I spent six good weeks in Zihuatanejo last winter and rented a condo in Residencial La Ceiba near the far end of Playa La Ropa. I plan on returning to Z this winter, and am considering renting a house near La Ropa.

I have been coming to Zihuatanejo for over 25 years, and the only theft I have encountered is being shortchanged by a few merchants. However, in the light of recent posts regarding break-ins, I am becoming more security conscious.

I would prefer the privacy that a house offers, but my gut feeling is that a house is probably not quite as secure as the gated condo complex I have stayed in the past couple of years. How significant is this issue?

In La Ropa I would not worry beyond taking the same security precautions you would anywhere. I cannot recall hearing of any problems with break-ins there for several years, and with the recently increased police presence and a few recent arrests I expect that any "crime wave" is over for the time being.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any La Ropa lodgings found in my directory to my own family and friends, including any private homes at La Ropa such as Casa los Pájaros, the only private residence right on the beach.

I have been coming to Zihuatanejo for over 25 years, and the only theft I have encountered is being shortchanged by a few merchants. However, in the light of recent posts regarding break-ins, I am becoming more security conscious.

I would prefer the privacy that a house offers, but my gut feeling is that a house is probably not quite as secure as the gated condo complex I have stayed in the past couple of years. How significant is this issue?