Home Security in Italy

So far I have found that Italians are serious about their home security. They have these really thick security doors (I have yet to see someone not have one of these...) With a big key (picture an antique key) that when turned about three times puts out multiple bolts. The door knob on the outside is not even functional, you have to have a key to open the door even when it's not locked. So don't forget your keys when you take the trash out!

Then there are the windows. They always have shutters or security blinds. The security blinds are pretty easy to use, you pull that little rope to the side of the window up or down. I do worry a little about little people getting their fingers caught, but so far it hasn't happened. The blinds are awesome because they block out pretty much all the light, making it easy to sleep in or take a nap, not sure how I'm ever going to be able to go back to wimpy American blinds.

Most places also have a fence that you have to have a key to to get in and then a locked door into the apartment building. So when someone comes over I have to "buzz them in". When they rind the buzzer I simply pick up my little phone and look at my little TV to see who it is and decide if I want to let them in or not. Nifty eh? It's like living in a big city.

Even with all this there are still sometimes break ins. "Gypsies" are well known for stealing, but I'll save that for another post. Just be sure you get renters insurance and lock your door.