Break-ins common in new builds?

This message was last edited by JeansSis on 5/16/2007.

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This message was last edited by san miguel on 3/19/2007.

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All that I have read so far is very disturbing. 
I understand where San Miguel is coming from, I am also in the process of purchasing a property on the same developement as him.  I too, asked questions before considering the purchase and felt that I had done my homework.  Nothing of this nature was forthcoming.
I appreciate that normal security precautions should be adhered to, but JeansSis, please do not be offended, but you sound like you live in a prison!!!  The area you have your holiday home is a beautiful place and it is such a shame that you have to take all these precautions - just to nip out for milk!
Ok, in the UK, if I nip out, I put the alarm on and lock entrance doors, but can leave the windows open if warm (not too often then, with UK weather - I hear you say).  But I do not have grills on my windows and doors, nor have padlocks on my garage or gates.  I can even leave my car unlocked on my drive way. 
I often leave the patio doors open (for the dog) and go for a shower.
The UK doesnt sound so bad after all.  I live on the outskirts of Manchester, and we have crime, of which I am fortunate enough not to have experienced.  But nothing like what is being discribed here.
This thread seems to inform that it is not just a possibility of being broken into, but that I definitely will be.
I am beginning to regret my purchase and perhaps I should have invested elsewhere.  I have been to many 3rd world countries and never felt it necessary to apply this level of security.
 Shame on Spain.

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This message was last edited by JeansSis on 5/16/2007.

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This message was last edited by san miguel on 3/19/2007.

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Hi Brian - sent you an e-mail.

JeansSis,  I take your point and really do appreciate your advice.   

Cheers

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This message was last edited by JeansSis on 5/16/2007.

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Cripes Jeans Sis, if I find any of those signs outside my door I really am going to be panicking now! - while rushing for a pen to change it to the 'do not rob' sign!!! Is that right then - they really do leave signs like the ones described?

San Miguel, I don't think anyone wants to put you off at all - I for one would move lock, stock & barrel over there if I could & am always looking forward to, or planning, my next visit. However, it does pay to be aware of the potential problems & try to minimise the risks. I wouldn't dream of having grilles fitted on my windows in the UK - but they would be a darn sight harder to remove than the windows in my house in Spain. It's just a different set of circumstances.

I hope you really enjoy your new property & 'live the dream' as you put it & don't let the possibility of burglars stop you from doing anything. We haven't been burgled (touch wood!) but quite a few of our neighbours have, which is why we have security measures. Am told now that there are security guards patrolling our dev which can only be good. Just be aware of the precautions you might have to take & enjoy yourself.

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This message was last edited by JeansSis on 5/16/2007.

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Unfortunately this is a problem everywhere.  You only have to look around where we live and you will see hundreds of properties with their shutters down.  All holiday homes with TVs, DVD players, etc inside them.  It's like squatters heaven and at the same time so tempting for thieves.

At the end of the day you can only take whatever precautions you can.  We have never been broken into oursleves....now I hope I'm not tempting fate saying that, but it is a concern for all.

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Hi Janice,

Firstly, many thanks for the info you have PM'd me.  This is very much appreciated.

I would dearly love for you to be my next door neighbour in Spain or indeed in UK, I would certainly sleep better at night, and feel at easy to nip out for the proverbial milk!  You have been an inspirational source of information in all the posts you have on this site, and I have gained mammoth knowledge from you, along with others.  Please allow me to say thankyou and long may you all continue to nurture us newbies.  Which I also hope to do in the future.

This thread is just that - Property Crime - and it will get a response from people who have been a victim or who know a victim.  That is why there are more negative responses than positive ones.   But some of the responses can be scarey!

My reason for buying a property in Spain is to "test the water" before retirement and relocation.   I have never even taken a holiday in Spain!  but because I researched and believe that Spain is a proud, honest and decent nation, with little violent crime in comparison to the UK, this persuaded me to part with my hard earned money, and also take out another mortgage  (Isn't Smiley a nice chap?).  The cheap flights also swayed me!

Had I known of EOS and if San Miguel had started this thread prior to my purchase, then I would not have even considered buying property in Spain.  This begs the question - how many have read this and been put off investing in the Spanish property market - hence what effect does that have on the investment of property owners in Spain.

