Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - By now, Puerto Vallarta's reputation as a safe destination is well-established, with visitors, local and foreign residents, tourism companies and the governments of Canada and the United States all recognizing Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit as secure places to visit or live.

But, like any city, Puerto Vallarta isn't immune to crime, and making sure your property is secure is important for any homeowner because some simple security measures are the best way to deter potential thieves, who look to target unprotected homes.

Tropicasa Realty offers a few home security tips:

• Many gated communities and condo buildings in the Banderas Bay area come with 24 hour patrolled security and cameras. If you are buying a condo in Puerto Vallarta, talk with your real estate agent about building security. If you own a condo, be actively involved with your Home Owners Association to ensure that security measures are being properly budgeted and maintained.

• Almost all homes in Vallarta-Nayarit have decorative bars on windows and front gates. If you are building a home or buying a home pre-construction, be sure to contract a metal worker to build bars for your property. Security bars can be very artfully done and are usually an attractive architectural addition to your home.

• Invest in high-quality locks for all entrances to your home and be sure that sliding glass doors aren't left open as an invitation to thieves. Even a second or third story open balcony door can be an access point for intruders.

• Consider adding a security system in your home. Companies like SEPEPSA offer a full range of home security systems including alarms, video surveillance, electric fences, automatic doors and home monitoring service.

Puerto Vallarta is a safe place to live, but it is important to remember that, like anywhere, crime can sometimes happen, especially if you have not taken some simple precautions. Just like insurance, home security is a good thing to have, even though you hope it will never be needed.

By using the same level of care and caution to protect your home in Mexico as you would your home in the U.S. or Canada, you can sleep easy, knowing that your family and your property are safe and secure.

Click HERE for more Puerto Vallarta real estate and lifestyle tips from Tropicasa Realty.

Since 1997, Wayne Franklin and his team at Tropicasa Realty have been a trusted name in Puerto Vallarta real estate. Tropicasa Realty is a regional representative of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate and, with over 100 years of combined experience in real estate, all agents of the company are affiliated with AMPI as well as being International members of the U.S. National Association of Realtors. Wayne Franklin or any member of his knowledgeable team can be contacted in-person at their Romantic Zone Office - Pulpito 145-A at Olas Altas. While in PV they can be reached at (322) 222-6505 or by calling 866-978-5539 (Toll-Free) from the U.S.

Click HERE to learn more about Tropicasa Realty, or visit tropicasa.com.