POLICE in Spain have issued a fresh warning to homeowners about a simple but often overlooked way of protecting their properties from burglars.
The Policia Nacional are advising residents to regularly change the lock cylinder – or bombÃn – in their front door, particularly if it has been in place for several years.
An officer explained that as homeowners routinely replace things such as mattresses due to wear and tear, then they should consider doing the same with their door’s security components.
Police recommend installing a high-security, certified cylinder and a high-security protective shield, where the existing lock allows it.
The cylinder should carry recognised quality certification such as DIN EN 1303, SKG or VdS BZ+, according to the advice.
Police also recommend a double-clutch cylinder, which allows a key to be used from outside even when another key has been left in the lock on the inside.
This can be particularly useful for elderly people, as it allows relatives, carers or emergency service personnel to enter the property with a key if required.
The latest advice comes as thousands of homes continue to be targeted by burglars across Spain.
According to figures released by the interior ministry, there were 74,353 burglaries involving homes in 2025 – down 8.3 per cent from 81,094 the previous year.
In the first three months of 2026, burglaries in homes, businesses and other premises was down 4 per cent year-on-year.
Click here to read more Spain News from The Olive Press.