I agree that holiday homes are a squatters paradise, but the UK has holiday homes too, usually in very remote rural places or on the coast - and I suspect that quite a few have been broken into over the years, but not many have grills, padlocks etc.   There again, perhaps the UK thief is not as persistant as the Spanish thief.

Who are these people in Spain who dare to violate your property, space and sense of well being?  Are they being caught? What happens to them if caught?  Why are private security companies becoming a neccessity.  I now know what kind of business I may get involved in - Big bucks to be made.   The UK, not property crime free by any means, and yes our wonderful Police force do get a bad press - but the intelligence colated does eventually get to the source of the problem and government legislation allowing (I knew they was another reason for relocating), problems are resolved.  No - I am not employed, nor related to anyone employed by the Police.

There have been holiday homes in Spain for such a long time - why hasn't there been a resolution to this kind of problem?  If I have to pay community fees, along with other taxes, what am I going to see for my money?

Of Course, I hope that no-one else ever gets broken into, and I will also pay out for all the security measures recommended, but in hindsight, I wish now that I had invested in a property in the UK and within a reasonable time/distance from my home.  I will certainly be very anxious when I board my flight to come home from Spain.

One more thing - does Spanish law allow me, my husband or family to 'tackle' the scum who dare to rob me.  We all have our black belts!!!!

 

 

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Hi Ellemum, I totally understand where you are coming from - just having been burgled here in the UAE! - but don't be put off buying in Spain! At the end of the day, we're all targets and just have to ensure that we protect what is ours. Unfortunately, we are a bit of "sitting ducks" in new developments anywhere in the "Costas" of Spain, because thieves target wherever is most vulnerable - but that happens anywhere. Can you imagine what it's like for these no-hopers? They see a new build and think "okay, we're in there! Loads of empty properties, people out sun bathing in the front garden while we can enter through the back garden"????? Happens as much in Berkshire as is does in the Costa "Blanca"! Believe me, I have friends in Berkshire who can testify to that!!! Common sense prevails.

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Good Lord, I'm glad we chose the campo. No grills at the windows or doors. No problem with leaving the door wide open and taking a half hour walk around
the land. To be honest we've even gone out for the night thinking the other has locked the door,  only to come home and find it unlocked!
Yes there have been problems here, but it usually happens around olive picking time, it's not the locals. The only time we had a problem (pre resident) it
turned out to be our English neighbour!  Many other people had trouble with them too. Needles to say, they are no longer in this neighbourhood!
The Urbs are great. Mains electric, water etc. You even have the post delivered to your door. Not so on the campo. Solar power, rain water collected in the
cisterna (please Got let in rain!) visit the post office to get your post. Where does the gas man goes when you need him?
I would'nt swap it for the world. (a bath maybe, but not the world!)
Fiona

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This message was last edited by JeansSis on 5/16/2007.

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If a spanish person was planning on moving to the UK and they researched crime here... murder, rape, paedophiles, drink drivers etc lets face it they would probably never come, so in comparison im sure that Spain is alot safer but its the whole new build problem that scares me because OBVIOUSLY we are moving into a NEW BUILD and im actually now expecting it to happen. Its a real shame, .....people have dreams and work so hard to get them as we have and these ruthless snakes can make you lose confidence in those dreams.

 

 

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Sometimes we worry about things that might not happen, I think as long as we do everything possible to try and prevent breakins happening, then we have done all we can, I was going to ask the question were a lot of these people immigrants so you have answered that Jan Thanks.  It was a shock to me when I had to have a grill fixed on to the front door  but you get used to it. Where in England do you see the Guardia seeing children accross the road when they go home and they know the children by name. No lollipop Ladies or men their.    We Live in a safe area in England we can leave doors and windows open and not worry about it. So the moral of the story is as everyone says is to be aware.  We have some people near us in Spain that have done stupid things leaving money in cars and doors wide open while they go out,   which you would not do in England but you live and learn. We are quite lucky as we have people that live round us all the year so I think that helps as well. So all you can do is see how it plans out.  Good luck everyone and do not worry to much just enjoy Spain Pat

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Bloody hell, I've just read the last several posts on this thread and it makes pretty depressing reading. I wasn't going to comment, because it seems enough has been said, and any more negative comments from me will just confirm suspicions that I'm a miserable & cynical old git, but then....

