Criminal offences down by 4.7% in Barcelona in 2024
The number of criminal offences has dropped, while the number of cases resolved, the number of arrests and investigations are all up. Thefts, which accounts for half the crimes committed in the city, were down 6.3% compared to 2023.
The figures for petty thefts, with no violence involved, were the best in recent years, except for the period when Covid-19 restrictions were in place. Four out of ten thieves operate in public spaces, three inside establishments and two on public transport.
Violent theft, which accounts for the fourth most commonly reported type of crime against personal property in Barcelona, after theft, scams and damage, was down 8.4% compared to 2023. In most cases, the delinquent operates alone, without a weapon and in public streets, taking people’s mobile phones, bags and wallets with a shove that does not harm the victim.
Increase in police activity
Detentions were up by 1,230 people in 2024 (84.5% more), while the number of people subject to criminal investigations rose by 3,630 (6.3% more). At the same time, nearly 30% more knives or similar weapons were confiscated, as well as 750 kg of drugs and 150 electric scooters used by frequent offenders as getaway vehicles.
For its part, the Visibility Plan by the City Police enabled the corps to put 3,400 plus officers on the streets in various areas of interest, following the instructions of the District Territorial Units.
Over 6,000 operations were planned during the year, linked to strategic plans that address the different types of criminal offences, such as the Tremall and Daga plans and gender violence. Under the Tremall Action Plan, the city’s 452 most active repeat offenders were detained nearly 3,600 times, with over 9,000 offences attributed to them.
During the course of year, 166 drug sales and consumption points were also dismantled and 47 homes returned to their owners in Barcelona. The number of people detained for drug trafficking was 200. In all, there were nearly 2,000 detentions for offences against public health, representing nearly 15% more than in 2023.
Gender violence
Investigations linked to gender violence, up by nearly 4%, resolve 4 out of 5 cases and meant a 10% increase in detentions. The ‘T’acompanyem’ support project by the City Police, to prevent, detect and act against gender violence, dealt with 676 cases last year, Social services were linked in for 73% of these cases. In 163 cases there was a suspicion of risk, and 21 cases ended up with criminal proceedings brought.
