Barcelona Sees Mixed Crime Trends in 2023: Overall Reduction from Pre-Pandemic Levels

Barcelona's crime figures for 2023 reveal a mixed trend with overall reductions from pre-pandemic levels but increases in specific areas. Police activity intensified, with a notable rise in detentions and investigations, alongside strategic operations to combat repeat offenders and violent crimes.

Barcelona's crime rates in 2023 have shown a diverse trend, with an overall decrease of 7.3% from 2019, the year before the pandemic struck, but an increase of 8.6% compared to 2022, according to the latest figures analyzed by the Local Security Board in its first session of the year. Notably, police activity has intensified, with detentions and investigations up by 23% and 11.4% respectively, contributing to a slight rise in the percentage of cases solved.

The police reported significant action against crime, detaining 27,252 individuals and investigating 57,169, marking substantial increases from the previous year. A notable aspect of their efforts was the identification of 526 repeat offenders responsible for a majority of pickpocketing and muggings, highlighting the Pla d’Acció Tremall's impact, a joint operation by the Mossos d’Esquadra and the City Police.

Pickpocketing remains the most common crime, comprising 48.1% of all incidents, though it has seen a 22% decrease from 2019. However, scams, particularly online, have surged by 35% from the previous year. Theft in commercial establishments has notably increased by 40.4%, while residential burglaries and vehicle thefts showed a decline.

Violent crimes and offences against individuals have risen by 11.1%, with sexual violence reports and cases of gender violence seeing significant increases of 24.5% and 21.2% respectively. The city's police have enhanced measures to combat these crimes, including the introduction of safe routes in nightlife areas to improve public safety and prevent sexual violence.