Barcelona sees drop in thefts and violent robberies in first half of 2024

Barcelona recorded 5% fewer thefts and 8% fewer violent robberies in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period last year. 

The total number of crimes in the city decreased by 0.5%, reversing the 8.6% increase the city experienced last year. 

According to the Catalan interior ministry and city council, the decrease in crime is due to improved police intelligence and an increase in police operations. 

"Intensive work is bearing fruit," said Pere Ferrer, director general of the Catalan police Mossos d'Esquadra. 

Security councilor Albert Batlle said the figures allow for "optimism" and a horizon of "hope," although he admitted that "low-intensity" crimes are still "embedded."

Despite the decline, thefts still account for six out of ten crimes in Barcelona, with 40% occurring on the streets, 30% in commercial establishments and 24% on public transport. 

Violent street robberies, which have also decreased, are usually committed by one or two perpetrators, and 87% of these incidents do not involve weapons or objects.  

In 70% of cases, the victim is not injured. The most common items stolen are cell phones (50%), handbags (22%), and less commonly, jewelry (9%) and watches (8%). 

The security report also revealed that arrests have increased by 9%, reaching 14,000 in six months. 

Authorities have identified 265 repeat offenders responsible for a total of 4,676 incidents, mostly thefts and violent street robberies.  

The five most active criminals in the city have accumulated a total of 274 prior offenses. 

Public health crimes increased by 10% due to increased police activity against drug trafficking. 

The situation of "drug flats", which was very significant since 2017, is now "under control", with only eight active ones registered, all in the Ciutat Vella neighborhood.