To Ellemum & San Miguel, I would just like to say that these things do go on here, but probably no more & no less than pretty much anywhere else in the world. (Even UAE, Pitby? Don't they chop their hands off if they get caught there?) Tinasolera makes a good point about anyone thinking of moving to Britain and reading about the crime there. The same rules apply everywhere - be vigilant, take all possible precautions etc., especially if you feel you are in a particularly vunerable area, and I really hope that all of you will avoid becoming a victim and will be able to enjoy your property to the full.

It would appear from this thread that these problems are particularly inherent on (although obviously not exclusive to) large, new urbanisations. Anyone who has followed my rantings will no doubt have guessed that I'm no great fan of these places. Questionable building licences, endless problems getting utilities connected and roads finished, local authorities that don't give a toss, general lack of local infrastructure....I'm sure they look great in the brochure, they seem excellent value for money, and you get beautiful landscaped gardens & pools, but invariably in the middle of nowhere. My advice to anyone not yet committed would be to consider buying somewhere more established - there are still new builds/ off-plan opportunities in the better known towns & resorts along the coasts, plus of course loads of re-sales, and the difference is you will be more likely to find yourself a property in an area that is more inhabited year round. I realise that the criteria for a holiday home is different from that of a year round residence, but you can still have a very nice holiday home in an established location, where Spanish people live and holiday. I get the impression (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that the urbanisations discussed here have a very high percentage of foreign ownership, and unfortunatley I suspect that this in itself attracts some of this undesirable attention, in just the same way as foreign registered cars are often targeted by a certain type of lowlife. 

Finally, with regards to "tackling the scum", I must say that I strongly disagree with JeanSis. (No offence meant, Janice, just my opinion). Whatever the fuzz may say, this ain't no banana republic where you can take the law into your own hands, any more than you would in the UK. Remember, Spain is a member of the same EU as Britain, and the "scum" here are just as aware of their stupid "human rights" as any else. Furthermore, it may be true that the Guardia have "had their bellyfull of these Moroccans", but don't be fooled into thinking that they make much distinction between different breeds of extranjeros (johnny foreigner). If it's you against a Spaniard, I know who my money will be on. Sorry, but that's just the way I see it. I urge anybody who is tempted to push anyone off their solarium to think twice. I have a friend (Scandinavian) who as president of the community was asked by neighbours to do something about some kids who had climbed over a wall to make use of the pool. He appraoched them, told them they were trespassing, and asked them to leave. He made the mistake of leading one of them by the arm towards the exit. A couple of hours later the kid returned with his parents, who had called the police and accused my friend of beating up their son. Despite plenty of witnesses to what actually happened, (and the obvious fact of trespassing), my friend endured a night in a police cell before finally being cleared. This is a true story. Please, protect your property the best you can, but be careful.

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Hey I have got it now!

Theives take note

I will not have a TV, DVD, CD player, PC in my property.  I prefer the quiet life and good conversation.  Always hated the mobile phone anyway.  Camera?  Memories are just fine.

I will not wear any jewelry.  I do not need baubles to please me (can't afford anyway after paying for security measures)

No cash.  Credit / debit cards securely and discreetly taped to a part of my anatomy that only my husband or doctor shall see.  No money - no worries.  Will also lose those extra pounds I have put on cos I will not be eating so much, but with all the orange, lemon, almond and olives surrounding me - I will be so healthy. 

Clothes - fine if you need them more than I do and they fit you - have them, from the airer please - freshly laundered.  There is a name for people like you!

The car will be hired - so be it - hassle maybe - but no real loss to me!

One thing though - there will be a baseball bat in every room.  And I will not be afraid to use it.  As for my husband - please do not cross him, he is a very nice man - until riled.  Oh almost forgot - my dog - very well trained, obeys commands and has very large sharp teeth.

See - sorted!!!

 

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This message was last edited by JeansSis on 5/16/2007.

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Ellemum, I think (& hope) you are joking. Please read the last paragraph of my last post (below). This is no joking matter. I am really worried that somebody might actually believe that taking the law (and a baseball bat) into your own hands is "the norm" here. IT IS NOT.  Nobody wants to be a victim of any crime, but trust me, you most certainly don't want to end up on the wrong side of the law yourself. Be vigilant, be careful, but please BE SENSIBLE.

(Or at the very least, don't get caught    )

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