Pondgirl, a smart alarm does work, but only if you co-operate with neighbours who will respond when it goes off. I respond to several neighbours holiday homes. On my advice they have sensors outside the property to catch anyone sniffing about. I get a call about once a month but by the time I get there (2-5 mins) the siren, or me approaching has scared them off.

Gyronut, if you get to know your Spanish neighbours, even if they just come out to tend the land, and get to know the Policia Local then your treatment and opinion will change. The Spanish are certainly no worse than the English in the UK when a 'foreign' family moves into their street. If the newcomers try hard to integrate then they are accepted.