Honestly, some of u guys confuse me...
I am from Belgium, I lived in the second biggest town there, Antwerp. I had 3 attempted burglaries in my businesses there.
My parents, in their eighties, live in a very nice, and rich community around Antwerp. They need to have all kinds of high security alarm systems, neighborhoud watches, etc...
Belgium is a first world country, with a no corrupt police force...
So, what do u expect here?
I have traveled the world for my job, and, in the end, it is the same all over the world.
USE COMMON SENSE...
Choose a nice house, which you like, in a "safe" neighborhoud. Does not need to be in a gated community. Get yourself some devoted, but nasty security dogs (we can provide or train them... whoehaaa).
Do not get the Porsche Cayenne as a car, and do not buy ur luxury items (tv, fridge, whatever...) in the local shops. Spend a day looking for them in STI. U will get them cheaper, and u will not attract local ladrones.
Come over here, enjoy ur retirement, but use common sense
My 2 cents worth...
BelgianK