Tenerife is a dream destination – not only for holidaymakers but also for property owners. Thousands of international owners, including many Britons, Germans and Scandinavians, own holiday homes, apartments or fincas on the largest of the Canary Islands. But what many do not realise: crime rates on the Canary Islands have risen considerably in recent years – and holiday homes standing empty for months are among the preferred targets.
In this article we explain why the security situation on Tenerife must be taken seriously, what vulnerabilities holiday homes typically have, and how you can protect your property professionally – even from afar.
Crime situation in the Canary Islands – figures that should give pause
Crime statistics for the Canary Islands show a worrying trend: burglary figures have returned in recent years to the levels seen around 2011. The south of Tenerife is particularly affected – tourist hotspots such as Arona, Las Galletas and Los Cristianos are reporting a noticeable rise in break-ins to flats, holiday homes and shops.
Local media regularly report on burglary series in which professional gangs deliberately target empty holiday properties. The offenders know precisely when the owners are not on site – and consistently exploit the often inadequate security arrangements.
Why holiday homes are particularly at risk
Holiday homes combine several risk factors that make them especially attractive to burglars:
- Long absences: Most international owners use their property for only a few weeks or months per year. For the remainder of the time the property stands empty – a clear signal to offenders.
- Lack of social oversight: Unlike in a settled residential neighbourhood, holiday developments often lack attentive neighbours who would notice anything unusual.
- Outdated security technology: Many holiday homes have outdated or no security systems at all. Simple roller-shutter locks and a door lock are considered "sufficient".
- Valuables on site: Electronics, kitchen equipment, tools – even seemingly low-value items are of interest to offenders.
- Slow police response: In rural areas of Tenerife, the response time of the Guardia Civil can be significantly longer than in densely populated areas.
“A holiday home without an alarm system is like a car without a steering lock – an invitation to help oneself.”
Typical vulnerabilities of holiday homes on Tenerife
Our security consultants, who regularly assess properties on Tenerife, repeatedly encounter the same vulnerabilities:
Patio doors and sliding doors
The large glass doors that open onto views of the Atlantic are simultaneously the biggest security gap. Standard sliding doors can often be lifted out of their tracks with minimal tools.
Missing perimeter surveillance
Fincas and free-standing homes often have extensive grounds with no outdoor surveillance whatsoever. Offenders can approach the building unnoticed. How important the perimeter zone is, we explain in our article on the zone protection concept.
No remote access
Many owners have no way to check the condition of their property from abroad. Without video surveillance with remote access, they only learn of a break-in weeks later.
Unreliable property management
Property management companies and key services offer only limited protection. A fortnightly inspection is no substitute for a 24/7 monitoring system.
Protexium on Tenerife – security from a single source
As one of the few security companies, Protexium Security operates both in Germany and on Tenerife. That means for you:
- Consultation in English or German: No language barriers, no misunderstandings. Your security concept is prepared and explained in the language of your choice.
- German engineering quality: Technical planning is carried out in Germany by our engineers – with GIS data, aerial imagery and CAD drawings.
- On-site installation: Our technicians on Tenerife install your system professionally and to European standards (EN 50131).
- Remote access from abroad: Via the app you can keep an eye on your property at any time – live video, alarm status, sensor data.
- Monitoring centre connection: Your system is connected to a professional alarm receiving centre that also coordinates the intervention chain on Tenerife.
Protexium uses high-quality wireless alarm systems that continue to function via GSM backup even in the event of a power cut or internet outage – a decisive advantage in regions with occasionally unstable infrastructure.
Checklist: how to secure your holiday home
Whether you have just acquired a property on Tenerife or wish to upgrade an existing one – this checklist gives you an overview of the most important measures:
- Wireless alarm system with GSM backup – also functions during power and internet outages
- Outdoor cameras with night vision and remote access – live surveillance via app from abroad
- Magnetic contacts on all doors and windows – immediate alert on opening
- Motion detectors indoors and outdoors – detection before intrusion
- Photo verification – image analysis on alarm, minimises false alarms
- Monitoring centre connection with intervention chain – 24/7 response without requiring your presence
- Intelligent lighting control – simulates occupancy during absence
- Water sensors – detect leaks and burst pipes early
Insurance cover and obligations of proof
Many holiday home insurance policies require proof of technical security measures – especially during prolonged absences. Without an alarm system, cover may be significantly reduced or lapse entirely in the event of a claim.
A professionally planned security system to EN 50131 is the most reliable proof for your insurer. With Protexium you receive complete documentation that meets the requirements of both German and Spanish insurance companies.
Conclusion: enjoy rather than worry
A holiday home on Tenerife is an investment in quality of life. So that you can also enjoy this investment – without worrying about break-ins, water damage or unauthorised access – you need a security system that reliably operates in your absence. Security knows no borders – and neither does Protexium.
Start now with a free security analysis for your holiday home – whether on Tenerife or in Germany. Or contact us directly to discuss your situation in person, in English or German.
