There were a rash of break-ins over the holidays.  There always are a lot of break-ins but it seems to be rampant among the Internationals.  It is probably because they tend to live in expensive areas, in single homes or remote places, and they travel a lot.  Thieves know when and where to hit.  Our German friends live in a duplex outside one of the villages over the hills toward the school.  It is a rather exclusive area and the house is surrounded by orchards and so very private.The family on the other side are also German.  In fact, it seems a stream of Germans have rented there over the years.  Italian's wouldn't rent there as they know the risks.  Our friends were on holiday in Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, when they received a call from their security system.  There wasn't much they could do but call the landlord and the police.  The alarm stopped the thieves from entering their home but the neighbors were robbed.  The police do nothing as it is so common and the criminals do this as a profession.  They will never be caught and the stolen items are gone for good.  Insurance and a safe are good things to have here.  xxoo me