Just because they are Polish, doesn't mean they are illegal.

I know for a fact that one of the big 4 supermarkets has quite a vigourous vetting procedure, particularly where migrants are concerned.

The thing is most brits wouldn't want to risk life and limb for £6.50 per hour. Me included!

Too right, although it is a bit easier here with a big stick and a gun. ;-))

You'll probably find that the tesco's security guards actually work for someone else, who pays them (if they're lucky) minimum wage

Maybe so at Tesco, but the Wal-Mart subsidiary I mentioned employ their own security staff.

It used to be that security work was reserved for ex-servicemen or ex-policemen. Now I think it's more about who'll do it for crap money.

I can't understand the person who said that he had just gone upstairs leaving his house unlocked, and seemed surprised he had been burgled. I would NEVER do that, Spain or the UK, and the only place I've been burgled (touch wood) is in the UK, 3 times within 9 months. House so isolated that the insurance firm said a burglular alarm was'nt needed because it would take the police too long to get there. I eventually got one purely for my own peace of mind, so that I would at least have some awareness before I walked into the house.

I know what the security staff are like at Wallmart/Asda

I had a drink with a Polish guy last night who worked for me last year, he is neither illegal nor claiming benefits (I know you never mentioned benefits but just in case any one did) and he is doing so well he asked me if I wanted to work for him up in Ascot!!


I have hired many eastern Europeans and I couldn't ask for better workers.

or cheaper

If they work hard why not pay them the going wage?

Anyway ....... back to discussing the issue at hand please

we went out one morning, drove out of the garage as usual - came back 8 hours later, a few neighbours gathered outside our garage as we pulled along the street we thought the worse.......BUT we had forgotten to press the remote buttone to clsoe it so it and access to the house had been open all day

it all depends on the area you live in, people I know leave their cars unlocked and their bags inside

question not to me I know but had dealings with Securitas who seem quote efficient

I suppose it's just a matter of choice really. I use ADT. The installation was free including three wireless PIRs; I just had to pay for the extra two that I wanted.

Monthly quota is about €30 which includes maintenance of the equipment. Unfortunately it does not cover the cost of maintenance of my two free roaming German shepherd dogs or the campo mongrel!

Yep for sure, but the main difference is that you dont pay €360 ish a year in call / maintenance charges. Also, Securitas around here refuse to fit exterior boxes / alarms. I wouldn't have an alarm without one as thats whats going to scare anyone off if you set it off if someone gets into your garden

I saw the ITV Program - It was a little scary even though they tried to offer a balanced view (crime down, more police, etc).

These programs do scare people off - the thing is the sensational stuff is always on Peak Time and these program makers would be better covering the 'no-go' areas of the UK where knife/gun/burglary crime is rife... they could make at least a hundred programs very cheaply.

Of course the nice fluffy progs about the sun, sea and sangria are always shown daytime/obscure free-view channels and not 'good-enough' for peak, probably don;t command the advertising revenue....

I hate UK TV/Media for this very reason... either reality TV (Dross) or doom and gloom reporting. When will we show the nice things in life?

Back on track, I echo the sentiment that Spain is not a heaven on earth but offers a lot of nice things - yep it's a country of have-nots (of many different nationalities) who want things even if they can't afford them !!! So crime is inevitable and all usual precautions are required.

I have been a victim of crime in the UK, Spain and whilst on holiday elsewhere - sh!t happens !!! But if you stay in the UK you're any safer anyway !!!