Sorry to hear this Gyro! Crime is a real problem in the Campo and one of the reasons the locals mainly live in towns or villages. These are fairly well policed but the Campo much less so. This means it is a haven for criminals, either individuals or gangs who would not dare rob a village house but know that they are much less likely to get caught burgling houses in the Campo.

There seems to also be a mentality among some, including some Brits that it is somehow less serious to nick stuff from the Campo and that it is fair game. These unsavoury characters often know the comings and goings of their neighbours or their friends. They could be chatting to you in the bar one day and you mention that you are off somewhere for the weekend or maybe going back to the UK. tHEY MAY EVEN OFFER TO 'KEEP AND EYE ON THE PLACE' Beware because keeping an eye to a criminal translates as doing over your property. I'm not saying you can't trust anyone but you you must be very, very, careful who you give information to and who you invite out to your casa in the country.

I know this sounds awful but it is the reality for many in this area. Don't get to pally with people too soon, wait until you know them better before you invite them to your house.

If you have an empty property in the Campo then take great care. Generators, solar panels and batteries, tools, tractors, caravans , they are all worth money to these criminals you will take them and sell them on. Who to? Think about this next time you buy something second hand, make sure it is legitimate, after all they could be taking your stuff next week and handling stolen goods is considered as serious as theft!

If you live in the area you get to know who the dodgy characters are, unfortunately no one will pass the information on because they don't want to get on the wrong side of these characters!! Characters who are getting increasingly desperate as the work dries up and people get wise to what can and cannot be built in the CAMPO.

Sorry to sound so negative but my rose tinted glasses fell off after about 2 months of living in Catalunya!!!