Age Concern Marbella & San Pedro have been in touch to disseminate tried and tested ways to protect your property from opportunistic thieves this summer season with simple steps recommended by local experts. Many expats will be planning to travel this summer season, and opportunists can take advantage of empty properties. Age Concern Marbella-San Pedro share their years of knowledge with practical advice to deter criminals and keep homes safe without high costs or hassle.

1. Create the illusion of occupancy at all times

Homeowners away for even brief periods must hide any indication of their absence. Burglars often pose as utility workers or delivery staff during daylight hours. Timer switches help lights activate at random intervals to suggest someone remains inside. Water plants thoroughly before departure or position delicate varieties in shaded water bowls. These measures reduce obvious vacancy signals that attract unwanted attention.

2. Strengthen entry points with basic upgrades

Proper locks on doors and windows form an essential first defence. Properties without security grilles benefit from quality fittings installed promptly. Solar-powered lights on exterior walls and stairwells activate automatically upon movement at night to discourage approaches. Windows stay closed even in warm conditions, particularly those hidden from street view. Curtains or lowered Persian blinds add a further layer of privacy and concealment.

3. Consider modern alarm options for added peace of mind

Alarm systems equipped with camera features can provide effective monitoring. Comparisons between several providers will reveal suitable packages and current promotions for new installations. Research makes sure choices match individual needs and budgets in the local area.

4. Exercise caution with social media updates

Posts about holidays or time away on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram reveal empty properties to potential intruders. Thieves monitor these channels to identify targets. Avoiding such public announcements prevents unnecessary invitations to crime.

5. Address additional fire and safety hazards

Clear dry vegetation and debris from gardens and terraces, especially in fire-risk zones common to the Costa del Sol. Unplug electrical items and switch off boilers when leaving the premises unoccupied. These actions minimise multiple dangers during extended absences.

Age Concern Marbella – San Pedro encourages community members to submit further suggestions via email to info@ageconcernmarbella.com. Volunteers will distribute useful ideas to support local safety efforts. Contact the helpline on +34 689 355 198 for advice tailored to the Marbella and San Pedro region.

Tucked away in La Cala de Mijas you can find Hansik. Opened only a few months in November they are bringing a few new dishes to the table with their Korean and Asian cuisine. 

First impressions count. The team are welcoming, attentive, cheerful and created a relaxed and comfortable feel from start to finish. The background music is set at just the right level, adding atmosphere without interrupting conversation and the children in the group are made to feel welcome also.  

Inside, the decor is stylish but not over the top. Gold cutlery and black napkins match the gold and black menus, complemented by green and gold chairs, gold frames with greenery and exposed modern lightbulbs giving the space a warm, inviting glow. There’s a full bar for anyone wanting to eat on the high stools, and a small outside seating area for those who prefer dining in the open air to nose at what’s happening in the street. 

Larger groups can order plenty of dishes to share around the table

We were a large group so ordered plenty to share. The food arrives hot straight from the kitchen which is directly behind our table. The Korean fried chicken is a clear favourite, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in their spicy Hansik sauce with Korean mayo giving it all a nice kick without being eye wateringly spicy. The cheese and hotdog corndogs are fun and satisfying, perfect for the kids.

Some interesting things to try, the tteokbokki are small sticks of chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce that are a strange but pleasant texture. 

We tried a few soups that were impressive. Mandu-guk has delicate dumplings filled with chicken and vegetables in a tasty broth with egg and seaweed. The kimchi jjigae has tofu and beef in a funky red soup. The dangmyeon, had interesting sweet potato glass noodles, beef, and vegetables and bags of flavour. 

Meat dishes were the stars. The unusual combination of Korean beef ribs covered in with melted mozzarella and sweet corn fell off the bone into a melted gooey sauce. The bulgogi sliced beef marinated in a soy glaze is served with fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping, these were fresh and delicious. Finally, the lamb galbi, grilled lamb chops, came with seaweed sesame rice balls, covered in spices and tender to eat. 

The drinks menu has a few different options to try something different

A mention must go to the matcha milkshakes, creamy, slightly earthy and covered in cream, and the sweet, refreshing honey iced tea. A couple of alternatives to a normal drinks menu for the younger ones that went down a storm. We didn’t opt for desserts as the drinks were enough to satisfy any sweet cravings. 

The pace of the meal was ideal, not rushed and not slow and the prices were average €5 to €10 for starter and small dishes, around €8 to €15 for soups and then meat dishes sat at around €20. 

Overall, Hansik was a really well-rounded dining experience with great food, comfortable surroundings, and genuinely really friendly warm service. A welcome addition to La Cala de Mijas and one to try. If you prefer to eat at home takeaway service is available.

You can find the restaurant at Blvd. de la Cala, 18 in La Cala. for more details visit their website.