be it.

Having said that - the only time we've stayed at a small hotel type establishment, one of the fellow guests had some jewelry go missing. The female security guard's boyfriend was later apprehended and charged

I'm sure you'll have a safe and pleasant trip.

Steve

[Bobby]

I apologize for posting in this older thread, but we are planning to be there in December and have rented a villa in Bacolet. I was told that there is an alarm system, but no security guard. Is this an area that is prone to crime at night (nore so than in other areas)?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Bobby

Welcome to the forum!

Bacolet is an up-market residential area. In my opinion it is no more prone to crime than any other similar environments. In other words, it is not an area that I would consider risky personally and I would certainly be happy to stay there myself.

Have a wonderful holiday. I'm sure you will.

[Bobby]

Thanks for the quick response, Steve, and thanks for the welcome! There seems to be some really good information on this board. I forgot to ask what the drive will be like from Bacolet to Speyside to go diving. I chose Bacolet because it seemed to be one of the closer areas to Speyside that had rental villas. In Speyside it seems that only hotel type lodging is available.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Bobby

You are quite right - Bacolet would be the first area to have any 'quality' rental accommodation along that section of the Atlantic coast. I've never timed myself along that stretch of road, but I would guess 30-40 minutes from Bacolet to Speyside. It all depends upon how fast you drive and what you get stuck behind!!!! At least you will be on the right side of Scarborough, where traffic can makes journies something of a nightmare at times.

[Bobby]

Thank you, Steve. I'm looking forward to our vacation.