crime

All Spanish houses are built with bars on the windows google the old villages in the mountains & you will see. Where I live there have been break ins but NO reports of people being bound & gagged! There is no more crime in Spain than other country & certainly no worse than in the Uk! What crime there is becomes more newsworthy because it’s a rare event over here. Be realistic no country on the world is crime free.

If you go to the North of Spain Asturias region you will find very few villages with bars at the Windows other than for decorative purposes am not saying they do not have crime but nothing like the southern parts of Spain.

The reason for rejas is that during hot weather you can leave windows open without it looking like an open invitation to humans or dogs to come in.

Hi Mark & Jen

We have a holiday villa in Lo Pagan not far from LA and have to say while we feel safe over there, you can`t deny there are "opportunists" and you have to be on your guard.

Unfortunately we have had 2 attempted break ins in the last 18 months or so, thankfully the security system worked and the boys quickly jumped back over the fence and disappeared before the Police arrived. (There are warning signs in Spanish so that might give you a clue).

We have since added the security grilles for additional peace of mind and certainly use the alarm system when we leave or go to bed.

We think there are worse places to live but it makes sense to be aware wherever you are...

Don't be careless and you will be all right.   Nobody is allowed on your property without your permission - even the police cannot enter without an invitation or a warrant.  Lock your car - don't leave bags in view. Same as the UK, really.  I lived in Hartlepool where every house in my street had been done except mine - might have had something to do with our German Shepherd. 

There are however,  lots of con men - the "deaf and dumb" with a clipboard asking for names and addresses is a common one we see here - these guys are distracting you while their mate dips your wallet - even if they don't get that, then they sell the email address and phone number you give them to spammers.  Watch your PIN number security in supermarkets.  Watch out for people with maps looking for help - they use the map to hide their hands.  Also "gas inspectors" - fake .. also "collecting money for "charities" - there are no Spanish charities collecting door to door - they have specific fund raising events.   The charities here are run by expat Brits for cancer support and animal rescue - these are worthwhile drops for your spare change.   Like any country - be aware  -  but don't let the stories put you off - Spain is a marvellous place to live.  

Hi Mark & Jen

We have bought and moved into a modern villa this February in Torre del Rame area, no bars on windows hear and the place feels really safe, however that said it doesn’t pay to be complacent, there’s always someone wants what is yours and that applies in any country 

Take the plunge you won’t regret it

Mike

House insurance demands that all properties have window guards even if its up higher.they will not insure you otherwise. This has been the case for years. It can be a bit of a culture shock the first time you encounter it when purchasing a property. If you have a place in mind ask people living in the area, you will meet many expats who will give you their views, but as someone replied, there is crime home and away.

Sorry, but that is NOT the case. Please stop providing totally misleading information!

Referring to the post that insurers insist on window guards. Total b***ocks!