Crime in Barcelona drops 4.7% in 2024

Crime in Barcelona fell by 4.7% in 2024, with thefts, the most common offense, dropping by 6.3% to their lowest level in a decade, excluding the Covid-19 pandemic period. 

According to data presented by the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, and the Guàrdia Urbana, the local municipal police force, 94,517 thefts were recorded last year, down from 100,896 in 2023.  

In contrast, reports of sexual assault increased by 3.9%, while domestic violence cases rose by 17%. 

The figures were discussed during Barcelona’s Local Security Board meeting on Friday morning, attended by Mayor Jaume Collboni, Minister of Interior and Public Safety Núria Parlon, the Deputy Mayor for Security, Albert Batlle; as well as representatives from the police, the judiciary, and other officials. 

Authorities attribute the decline in overall crime to enhanced policing strategies and improved coordination between the Mossos d'Esquadra and the Guàrdia Urbana. 

"This confirms that the policies we are implementing in the city are moving in the right direction," Collboni said in a press conference, noting that crime levels are stabilizing through "determined and coordinated" efforts. 

Parlon highlighted the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and joint operations between law enforcement agencies, expressing confidence that this positive trend could extend across Catalonia. 

Pedro Velázquez, head of the Guàrdia Urbana, pointed to meetings between police forces held twice a month as a key factor in refining strategies in order to structure the best possible security preparations.  

Despite the decline in crime, public concern over safety remains high. In response, the Mossos d'Esquadra will launch an awareness campaign to provide a clearer picture of crime trends, while the Guàrdia Urbana will increase police visibility in the city. 

Drop in thefts and robberies 

Barcelona recorded 180,342 crimes in 2024, nearly half of which were thefts. The majority occurred in public spaces (41.7%), followed by commercial establishments (30.6%) and public transport (23.3%). 

Violent robberies also saw an 8.4% decline, with 1,158 fewer cases than in 2023. Most involved mobile phones, wallets, chains, and watches, and were typically committed in public spaces without weapons. 

Meanwhile, home burglaries decreased by 12.3%, shop break-ins by 11.8%, and vehicle break-ins by 20.6%. 

Increase in gender-based violence 

While overall crime decreased, violence against women and domestic abuse cases rose. Reports of sexual assault increased to 1,144 in 2024, up from 1,101 the previous year. Domestic abuse cases saw a sharp rise of 17.3%. 

Montserrat Estruch, the Chief Commissioner of the Mossos d'Esquadra in Barcelona, noted that a portion of these cases involved incidents from previous years, as victims sometimes take time to report assaults. Changes in legal classifications have also led to more cases being categorized as sexual assault rather than sexual abuse. 

The Mossos d'Esquadra assisted 7,463 victims of gender-based violence in 2024, a 5.9% increase from 2023, while the Guàrdia Urbana expanded support services and emergency housing placements for women at risk. 

Increased police activity and patrols 

Authorities reported a 4.5% rise in arrests, with 28,485 individuals detained in 2024. Police operations increased by 9%, with a focus on preventing burglaries, public transport thefts, and repeat offenses. 

Additionally, the Mossos seized 3,371 knives, up 29% from 2023, and intensified patrols to target repeat offenders. Drug-related operations dismantled 166 illegal distribution points, leading to 343 arrests. 

The city has also opened a new detention facility in Ciutat Vella to improve efficiency and ensure faster police response times. 

Authorities remain cautiously optimistic about maintaining the downward trend in crime while addressing rising concerns over gender-based violence. Increased patrols, intelligence-led operations, and public awareness campaigns are expected to play a key role in Barcelona’s security strategy moving forward.