lifestyle

Is the Costa Blanca safe for expats?

The Costa Blanca is generally very safe for expats, with crime rates comparable to or lower than most Western European countries.

Spain has a strong police presence: the Guardia Civil patrols rural areas and highways, the Policía Nacional handles urban crime, and the Policía Local manages municipal matters.

The main concerns for property owners are: petty theft (pickpocketing in tourist areas), burglary of unoccupied holiday homes (preventable with alarms and property management), and vehicle break-ins in tourist parking areas.

Tips for staying safe: install a quality alarm system, don't leave valuables visible in cars, use property management services if the home is unoccupied, register with your embassy, keep copies of important documents, and lock doors and windows.

For emergencies, dial 112 (multilingual service).

The expat community is well-organized with neighborhood watch groups in many areas.

Insurance against theft is affordable and recommended.

WOW-Estates advises all buyers on security measures appropriate for their property type.