Having 30 years experience of criminal investigation in UK and now having worked with the National Police for 15 years I can assure everyone that the crime level in Spain now is nowhere near what in was in UK in 1988 when I left there. The situtation is NOT dire in Spain, thats why I chose to live here.
Also, although of course pick-pocketing is an everyday event here, just like everywhere in the world, one is not beaten-up, and if one takes sufficient precautions you are unlikely to be a victim. Being careless and unguarded, in crowded places, contributes to one being a victim.
Of course if you are the victim it is one crime too many.
Also, it is well known fact that if a property has been broken into once and property stolen, it is more likely to be broken into again. Why? Because the thieves feel they know the property, how to get in and they were lucky the last time. So if you do have a break-in, it would be wise to increase the protection level.
This message was last edited by johnzx on 01/10/2012.