We have just returned from two wonderful weeks in a lovely villa on Faro Park in Playa Blanca. The only problem was a break in at the villa occupied by some friends on a particularly quiet part of the complex on the 15th August, the day before we arrived. Most worrying was the fact that the burglar gained access with a key! The safe in the usual place in the bathroom was smashed open and passports, air tickets and some jewelry taken. Also stolen were the kid's computer consoles and games. Although the police were immediately informed they were "busy" and did not turn up until late the next day.

It transpired that there has been a plague of similar break ins recently with over 20 in the last few weeks. We were told, although this seems a little odd, that there are only 5 different locks used on the island. Again, rumour has it that there is a gang operating out of Arricefe and passports are being sold for 600 Euros each. Although there was a burglar alarm and it was set, the code is on a notice stuck next to the operating panel!!

So, as a result of this we left nothing of value in our villa and kept our passports and tickets with us when we went out. I think it is a sad reflection of the times as we have visited Lanzarote on many occasions in the last 15 years and always felt at ease. It most definitely has not put us off but I felt a bit miffed that it was not mentioned by the letting company when we arrived as everyone was aware of the issue "after the event".

So, please take this as a warning of what seems to be a growing problem. Keep valuables, especially passports safe and if you do have an alarm, take the damn notice down off the wall!