Fears of burglary and squatting rise in Murcia as most homes still lack alarms
New report reveals growing concern over home security, with cost seen as a major barrier to better protection
Concerns about home security are on the rise in the Region of Murcia, even though relatively few households have installed alarm systems.A new report by Grupo Mutua Propietarios shows that only 29% of homes in the Region are equipped with a connected alarm system, despite widespread anxiety about break-ins and illegal occupation. In fact, 49% of residents say they fear being robbed, while 41% are worried about their property being occupied.
These concerns persist even as incidents have fallen. According to official figures, there were 3,338 recorded cases in 2025, a drop of 15.5%. Still, the perception of risk remains strong, particularly ahead of Easter, when many people travel. “With the arrival of Easter, one of the holiday periods most prone to burglaries due to prolonged absences from home, the report reveals that in the last five years, 7% of residents of Murcia have suffered a burglary or attempted burglary,” the study notes.
Security measures vary widely. While 72% of homes have reinforced doors, far fewer have more advanced systems such as alarms or smart locks. This reflects a pattern already seen in Spain, where basic protections like smoke alarms and more advanced safety systems are still not widely adopted in many households, despite the potential risks.
Where people live also makes a difference. Larger properties and single-family homes tend to have higher levels of protection, but also greater concern. Among those living in single-storey homes, fear of burglary rises to 55%. Meanwhile, 4% of residents say they have experienced illegal occupation in the past five years.
Despite this, many households feel caught between concern and cost. The report highlights that 71% of people believe improving home security is a difficult financial commitment, and only 51% are willing to invest more in it.
There is also a psychological aspect. Some residents are wary of going too far, with many conscious that excessive security measures, or even symbolic ones like alarm signage, can sometimes create a false sense of safety or even lead to legal issues if misused.
As Laura Mulà from Grupo Mutua Propietarios puts it, “Residential security is essential to guarantee people’s well-being,” but she adds that prevention, both in habits and practical measures, is key to striking the right balance between safety and peace of mind.
Image: digital representation
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