One of the most curious aspects of security in Spain is the presence of the 'neighborhood alarm system.' Although cameras and electronic alarms are booming, the tradition of neighbors' 'natural surveillance' still exists. In many communities, neighbors know one another well enough to act as an informal safety net. If a stranger enters the neighborhood or there is suspicious activity, the neighbor on the fifth floor will very probably detect it before any security camera does.
This unofficial surveillance system, though often the subject of jokes and banter, plays an important role in perceptions of safety in residential areas. In many communities, closeness among neighbors creates a network of mutual protection that, although not comparable with advanced American security technologies, genuinely helps deter certain crimes.
The phenomenon of 'gossip' and close neighborhood relationships has operated as an unintended form of social control, where any unusual or suspicious activity quickly becomes a topic of conversation. Although it may be seen as an invasion of privacy, it reflects the community's crucial role in perceptions of security.