No matter how good your security, a property is rarely impregnable, so you should never leave valuables in an unattended home unless they’re kept in a safe.
When moving into a new home it’s wise to replace the locks (or lock barrels), as soon as possible, as you have no idea how many keys are in circulation for the existing locks. This is true even for new homes. In any case, it’s advisable to change the external lock barrels regularly, e.g. annually, particularly if you let a home. If they aren’t already in place, consider fitting high security (double cylinder or dead bolt) locks. Most modern apartments are fitted with an armoured door ( puerta blindada) with individually numbered, high security locks with three sets of levers.
Doors should be armoured with steel; otherwise thieves will be able to force them open easily. In areas with a high risk of theft, your insurance company may insist on extra security measures such as two locks on external doors, internal locking shutters, and security bars or metal grilles ( rejas) on windows and patio doors on ground and lower floors, e.g. the first and second floors of high and low-rise buildings. A policy may specify that all forms of protection on doors must be employed when a property is unoccupied and that all other forms (e.g. shutters) must also be used after 10pm and when a property is left empty for two or more days.
Alarm systems
You may wish to have a security alarm fitted, which is a good way to deter thieves and may also reduce your insurance premium. It should include all external doors and windows, internal infra-red security beams, and may also include a coded entry keypad (which can be frequently changed and is useful for clients if you let) and 24-hour monitoring (with some systems it’s possible to monitor properties remotely via a computer from another country).
With a monitored system, when a sensor (e.g. smoke or forced entry) detects an emergency or a panic button is pushed, a signal is sent automatically to a 24-hour monitoring station. The person on duty telephones to check whether it’s a genuine alarm (a password must be given) and if he cannot contact you someone is sent to investigate. Some developments and urbanisations have security gates and are patrolled 24-hours a day by security guards, although they often have little influence on crime rates and may instil a false sense of security.
You can deter thieves by ensuring that your house is well lit at night and not conspicuously unoccupied. External security ‘motion detector’ lights (that switch on automatically when someone approaches); random timed switches for internal lights, radios and televisions; dummy security cameras and tapes that play barking dogs (etc.) triggered by a light or heat detector may all help deter burglars. In rural areas, it’s common for owners to fit two or three locks on external doors, alarm systems, grilles on doors and windows, window locks, security shutters and a safe for valuables. Security grilles must be heavy duty, as the bars on cheap grilles can be prised apart with a car jack.
Many people also wrap a chain around their patio security grille and secure it with a padlock when a property is unoccupied (although it might not withstand bolt-cutters). You can fit UPVC (toughened clear plastic) security windows and doors, which can survive an attack with a sledge-hammer without damage, and external steel security blinds (which can be electrically operated), although these are expensive. A dog can be useful to deter intruders, although it should be kept inside where it cannot be given poisoned food. Irrespective of whether you actually have a dog, a warning sign showing an image of a fierce dog may act as a deterrent. You should have the front door of an apartment fitted with a spy-hole and chain so that you can check the identity of visitors before opening the door. Remember, prevention is better than cure, as stolen possessions are rarely recovered.
Securing holiday homes in Spain
Holiday homes are particularly vulnerable to thieves, especially in rural areas, and are often ransacked. In isolated areas, thieves can strip a house bare at their leisure and an unmonitored alarm won’t be a deterrent if there’s no-one around to hear it. If you have a holiday home, it’s inadvisable to leave anything of real value (monetary or sentimental) there and to have full insurance for your belongings. One ‘foolproof’ way to protect a home when you’re away is to employ a house-sitter to look after it. This can be done for short periods or for six months (e.g. during the winter) or longer if you have a holiday home. It isn’t usually necessary to pay someone to house-sit for a period of six months or more, when you can usually find someone to do it in return for free accommodation. However, take care who you engage and obtain references.
An important aspect of home security is ensuring you have early warning of a fire, which is easily accomplished by installing smoke detectors. Battery-operated smoke detectors can be purchased for around e6 and should be tested periodically to ensure that the batteries aren’t exhausted. You can also fit an electric-powered gas detector that activates an alarm when a gas leak is detected.
When closing up a property for an extended period, e.g. over the winter, you should ensure that everything is switched off and that it’s secure. If you vacate your home for an extended period, you may also be obliged to notify a caretaker, landlord or insurance company, and to leave a key with a caretaker or landlord in case of emergencies.
There are many specialist home security companies who will inspect your home and offer free advice on security, although you should always shop around and obtain at least two quotations before having any work done.
This article is an extract from Buying a home in Spain. Click here to get a copy now.