While thousands of residents enjoy their holidays, empty homes become targets for itinerant gangs, especially in coastal areas. This phenomenon has led Almería to be one of the provinces where these incidents have increased over the past year, despite the general trend being downwards in Andalusia and the rest of Spain.
Official data shows that between June and September 2025, 258 home burglaries were recorded in the province of Almería, fifteen more than in the same period of 2024. This increase coincides with months of high tourist activity and prolonged absences, particularly in coastal areas.
In contrast to the trend in Almería, Andalusia as a whole saw a decrease, with 2,914 home burglaries in the summer of 2025, down from 3,521 the previous year. Nationally, the figure dropped to 19,965 burglaries, nearly 2,000 fewer than the year before.
Experts from the sector, such as José Antonio Diéguez, national vice-president of the Union of Security Locksmiths (UCES), explain that the coast is an "authentic haven for this type of crime" due to the higher number of empty homes and second residences. He warns that the problem is not limited to summer but also affects festive periods like Easter.
The vulnerability of many homes is another key factor. Over 80% of locks installed in Spain do not meet current security standards, and the housing stock is old, with over 80% of homes built before 1990 and locks rarely updated.
Burglary techniques have evolved, becoming faster and quieter. Tactics like 'bumping', 'impressioning', and the use of tools such as the 'topolino' allow criminals to act within minutes, exploiting the age and vulnerability of many locks.
Despite the increase recorded in Almería, industry professionals observe greater public awareness regarding security. Inquiries about locks, protective escutcheons, and reinforcements for doors and windows are more common, especially before holidays.
UCES recommends simple measures such as checking the lock's condition, reinforcing door anchor points, keeping secondary access points closed, and securing accessible windows. They also stress the importance of always verifying the identity of professionals working in the home.
