[spamkillerf]

get good grilles fitted. Totally agree with Quaysider. Also window locks. Get all the door locks - and this includes door grills - changed to the high security type as soon as you can. Throw the old ones away. That way you hopefully won't run the risk of any unauthorised 'spare' keys floating around the area.

From the second you move in BE ON YOUR GUARD. Keep your doors and windows locked behind you at all times. Don't leave doors / windows open or property unguarded even for a second. Moving into a property seems to be - from posts on here over the last 2/3 years - the most vulnerable time when thieves strike. Later on - after everyone's moved in - it all seems to settle down - but we're always wary.

Buy a couple of bicycle locks and put them around your front gates so they can't get stolen. Sounds barmy - but it happened a lot on Monte y Mar and they're expensive to replace.

I would also advise that you get stairs handrails fitted (if required) and get the electricity supply upgraded by a certified electrician. Don and Pam Webster can do many jobs for you at great rates. Don did all our lights for us - 21 in total - around the whole house in 2 days.

Get double glazing installed - this can be very cheap at build time. Very often the builders can assist here.

Get yourself a cheap pay-as-you-go Spanish mobile phone - so if anyone from the UK calls you they'll pay for the call - and not you at exorbitant (75p/minute) rates. Moving in time is an expensive time.

Please don't get any negative vibes from this or earlier posts. GA is a fantastic - and safe - place to visit or live. Certainly better than the UK.

... and now the cliches :-

"Better safe than sorry" , "proactive rather than reactive".

Good luck and HAVE FUN !!!!!