For some Brits the dream to relocate to the Costa del Sol and their own little dream home in Marbella's sunny climes can turn sour, when they are targeted by criminals. For this reason, the British Consulate in Malaga has formed a task force, aiming to work even closer with expats, local authorities and organisations to help prevent British citizens living in Spain encountering problems.
Stepping up their efforts, the consulate is recruiting a new consular officer in charge of prevention and outreach work, in addition to other duties such as awareness initiatives that inform British citizens living in Spain of potential risks, such as burglaries, car theft or scams.
Crime Prevention Measures
Various workshops and gatherings have already been organised with hospital social workers, Town Hall representatives and police officers to address topics that particularly affect British expats living in Andalucía. A recent campaign to prevent car-related crimes has already shown that improved co-operation between local organisations and Malaga Consulate can bear fruit.
The "Theft from Car Hire" project combined the efforts of the British Consulate in Malaga with those of Del Paso Car Hire and other local firms, warning customers visiting Andalucía that thieves were always on the look-out for breaking into rental cars. As a result of improved vigilance among car rental customers, Del Paso has seen a decline from 50 car break-ins to a mere 15 in the same period from 2014 to 2015, a consulate spokesperson explained.
Anyone interested in applying for the special officer's post should contact the consulate via their website at https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-madrid/about/recruitment, where those in need of advice and information can also find helpful tips that should make settling in their Marbella, Fuengirola or Torremolinos dream home easier.
Be prepared...and vigilant
The old Scouts' motto is good advice for anyone relocating to a new country. Holiday hot spots like the Costa del Sol are not just targeted by car thieves and those stealing luggage at airports. Unfortunately, despite many warnings and scandals reported in the Spanish and British press, there are still unscrupulous builders and "developers" out there who take down-payments on land and holiday homes still to be build without any intention of ever delivering the finished product.
The recent scam involving luxury holiday rentals in Marbella has shown that organised crime is targeting the wealthy and unwary foreigner. Information provided by consulates and embassies includes a whole range of measures new and established expat residents can take to protect their first and second homes at the Costa del Sol from trouble like burglary, illegal squatters or vandalism - but also from getting into trouble with local tax authorities over unpaid property tax.
The beautiful Costa del Sol resorts are deceptively idyllic, which is why so many expats fall victim to scams and other crimes. And while there is arguably far less crime than perhaps seen by Britain's police forces, foreigners in general are a target for criminals. Be prepared to secure your home against intruders: ask the local police station for advice on burglary and vandalism prevention measures, perhaps form a neighbourhood watch scheme with others, if you're not already living in a gated community with 24-hour security patrols.
When hiring workmen to carry out any kind of repairs or building works, be sure to take up at least 3 references - and check up on those who give references. Are they relatives or friends of the builders you are about to employ to create a gorgeous infinity pool in your back garden? In the UK you wouldn't dream of trusting a builder who needs his relatives to give him a reference. So why do it at the Costa del Sol? Sometimes this may involve knocking at doors in the builder's neighbourhood, but honest workmen with nothing to hide won't object to your research.
If you've used a relocation agent, they might also be able to give advice on trustworthy local firms. But most of all, if your dream of life in Marbella is turned upside-down by trouble of a criminal kind, be sure to contact your consulate for advice.