holiday dilemma

[dipitydoyou]

Hello all just in need of a bit of advice really. It's bit long sorry!
Have also posted in wwyd.

My lovely mum has surprised my husband daughter and I with a fully paid for holiday. We've had a really rough few weeks due to one thing and another. I wont bore you with the details and financially we realistically couldn't afford one ourselves this year so its a fantastic and generous offer. My Brother and his partner are coming too.

Its to the same villa in the same area of Spain which we have been going to for the past four years. And a villa various family members have also used for many years (its owned by a family member of a family member iyswim).

Now last year slap bang in the middle of the holiday our hire car got stolen. They 'jimmed' up the shutter, forced open the window and 'hooked' the keys off the breakfast bar. Well we assume thats how they did it: when we came downsatirs the next day this was how we found the window and we found a metal bar outside ( Spainsh police very helpful didn't even come round, and I was expecting a full blown CSI investigation)

Now after it happened we rang the owner who was mortified and said this had never happened before, even when he lived there.
Other members have said its surprised them also. Dear Uncle Roger helpfully pointed out maybe it was something we did. Maybe it was?
I must say, whenever we have visited in the past we have always felt very safe. After the theft last year we were on edge for a couple of days but we got the shutter fixed and the rest checked and then we tried our best to enjoy the rest of the holiday and you know what, we actually did.

Now after doing a bit of research (tripadvisor, holiday truth etc) I have been scared to death! ooooh it's rife, they smash into the back of your car on purpose to distract you, very common etc. Nothing much comes up about the actual 'town' we're staying however.

What would you do? Would you go back and not let this one off ruin what has been in the past a fantastic holiday, or would you not even contemplate going back? Thanks in advance!

Spain does have a reputation for thief especially around tourism. However there doesn't seem to be much in the way of attacks on people. To me this would the most important factor and I would count the country as "safe" for that reason.
Barcelona is rife with pickpockets but I have never had any experiences despite having been five times. So really it's a combo of luck and being careful.
It sounds like a fantastic chance for you all. I'd be there like a shot (with really good travel insurance!!)

I would go, just be as careful as you would be at home. These things can happen anywhere.

Go and have a great time!

And remember not to leave bags, keys, valuables etc within sight or easy reach of windows!

Thanks for the replies!
Your all right: ts something that could happen anywhere I guess , we'll have to keep our wits about us and hopefully all will be ok. Its a much needed break so will focus on that rather than worrying now I think!