Burglaries and squatting (okupas) worry many homeowners in Spain, especially in ground-floor flats, houses with gardens and second homes. The good news is you don’t need to turn your home into a prison to protect it. These are the steps we recommend.
1. Find the weak points
Burglars don’t always come in through the front door. They often look for a side window or a terrace door that makes things easier. Pay special attention to:
- Ground-floor windows and windows at the back or side.
- Sliding doors onto terraces and gardens.
- Balconies that can be reached from the street, a roof or a neighbouring terrace.
- Small windows in bathrooms, storerooms or utility rooms, which are often left unprotected.
2. Strengthen windows and doors without blocking the light
A physical barrier that makes getting in hard and slow is the best deterrent. Crimsafe security screens, made from 0.9 mm stainless steel with the Screw-Clamp® system and three-point locking, are designed to withstand impacts, crowbars and knife cuts, while letting in light, air and the view. They are made to measure for all kinds of doors and windows.
3. Make the house look lived in
- Empty the letterbox regularly, or ask a neighbour you trust to do it.
- Use timers for the lights when you’re away.
- Avoid posting on social media that you’re on holiday.
- If you have a second home, visit it or ask someone to check on it now and then.
4. Combine physical barriers with an alarm or cameras
An alarm or cameras tell you something is happening; a physical barrier makes getting in take time. They work much better together than on their own.
5. Start with the most vulnerable points
You don’t need to protect every door and window at once. Most of our customers start with the most vulnerable entry points and add more protection later, as their needs change.
Can we help?
Crim Defend is the exclusive Crimsafe licensee for Spain and Andorra. From our base in Arenys de Mar (Maresme), we visit your home, advise you on the weak points and prepare a no-obligation quote. Call or WhatsApp us on +34 711 088 439.
Written by Chris, Operations Director at Crim Defend. An electrician by trade, Chris worked on high-security prison projects in Australia before bringing Crimsafe to Spain.