Sir, - As a result of a recent visit to the Costa Blanca in Spain, I feel that the real situation there should be brought to the notice of readers who may be considering buying holiday properties there.
Developers and estate agencies regularly hold exhibitions in hotels in Ireland where the obvious advantages of buying a holiday home in the Costa Blanca are highlighted - the low prices and cost of living, the lovely climate. All true. What is not mentioned is the appalling level of crime. Robberies, house-breaking and burglaries are a daily occurrence and normal precautions such as security locks and grids are largely ineffective. I had personal experience of this three times during my most recent holiday.
I met many people there, mostly Irish but also British and others. All were equally appalled. I would like to remind anybody contemplating a purchase on the Costa Blanca that if there ever was a case of "buyer beware", this is it. - Yours, etc.,
Frances Marren, Prospect Manor Grove, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.