Break-ins common in new builds?

I first posted this question in October, and the responses do not reassure me one bit. When you are looking for a property in Spain nobody mentions the probability (rather than possibility) of break in's on new developments.

The platitude "it happens everywhere" just does not make me feel any better. One of the main reasons I decided to buy a property and possible new life in Spain was to get away from crime in the UK. 

Now it seems I have to build a 'fortress in Spain' to keep my property, my family, and myself, safe. 

The stories being told here are quite worrying.  I am viewing it as a distinct advantage that my block in Mar y Sol is probably going to be the last block completed in this part of the development. In fact I think I will hold off completing as long as possible so as to maximise the number of occupied apartments in the Block.

When you think about it, it is easy pickings for the criminals - new build, low occupancy, people with cash to lodge in the bank to pay mortgage, utilites etc, in a state of europhia after taking over their new property, people not knowing who owns next door etc etc. 

While one should be security concious all the time, it does appear that the first 12 months is probably the real danger time.

Thanks JeanSis....I needed a bit of a laugh after reading some of the other posts here!

Unfortunately break-ins are very common.  So many empty properties with DVD players, TVs, etc.  One of the most common types we hear of is when people are moving into their properties, particularly when on holiday.  They leave doors and windows open whilst they're fetching things from the car and it only takes a few seconds for a thief to go in and take personal belongings.  This even happens on closed developments with security!

I suppose you just have to be very cautious all the time.  Sad but true.

Nice one JeansSis - there you were getting romanticised on New Years Eve in nothing but your T shirt.......Oy Oy!!

I am sure it was hilarious for you all (after getting over the shock of being brick scared). On the serious side though .... problem will be that if there is regularly a false alarm the alarm company stops taking it seriously. They just assume its another false one and dont make the call ...... sods law it will be the time someone is nipping out the back door with the family jewels.

Sent a reply to your PM by the way - did you get it?

RGds

Property break-ins in Spain are fairly common in my experience, due I believe to the way that new properties are build and sold. During the final build various tradesmen will need access to the property to complete building work, complete snagging lists etc.  Keys are NOT necessarily kept secure and are often duplicated.  So when you get the keys to your new property, it is not unusal that a lot of other people will also have a key as well.  Someone I know who did not change locks when they moved in found that someone had let themselves in (there was no sign of forced entry) and they took money, MP3 player and other small, high value items.  Obviously it was an opportunist but their task was made easier by them having the key to gain entry.

I could mention a number of stories where clients have asked me if its ok to leave windows / doors open???? 

All I would ask you to ask yourself is what do you do to secure property in the UK and take the same care with your home here in Spain.

 If I can assist please contact me.

Hi

The break-ins on your site, were the people in? im terrified of being broken into whilst being in as i have a young family. What type of alarm have you had fitted, silent or acoustic?

Thanks

Break-ins will be a fact of like where ever we live.  Common sense and good precautions will prevent the opportunist from getting in. 

When you complete on your new property get your snaggings completed and then get your front door lock changed before you put any belongings into your property.

When you complete on a re-sale have your front door lock changed as a matter of URGENCY. In both instances check all the external doors and windows to make sure that close and lock properly, that you do not have loose handles and latches, all weeknesses that thief will overcome to gain access.  

When you go out close all doors and windows. If you have a double lock on your front door use it.   If you have patio doors, have a good patio door lock fitted.  With all the locks and security of Fort Knox consider keeping a complete set of keys with a trusted friend, having made your home impregnable you will want to be able to get back in if the door closes behind you unexpectidly!!!

Changing locks is straight forward, but with a variety of locks on the markets getting the right one is important.  If I can help let me know and please do not be terrified.

Hi there

Thanks and any advice on locks or lock companies that come reccomended would be great. Sometimes it can take weeks to find the right service of any kind in a new place so any good companies that you are aware of regarding security would be great.

Thanks very much

Tina

Hi

Yes you are right and i know im probably worrying too much but the reason we are leaving with our kids is for a better safer lifestyle and i dont want our dreams to be shattered by this growing problem that i keep hearing about. Funny enough i used to live in Dubai, I worked at the Hilton Beach Club, i couldnt imagine anyone doing anything wrong there, the police were really scary.

Thanks i will try and stop worrying.

Tina

At the end of the day I find it a lot safer here then back in the UK. In Nottingham i was broken in to 4 times in 3 years and had 2 cars stollen, here nothing and i have been here for 4 years.

hi everyone

im a locksmith by trade,the balby locksmith centre in doncaster

im having a house built [one day] on the almanzora country club in almeria so if you have any question's or need any advice we would be happy to help.

keith

www.balbylocks.co.uk

balbylocksmiths@aol.com

Hope you havent tempted providence Toto - think the common view is that we are all at risk wherever we are in the world. Spain used to be a place that you could leave your back door open much like the UK but no longer. Rejas (grilles) are not there traditionally to keep out burglars - by tradition it was to protect the Spanish daughters from over amorous young men such as Zorro - oh no that was Mexico.

Rgds