Home alarm installation Costa Blanca, is it necessary?
In this post we will explain why home alarm installation is important for home security on the Costa Blanca. Many people living on the Costa Blanca here in Spain are considering installing a home or business alarm or CCTV to improve their security.
Recently we visited a new client who had their home broken into when they were away on holiday. We were doing a survey of the property to establish where to install the alarm system. The Police happened to be present at the same time, and we were chatting to them about the various options for improving home security here on the Costa Blanca. They said that many people, especially non native Spanish residents, get pressured into getting a home alarm installed by one of the big expensive home security companies. We offer more competitively priced home security solutions for your home, garage or business.
Best Security Home alarm installation Costa Blanca
According to the police, they are well aware that many people cannot afford an expensive monthly subscription for an alarm or CCTV system on the Costa Blanca. They suggested the best way to secure your home or business, is to have an alarm system installed according to your budget. Like the alarm systems we install, you only pay once for the alarm and installation. We will also make sure that the system we install will suit your budget.
Recently there has been an upsurge of break-ins and robberies in houses, garages as well business premises. For this reason and for peace of mind, we do recommend installing an alarm system and also CCTV. The police have reiterated to us that the best way to secure a prosecution is if you have actually captured footage of the burglar. A potential criminal will often be put off from breaking into a property if they see CCTV cameras. If you opt for our monthly subscription service, you can have the peace of mind that all your CCTV is being monitored 24 hours a day. If there is a security breach, we will contact you. If you inform us that it is a security breach, we will advise the police and they will come and check your property. It is vital that this happens, as you have 48 hours to inform the police if your home has been squatted. That is the time limit before it takes lengthly, expensive legal action to remove them from your property
There are also numerous alarm and CCTV systems that are connected to your mobile, Ipad or computer. You will get a notification to your mobile if an alarm has triggered. This is the same with CCTV, if you have set it up, you will also get a notification that there is movement in your property. We are able to install, from a simple single alarm for a studio or garage, to a multi zone house or business alarm and CCTV system.
Another important reason to have an alarm and security cameras installed is to prevent squatting
“Reclaiming one’s home after a squatter has been evicted is a very unpleasant experience. To aviod this, immediately report an unwanted entry into your home. But the smart thing to do is to prevent the squatting”.
How many cases of illegal squatting are there in Spain?
Squatting is a real problem in Spain. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE, Ministry of the Interior), the number of reports of squatting has steadily increased in recent years:
- 2016: 9,998
- 2017: 10,619
- 2018: 12,214
- 2019: 14,621
- 2020: The data is only for the first half of the year and is 7,450 (extrapolated to a year, it would be about 14,900 cases).
In other words, there are approximately 41 reports of squatting per day across Spain, with Catalonia and Madrid being the worst for home invasions.
In 2017, the Cerdá Institute published a report estimating the number of squatted homes in Spain to be around 87,000, and rose to 100,000 in 2018.
What kind of houses are the squatters targeting?
The targets of squatters are both private houses and houses owned by banks and real estate agents.
Properties owned by private individuals, one finds a wide range of squatted dwellings:
- Main residences (primary residences) and secondary residences. Houses for rent. New buildings that are about to be delivered.
- Properties in urban and also rural areas, but especially in big cities and coastal areas, where many of the houses are second homes that are empty most of the year.
- Modest houses up to luxury villas.
How can you prevent squatters from breaking into your house?
1. Keep your house occupied
keeping your house occupied is undoubtedly one of the most effective measures against squatting. If the property is not occupied, for example you go back home to the country you emigrated from like may expats do. There are two options:
You can consider renting it out whist you are abroad. Make the house look occupied. Get a friend or neighbour to come around regularly. Keep the house clean, taking care of the gardening, opening the shutters and switching on the lights…
It is also advisable to consider the following:
If you want to sell or rent the property, it is not advisable to put up posters. This could indicate that the property is unoccupied. Only tell people you trust that the house is empty. Don’t post all your movements on social media, as this information can be extremely valuable to squatters and thieves.
2. Physical means of reinforcing your home
A high-quality security lock is one of the most important ways to prevent squatting, as it makes it much more difficult for squatters to get in. Nowadays, there are also so-called smart locks that only open the door digitally and cannot be forced open. Reinforced doors are also highly recommended, as a good lock is of little use if the door can be opened with a simple kick. Reinforced windows of medium or high security. The bars on the windows are not very aesthetic, but they are useful especially on the ground floor and first floor when access is easy.
3. Home alarm installation Costa Blanca
As we have described in other posts, alarm systems are already a deterrent against intruders, whether burglars or squatters.
Alarm systems that are connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre are especially recommended for the specific case of squatters. If there is a breaking, it will be detected by activating the security protocol. In this way, police will be informe immediately and the eviction will be carried out to avoid the occupation.
Alarm systems linked to an alarm receiving centre include elements such as:
Video cameras and video detectors connected to the Alarm Receiving Centre and sometimes to the owner’s mobile phone. If there are signs of intrusion, the camera starts recording and sends an alert. Some security systems allow control not only the alarm but also of other elements of the home via an application on the mobile phone. For example, turning lights on and off, opening and closing blinds or curtains…
Home alarm installation Costa Blanca – conclusion: Prevention is the best solution
In short, installing a quality alarm and security cameras, are the best guarantee against squatting. These can save the owners an expensive, lengthy legal dispute.
At Best Security Costa Blanca, we offer an exclusive anti-squatting alarm system with the latest technology.
This system has a battery that lasts for 4 years and does not need to be recharged. Furthermore, in the event of an alarm, our ARC specialists, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, will take the appropriate decision, such as sending our immediate intervention team and/or alerting the Security Forces.
Feel free to contact us if you have a query about our home alarm installation Costa Blanca services, or if you want a free no obligation survey of your home or business to see if you need extra home security installed. We will help you secure your home.